Chat with Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd
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Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices before joining Scouts Inc., including eight years with the Arizona Cardinals, three as the director of pro personnel for the Cleveland Browns and three as the assistant director of pro scouting for the New England Patriots, where he was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams (2003 and 2004).
Send your questions now and join Keith on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET for all the answers.
Keith Kidd (1:01 PM)
What's up Nation? How about those great NFL games last week that were simply amazing! Hopefully we can have a repeat this week. Check out ESPN.com for Scouts Inc.'s take on the young guns in the NFL. Let's get rolling with your questions.
Gerald (Chicago)
What do you think of the Bears after the loss last week? Do you think they can still surprise some teams?
Keith Kidd (1:02 PM)
I do. I think they have a chance. They are really good in two phases of the game right now - kicking game and defense. The loss of Hester this week will be a problem. Offensively, they're going to manage the game and get it into the fourth quarter with a chance to win. It's a two team race in that division right now, them and the Pack. Detroit's season is OVER and Minnesota is 0-2.
Adam (Philly)
How do you think the Eagles will do against the Steelers this weekend? They have a tough, physical game on Monday night. Are they due for a let down or can they rebound?
Keith Kidd (1:03 PM)
The Eagles have had a lot of success against the Steelers as of late. However that was a tough physical game they played Monday night against the Cowboys. And we know how physical Pittsburgh is. I expect the Eagles to come out and throw the ball all over the field to set up the run. But you have to give a slight edge to Pittsburgh because of the short week for the Eagles.
Mike(Utica,NY)
So far, is this one of the strongest rookie classes in years?
Keith Kidd (1:04 PM)
Yes. You have to look at the running back position and the success they've had early - Forte in Chicago, McFadden in Oakland, Johnson in Tennessee, and Stewart in Carolina. Jake Long is playing great in Miami. The one thing to look forward to in the KC-Atlanta game is two of the top five picks - Matt Ryan and Glenn Dorsey.
Ed (Saginaw, MI)
What? Detroit's season is OVER??? You mean we have NO hope at all?
Keith Kidd (1:06 PM)
Sorry, I got a little carried away. There is hope. But Detroit's got to rely more on the passing game than the run. They have to find a way defensively to stop somebody. This team has been very, very poor from a tackling aspect.
Jason (Indiana)
Is LT days on dominating the running game over? Is he just getting old now or is it his toe injury?
Keith Kidd (1:07 PM)
No, absolutely not. He's bothered with a toe injury, so San Diego's been one dimensional and Rivers has carried this offense. They've also played without Marcus McNeil and Nick Hartwick. They can't rest LT, because they can ill afford to be 0-3.
Joe (Eau Claire, WI)
Aaron Rodgers has been doing outstanding thus far in the season, do you think he can continue to his excellence and keep improving against the cowboys
Keith Kidd (1:08 PM)
Aaron Rodgers has had a chance to sit and learn the system behind Brett Favre and it's paid huge dividends. My concern hasn't been about his abilities or his smarts. It's been can he stay healthy a full 16 games. This is a great test for him against the Cowboys.
Keith Kidd (1:10 PM)
There's a lot of Tom Coughlin speaches going on this week in a lot of teams lockerrooms. If you remember, they started 0-2 last year. But if your team hits 0-3, your season is over.
Johnathan (Richmond, KY)
Who do you see having a better game in the Jaguars-Colts struggle this weekend: Joseph Addai or Maurice Jones Drew?
Keith Kidd (1:11 PM)
I'm going to go with Jones-Drew against that Colts defense. With or without Bob Sanders, they're getting gashed right now.
Luis (SB, CA)
Kidder, it seems like forever brother! Good to have you today. Maybe I'm the only who's noticed, but ESPN's top 5 in Power Rankings ALL play each other this year, in some cases play each other twice (NFC East). Wow, you talk about having a battle tested playoff teams, we're in for a treat.
Keith Kidd (1:12 PM)
I'm doing great. Thanks for your response. As for the power rankings, they don't mean anything until the end of the season. But they're awesome to read each week on ESPN.com.
Xander (Philly)
How do you feel in general about the Bills? Can they win the AFC East? PS: the Jets stiiiiiiink.
Keith Kidd (1:14 PM)
To me, they've positioned themselves a lot closer to the Patriots because of the loss of Brady. However, Trent Edwards has been very efficient as far as throwing the football. I'd like to see the running game going this week, along with attacking vertically down the field. Defensively, they're doing a great job. And they have the best special teams in the NFL.
Matt (Baltimore)
Were you impressed with the way Jason Campbell lead the 'Skins' offense last week?
Keith Kidd (1:15 PM)
Great weekend against a depleted Saints defense. But, he is a young developing player with a great upside. The key thing this Sunday will be his ability to get the Redskins out of a bad play into a good play against a bigtime pressure team in Arizona. Moss was amazing last week.
Ben (SF)
Aaron Rodgers gets drafted by the Niners and Alex Smith by the Packers. What happens to their careers?
Keith Kidd (1:17 PM)
If you remember, Mike McCartney was on the staff in SF when they selected Alex Smith. I'm not yet ready to throw Alex Smith under the bus. He's done in SF but he'll get another opportunity. It might be in San Diego with Norv Turner. Aaron Rodgers played behind a franchise QB. Alex Smith did not.
Keith Kidd (1:18 PM)
Remember Alex Smith has played for four different offensive coordinators. Injuries have been a huge factor too. And, not a real strong supporting cast. He's got to get in the right situation and somehow find a way to get his confidence back.
John, NY
Is the Giants secondary alot better then people think? Webster has seems to be really progressing and is doing a good job against the #1 recievers.
