Tim Graham

  (2:02 PM)

OK, everybody. I'm here and ready to go. Last time we went for more than 2 hours, but I can't do that this week. I have to be at a studio for an ESPNews deal, so we'll need to wrap it up around 3 p.m. Remember, preference to AFC East questions. And the queue fills up fast, so don't get upset if I don't see your question right away. Let's get started.

Ryan (Fairfax, VA)

Tim, how much blame should be put on Coach Mangini for the Jets start so far?

Tim Graham

  (2:02 PM)

This is Mangini's team. Many people are pointing to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for not opening up the offense for Brett Favre, but Mangini has executive authority when it comes to the game. His decision to onside kick in the second quarter was real demoralizer. Mangini needs to have a good game Sunday every bit as much as Favre does.

Joey Porter (Miami, FL)

How ya like me know?

Tim Graham

  (2:03 PM)

I liked you before. No, I loved you before. Any time a player wants to go off the script and call a situation the way he really sees it, I'm all for it. Why do you think everybody surrounds your locker each day? It's not to talk X's and O's.

Patrick (St. Petersburg, FL)

The pats victory aside, did anyone, *anyone*, think the Dolphins would have shown this much progress and this much player development this early in the season?

Tim Graham

  (2:03 PM)

I think a lot of folks out there, particularly in South Florida, were buying into the Bill Parcells mystique. But that's a product of fanaticism more than reality. I think most people thought the Dolphins would play like the team we saw in Week 2, not the one we saw in Week 3.

Zack: (Albion NY)

with the bills soft schedule what do you think their overall record will be when all is said and done?

Tim Graham

  (2:04 PM)

I hate going down a schedule and counting up wins and losses. So much changes from week to week. The Dolphins looked like two automatic Bills victories a few days ago. Now? Not so much. I give this prediction without going game for game, but 10-6 or 11-5 sounds right to me -- at this time.

Thomas (St. Louis,MO)

Over/Under for Bills Victories this year: 10.5. Watch ya got?

Tim Graham

  (2:04 PM)

I'm laughing, Thomas, because I saw Zack's question before I got to yours. I guess I wouldn't take that bet. If you forced me, I'd go with the over.

John, DC

Is Cassel's pocket awareness that much worse than Brady's, or has the Pats offensive line regressed that badly? Also, should the Bills hesitate to bring the heat at Trent Green this Sunday considering his history of concussions? The man's lifelong health really could be at stake but strategy seems to dictate pounding him into the turf is the best route to victory.

Tim Graham

  (2:05 PM)

I think it's a combination of things with Cassel. Brady's decision making was much crisper after so many years in the league. He got rid of the ball but also was willing to take a hit. I did a blog a couple weeks ago on Brady taking the highest number of hits of any QB in 2006 and 2007. Add a half-second of indecision into the equation, and Cassel is going to get roughed up.

Tim Graham

  (2:06 PM)

As for Green, I think the Bills need to test his psyche. Is he shell shocked? Will he panic? Will he throw the ball into traffic?

Dyllon (Lima, OH)

Tim, do you think the Bills are for real this year or do you think we just beat up on a hurt Seattle and Jacksonville team and beat a bad Oakland team?

Tim Graham

  (2:06 PM)

The Bills definitely have caught some breaks with opponent injuries and suspensions. It can be argued that was the difference in the fourth quarter against the Raiders, who had SS Gibril Wilson ejected and starting DEs Derrick Burgess and Gerard Warren hurt. But a win is a win is a win is a win ...

Kyle (Titletown (Boston), MA

Ok, I am a huge Patriots fan, was before the titles too. Big question for me is this: What is the larger of the Patriots problems, Cassel or their Defense? After that game in Miami, they looked extremely bad, as did Cassel, which was a fluke? And what is NE's future, they are getting old, and you can't predict whether Brady will ever be the same! Thanks!