Keith Kidd (1:19 PM)
A great pass rush helps any secondary. We know that there have been changes on the DL in New York due to retirement and injury. However, Steve Spagnulo has a very aggressive scheme. But I love Aaron Ross as a player. I think Webster showed a lot of growth late last year. Michael Johnson was a great find in the 7th round and Kenny Phillips will be a good player.
Dan (Buffalo, NY)
Kidder, when (if) Stallworth comes back, will the Browns offense finally show some flashes from last year? Do they have enough to get back into the race?
Keith Kidd (1:20 PM)
They have to get Stallworth back. That's what this offense is lacking. There's a reason he's been with so many teams the last few years. It deals with injuries and his inability to get on the field. This is a huge game for the Browns on Sunday.
Matt (Baltimore)
What is wrong with the Bengals' offense? With all those weapons they have to get it together sooner or later, right?
Keith Kidd (1:21 PM)
Obviously Palmer and the receivers aren't in sync and the OL has not been real good. Along with the inability to run the football. Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh missed an extended time in the preseason and just got back to practicing. I expect them to be better this Sunday. But they're up against a big test in the New York Giants.
Scott (Lincoln, NE)
So how will "MATTY ICE" Ryan do against two rookie corners this week in KC with Surtain out? Is Roddy White going to benefit?
Keith Kidd (1:23 PM)
This may be one of the shortest games in the season. Both of these teams will hammer away in the running game, which will open up the back end. Both QBs will be well managed in the game as well, not too many checkoffs. Matt Ryan, along with the cast around him, will create some mismatches for the Chiefs secondary.
Gray (Chicago)
Keith, you make it seem as if Hester is out...every local beat reporter thinks he will play.
Keith Kidd (1:24 PM)
Hey Gary, I'm only going on the current information. We all know how teams play down the severity of injuries. With that said, I hope he does play on Sunday. I can assure you it will be a gametime decision.
Dan (Buffalo, NY)
Kidder, If the Browns go into the bye at 1-3 or 0-4 will Romeo make it to the end of the season, or even next season? I know fans are already talking about Cowher and Marty, but would Romeo be let go after signing an extension?
Keith Kidd (1:26 PM)
I don't see the Browns making the change with the head coach at any time this season. Romeo was extended for a reason in the offseason. I still think this team is a couple of years away. But there's no doubt, based on expectations that they've been extremely disappointed. Their schedule doesn't get any easier.
Dan (Mesa, AZ)
Hey Keith, Cards' D is looking pretty tough... are they going to drift back to the middle of the pack or do you think they're one of the league's best?
Keith Kidd (1:27 PM)
Great question. Let's face it they haven't played anyone yet. They'll get tested this week against Washington. But Claney Pendergast has a great scheme. The only drawback to this defense will be key injuries. It's a good football team.
Justin (Minneapolis)
Keith, I guess "In Gus We Trust" is the new motto in Minnesota. Are you surprised Childress pulled Jackson this early in the season, or is this more of a cover-my-back move to keep his job?
Keith Kidd (1:28 PM)
No. For the last few years, I thought the Vikings would address this position with a more experienced guy. The heat has fallen directly on Brad Childress' shoulders. He has to win this year, because the pieces are in place. I think Ferotte will give this offense a huge lift in the passing game. That's what they're missing.
Dallas (WV)
Do you think Joey Galloway will play this week? Thanks
Keith Kidd (1:29 PM)
Doubtful at best. I heard this morning, listening to Jeremy Green's podcast that he's not going to play, according to Pat Yasinskas. Check it out on the ESPN.com NFL page today.
Keith Kidd (1:56 PM)
Sorry about that. We had some technical difficulties.
Brian (CA)
What do you think of the 49ers new QB?
Keith Kidd (1:56 PM)
Great system fit for Mike Martz. Gives them the best chance to win right now.
Keith (Chicago)
I'm sorry, Kidder, but the Browns' schedule does get easier. They played the Cowboys and Steelers, probably the top two teams in all of football right now.
Mike (San Diego)
Kidder...I'm starting to worry now. What's happening with this chat? JG told me to give you some crap, "Step it Up" was his actual response.
Keith Kidd (1:57 PM)
I like it. Nothing like throwing shots back my way. The boys here in Bristol are being tough on me today.
Mike(Minnesota)
Any chance the Vikings trade for Jeff Garcia? He does know Brad Childress system from their days in Philly together?
Keith Kidd (1:57 PM)
That makes a lot of sense. They're committed to Gus Ferotte for the rest of the season right now.
Steve (Long Island, NY)
I love how it takes one week for everyone to bury the Jets. They're averaging over 4 YPC, Top 10 in total D and rushing yards allowed, 2nd in sacks. The O-line is only credited w/1.5 sacks given up. This team WILL win games.
Keith Kidd (1:58 PM)
No one in this show has buried the Jets. With that said, I think this team will get a lot better as the season goes along. They need to open up the playbook and let Brett Favre do his thing this week.
Gabriel (Florida)
Doo you think that earnest graham is underrated? Thank you
Keith Kidd (1:59 PM)
Yes. He's definitely a guy that needs to be more involved in the gameplan this week. For whatever reason, Gruden loves to throw the football. But his offense is built to run the ball.
Sean (Philly)
Tell Steve in Long Island that they have played the Jets, and the Brady-less Pats, not exactly teams on the rise.
Keith Kidd (2:01 PM)
I'm off to lunch. Sorry for the technical difficulties. Good luck this weekend to your favorite teams. Make sure you tune in and listen to the Monday Night preview hosting by the Kidder.
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