Tim Graham

  (2:08 PM)

Boy, that's tough. Last week's game was thoroughly shocking, it raised a lot of questions. The Dolphins gutted the Patriots' strength: the front seven. Cassel didn't help much. I think during the bye week the Patriots need to second-guess everything they do.

Steiny (NYC)

Tim, is this a must win for the Jets on sunday vs Arizona

Tim Graham

  (2:10 PM)

No, I don't think so. Not quite yet. The reason I say that is the Jets emerge from their bye with games against Cincy, Oakland, KC, Buffalo and St. Louis. The Buffalo game is a speedbump, but that series of games could still have them at .500 heading into the homestretch. Emphasis on the word "could"

Tim, Raleigh

"who had SS Gibril Wilson ejected " This is getting old, he should be punching someone in the face. Thats a coaching error not a break for buffalo.

Tim Graham

  (2:10 PM)

Tell that to Trent Edwards. I'm sure he thought it was a nice break.

Al (Jupiter, FL)

Speaking of front sevens, am I dreaming, or does Miami have one of the better front sevens in the AFC?

Tim Graham

  (2:11 PM)

They're no joke. I like what I've seen. The youngsters look good already, and the vets are playing well. The rotation is keeping everybody fresh.

Joe(Canada)

Who is the best QB in the AFC East now that Tom Brady is hurt?

Tim Graham

  (2:12 PM)

Trent Edwards is playing the best right now.

Lawrence(Brockport,NY)

With the injury to Roscoe Parrish who takes over his #3 Wide Receiver role? But more importantly who returns punts?

Tim Graham

  (2:13 PM)

Leodis McKelvin should step into the punt returner role without much trouble. He can be dazzling. As good as he projected as a CB, a few scouts at the NFL combine told me he's an even better return man. As for the third receiver ... James Hardy, Justin Jenkins and Steve Johnson are going to get opportunities in practice and in games.

Mermel NYC

Tim, How do you think giants will do with the rest of their schedule? Will they go undefeated?

Tim Graham

  (2:13 PM)

No. And I'm highly confident in that.

Tim Raleigh

"Tell that to Trent Edwards" To group losing a player for punching a facemask with injured players isnt quite right either. Bills benefit from their opponants weakness, lack of discipline...thats part of the game.

Tim Graham

  (2:14 PM)

That's why I wrote "a win is a win is a win ..." Keep up.

scribo (Washington, DC)

Will the Jets eventually regret bringing in Favre?

Tim Graham

  (2:15 PM)

I don't think so. The alternative would have been staying with Pennington or Clemens, and became evident during camp neither of those guys were going to be taking them to the playoffs. Favre was a risk they had to take. And, worst-case scenario, he sells a lot of jerseys.

Ryan (Fairfax, VA)

Is Darelle Revis the best corner no one knows about?

Tim Graham

  (2:15 PM)

Yes.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Tim, Chris Mortenson responded to a question i asked on Marcus Stroud saying he hears from players that have faced Marcus that he is isn't playing that good? Thats confusing to me! What are your thoughts on Marcus Stroud this season? I think he is playing really well!

Tim Graham

  (2:17 PM)

That also goes against what I've heard, but I would never, ever doubt Mort's sources. He has a lot more than I do. If Mort and I were to debate, I would site a major financial crisis and pull out.

Bill (York, PA)

Tim, love the work you did with the Sabres for the News back then. The paper stil misses you. Anywho, the Bills' #5 WR this week is Steve JOHNSON. Stephen Jackson is the Rams' RB.

Tim Graham

  (2:17 PM)

Thanks, Bill. These chats make me type faster than my brain works. I'll fix it.

Tim Graham

  (2:18 PM)

There. Fixed.

Miroslav Satan (Pittsburgh, PA)

I heard that Marcus Stroud plans to eat Trent Green alive Sunday afternoon. Fact or fiction?

Tim Graham

  (2:19 PM)

Fiction. He's only going to gnaw on him a little. I think you're a great fantasy pick this year, Miro. I like your numbers on that team.

Chad Pennington (Miami)

Boy, I sure look efficient when used appropriately, don't I?

Tim Graham

  (2:19 PM)

Yeah, but you still need to do something about that haircut.

Johnny(Queens)

When do you think the BIlls and Lee Evans will reach an agreement on a new contract?

Tim Graham

  (2:20 PM)

I thought it would have happened by now. I'm surprised. But I don't think there's any need to worry.

Bryce (Buffalo, NY)

Do you think the Bills' early success this year has helped distract from the looming possibility of a shuffle to Toronto? Recent reports are indicating that Boston Bruins owner and Buffalo native Jeremy Jacobs is looking to sell the Bruins and eventually buy the Bills.

Tim Graham

  (2:22 PM)

I saw that report as well. But as a guy who covered a team that went bankrupt, was taken over by the league that handpicked an owner who backed out and then got sold (Sabres) and another team that recently was half-purchased (Dolphins), billionaires don't let things like this slip out. I'm skeptical there's nothing to this. But I could be wrong.

Joe (Crofton, MD)

Say what you must, but I think I speak for many when I say you kick Mort's butt all the time. He's a hack and we know we'll lose you to that level eventually. Just don't forget the AFC East when you go.

Tim Graham

  (2:23 PM)

Mom, please stop masquerading as Joe from Crofton.

Nick (Miami)

Is Bess going to push Ginn for playing time?

Tim Graham

  (2:24 PM)

It's possible. I still have no idea how Bess didn't get drafted. But all consideration will go to the guy who went No. 9 overall.

Chris, Atlanta

I was shocked when I saw the stat that Lindell has hit 42 straight FG inside of 40 yards. I was also shocked when he wasnt in the probowl last year?Considering Moorman, Lindell, Parish, McKelvin, is this the best speical teams unit in football without question?

Tim Graham

  (2:25 PM)

I don't think Lindell is a Pro Bowler, but I do agree with your main point. Buffalo's special teams are remarkable. Bobby April is a genius.

Bill Belichick (The Bunker)

Why do I always have to help Parcells win football games?

Tim Graham

  (2:26 PM)

It's your lot in life, Bill.

Donte Whitner: (Buffalo, NY)

Hey Tim, Donnie the rookie WR thinks hes gunna show us up sunday. Hes in for a suprise.

Tim Graham

  (2:26 PM)

Give him Johnnie Lee Higgins' cell number.

Steiny (NYC)

Who has a better shot at making the playoffs the Mets or Jets

Tim Graham

  (2:27 PM)

Can I pick the Liberty?

Joe (Crofton, MD)

When can Bills fans feel safe to get excited about this season? You know we've had our hopes built way up only to be quickly torn back down.

Tim Graham

  (2:28 PM)

Get to the bye week and then digest everything that has happened. The Bills should be 4-1 and maybe even 5-0. The competition will have been favorable, but we'll know a lot by then.

Bill (York, PA)

Tim, a follow-up on the Jacobs question if I may. He's been notorious for running the Bruins on the cheap, and Harry Sinden was the NHL's verison of Matt Millen for years. Do you think he would make a good NFL owner? Or would he just continue to be a bottom-line guy with winning seemingly secondary?

Tim Graham

  (2:30 PM)

The NFL and NHL are such different business. He ran the Bruins on the cheap for years when there was no salary cap. The NFL is a cash cow. He'll have the money to spend on players. And let's face it, Ralph Wilson is known for his frugality also. If Jacobs were to take over, we might not notice many changes.

Don Shula (Miami Lakes, FL)

Instant Karma is a brutal thing. I never ran up the score (not even against Ron Meyer). What do you think of my former protege', Dan Henning?

Tim Graham

  (2:31 PM)

Ron Meyer probably deserved it. I kid Ron Meyer. I dealt with him a lot when I worked in Las Vegas. ... Henning seems to be doing well, but with all of the credit being heaped on David Lee after the Patriots game, I'm starting to wonder who's doing what.

Bob(LOwell, Ma)

As a Boston ports fan I would love to see the Jacob's sell the Bruins but as someone with a conscience I wouldn't wish him buying Buffalo on the Bill's fans.

Tim Graham

  (2:32 PM)

Bob, you have to realize Jeremy Jacobs has been very good to Western New York over the years. His reputation in Boston isn't shared in his hometown.

larry (el paso,tx)

Do you see brett favre comming back as a jet, on another team, or retired next year?

Tim Graham

  (2:35 PM)

I haven't thought of this, to be honest. But it's an intriguing question ... I'll predict he'll come back for one more year because things won't work out. But remain a Jet? I can picture him in another uniform, trying to pick his spot.

Joey Porter

Who you gonna walk down a dark alley with, me or Matt Cassel? If you go with him, you'll both get mugged.

Tim Graham

  (2:35 PM)

If I go with you, you might mug me anyway.

Matt (Buffalo)

Jeremy Jacobs gave that house on Delaware & North (the name of the concessions company he owns) to UB and it is BEAUTIFUL. he's pretty generous in WNY

Tim Graham

  (2:36 PM)

See?

Tim Graham

  (2:38 PM)

Tons of Bills questions in here, most of which are duplicates of things already answered. Now would be a good time to ask something.

Bob(Lowell, Ma)

I think the Jets made a mistake in trading for Favre. He won't be back next year, won't get them to the playoffs this year, they will be short a draft pick next year and will have done nothing toward developing a qb for the future.

Tim Graham

  (2:39 PM)

Perhaps. But the Jets did have an affinity for Kellen Clemens heading into camp. Then Clemens failed to outperform Chad Pennington. But another year of development and exposure to a pro like Brett Favre might help Clemens for 2009.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (AK and FL)

There is no way that Brown kid and that hippie will get 1000 yards each, is there?

Tim Graham

  (2:40 PM)

I certainly don't see it. But what a great story it would be.

Ace Ventura

I'm looking for a former Dolphin kicker named Ray Finkle. You seen him?

Tim Graham

  (2:41 PM)

Laces out.

Todd, Ashville

What exactly has been keeping Hardy out of getting more time, from all ive seen een without perfect routes hes a tough cover.

Tim Graham

  (2:42 PM)

I can't say exactly, but he's a rookie and the hamstring injury he battled throughout camp limited his reps. The Bills felt more comfortable with Evans-Reed-Parrish.

nick (bills, ny):

tim... go bills your thoughts???...just kidding. so i read you made it down to tailgate with the bills fans....i was very upset when those rankings came out and asked you about it a few weeks back....im glad to see you agree finally

Tim Graham

  (2:43 PM)

I didn't disagree with you back then. But I didn't create the rankings, and I was only one of several people who voted.

Lori (Port Allegany, PA)

Tim, do the massive lineup changes in St. Louis make them a more dangerous team on Sunday, or are they merely swapping one mediocre group of players for a different set?

Tim Graham

  (2:44 PM)

These guys weren't good enough to start the first three weeks for the worst team in the NFC. A spark is the only hope they have.

Bryce (Buffalo, NY)

Is Dick Jauron the most underrated head coach in the NFL? And at this point in the year, would you have him as the favorite for Coach of the Year?

Tim Graham

  (2:46 PM)

He has won a Coach of the Year Award before, so by virtue of that I don't think he can underrated. But I do think her has a shot to win it again. Buffalo sports fans have been blessed with some good coaches in recent years.

Harvey, NYC

Did we get lucky against Miami catching them in the 1st game?

Tim Graham

  (2:46 PM)

No, you should have lost that game, too. You got lucky completing that fourth-down touchdown pass when you didn't have a kicker.

Scott Linehan (Undisclosed Location)

Has there ever been a head coach fired before or at half time? And do you know anything about the witness protection program?

Tim Graham

  (2:47 PM)

Get in touch with Lane Kiffin. Maybe you can start a support group.

Joe (Crofton,, MD)

Being just three weeks in, if the season were to end today, would Trent Edwards be a legit candidate for NFL MVP?

Tim Graham

  (2:48 PM)

Not with the starts guys like Jay Cutler and Tony Romo have gotten off to.

Tim, Ashville

Is paul pozsluskninys the hardest name to spell in the NFL? Or is kiwiaksii The hardest first name? Our LB core is a Wheel of fortune nightmare.

Tim Graham

  (2:48 PM)

Dolphins guard ... and I'm looking this up ...

Tim Graham

  (2:49 PM)

Ikechuku Ndukwe

Wildcat Offense (Miami)

Sure, everyone will be ready for me now that the "Cat" is out of the bag. But can still cause a lot of problems in goal line situations all year, can't I?

Tim Graham

  (2:50 PM)

Absolutely. You can't be used more than a handful of times, but you're worthwhile to keep in the playbook. And thanks for writing in, Cat. You didn't return my calls this week ...

Todd, Charlotte

"would Trent Edwards be a legit candidate for NFL MVP?" Joe im a total homer, and even I wouldnt go that far.

Tom (NY)

Would you say 2007 draft was among one of the bills best drafts? (Edwards, Lynch, Posluszny all look like season vets!!

Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

It could go down as their best ever.

Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

I said "could"

nick (bills, ny):

BILLS or JETS?

Tim Graham

  (2:53 PM)

For what, scrabble? Jets are worth more, I think, because of the J. I think that's 8 points.

Tim Graham

  (2:53 PM)

Can somebody look that up for the class?

Paranoid Bills Fan (Attica, NY)

Am I the only person who think this "Dick Jauron for Coach of Year" talk is code for "I've never heard of any of the Bills players so they must be getting lucky"?

Tim Graham

  (2:54 PM)

Close. It's "I've never heard of any of the Bills players so coaching must be working wonders there." But it also has to do with exceeding preseason expectations, and the Bills were largely overlooked.

Joe (Crofton, MD)

I'm a homer, but a couple ESPN columnists put Trent Edwards on their MVP candidate lists this week of "if the season ended today."

Tim Graham

  (2:55 PM)

That's too heavy for me. He has been tremendous, but so many other guys have been prolific.

Todd (Superfans)

Ditka or a hurricane? But wait, the name of the hurricane is "Hurricane Ditka".

Tim Graham

  (2:55 PM)

Mike Ditka or Bill Brasky?

scribo

Jets = 11 Scrabble points. Bills = 7 Link: http://www.solfire.com/scrabble/index.php?strWord=jets&Funct=Score+Me

Tim Graham

  (2:56 PM)

And there you have it. Thanks, scribo.

Jim (Detroit, MI)

How long before Henne gets a shot in Miami?

Tim Graham

  (2:57 PM)

I think the Dolphins would rather he not play much aside from mop-up duty. But if things get out of hand, he could get a shot late in the season. Of course, there's always the possibility of injury with Pennington.

Ready for the Pats* (WNY)

Chowder or Wings?

Tim Graham

  (2:58 PM)

Wings. Chowder makes me gag. I was in heaven last week when I picked up my 20 hot from Duff's in Amherst last Saturday.

Cam Cameron (Baltomore)

8 Points, correct. What does Tony Sporano hvethat I don't? And don't say Trent Green.....

Tim Graham

  (2:58 PM)

He knows how to spell Baltimore.

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

Sorry to leave a few questions in the queue but I have to run to the studio. Drop me a line in my AFC East mailbag and I'll get back to you either personally or when I post my mailbag responses Saturday.

Bryce (Buffalo, NY)

True or False - this has been the greatest and funniest chat in ESPN chatting history?

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

Totally false.

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

Thanks, everybody!