Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

Welcome. Glad you could join me for the chat.

ray gordon reid miontgomery ala 36117

QUESTION TO MIKE SANDO AT 12,10 PM HI MIKE MINNESOTA AT TITANS

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

I really like the Titans now that they have a more predictable quarterback.

Chris Sierra Vista, AZ

What are the odds that either Engram or Branch will actually play against the Giants? I keep hearing hemming and hawing about the scheduled return date. For the love of God, we need the receiver help.

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

I would expect Engram back for sure. Branch was cleared in time for the opener. He has decided against playing so far because he hasn't felt quite right. That's a feel call by Branch and hard to predict.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Can the Niners steal a game against a banged up Saints team? What would they have to do to get the win?

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

Absolutely they can. The 49ers have gotten almost no breaks in recent seasons. That is changing. They played Seattle when the Seahawks had no receivers. They'll play the Saints when New Orleans is without Colston, Shockey and several others. The 49ers should be able to produce against that Saints defense. I'm still interested in seeing how the SF defense performs.

Brian (NC)

How much of an impact does Plaxico's suspension have on the Seahawks-Giants game next week? Any chance that Plax is successful in getting the suspension reduced?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

I still think the Giants should win that game, but Burress' absence might cost NY a touchdown. You had to figure the Giants would have gotten him matched up against Kelly Jennings, a competent but undersized corner with a rib injury. Advantage, Giants.

Matt (Farmington,CT)

49ers @ Saints, who ya got?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

I favor the desperate Saints only slightly. The 49ers have to like their matchups against the Saints' defense.

Ricky (Indianapolis, IN)

Have you seen enough from the 49ers defense to suggest they can limit the Saints explosive offense enough to win? And do the Saints D-line pose a huge problem for the still suspect 49ers O-line that has allowed 12 sacks already? Thanks for the great work, for such a displaced 49ers fan here in Indy!

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

No, I haven't seen enough from the 49ers' defense. Frankly, I thought it would be better to this point. I could see a high-scoring game.

Jon (Boston, MA)

Not an NFC West question but what are your thoughts about Troy Brown after he officially announced his retirement?

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

Those types of news conferences get to me a little bit. I just admire guys who play the game the right way, guys who love the game. It's hard for the players to walk away from the game sometimes. You sort of feel for them.

Broad Street Brian

Can I. Bruce still be a weekly threat?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

He is a weekly threat right now, and he should be against the Saints as well. The 49ers are playing teams with issues on defense -- Lions, Saints -- and Bruce can make plays against those teams. Longer term, it's wait-and-see.

andy (NY)

Kinda looking ahead but who doesnt look ahead of the rams? HAHA Chances bills beat the cards and start the season 5-0?

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

I'd be stunned if the Bills lost that game in St. Louis. It'll take a frenzied effort by the Rams to make that happen. I would give the Bills an OK shot at 5-0. You figure the Cardinals will be tough at home (strange as that sounds).

Branden, Scottsdale, AZ

Cardinals vs. Jets on Sunday. Can the Cardinals exploit this so-so Jets D, and at the same time, how do you see Favre's ankle injury impacting the outcome of the game?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I have liked the Cardinals' chances in this game for two weeks. My feeling was that the Cardinals would beat the Redskins and then upset the Jets. I'm still not 100 percent convinced that this is a mature Cardinals team capable of handling a two-week road trip before taking care of business in a hostile environment. I think we'll find out a lot about the Cardinals this week. A victory tells me this is a potential playoff team. Arizona's speed on defense could bother Favre in this game.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Hey Mike- Great coverage thus far! I gotta say that as an Arizona Cardinals fan in NY, it's usually rough to read on the team, so thanks for making it easier. This week looks like a critical game for the Cards in order to keep their momentum. How do you think they match up against Favre? Do you see them trying to replicate the Chargers success with the pass game and play a "shoot-out" style game? This seems like a D that Warner should take advantage of, but I'm really concerned that this is the week the Cards lose a game they should win and the "same old Cardinals" headlines start to flow. Thanks, -Chris

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

Hi Chris. Are you going to the game? I'll be there. I do think this is a huge prove-it game for the Cardinals. A defeat raises questions. On defense, Arizona has the potential to force Favre into mistakes. Some of it depends on how exotic Clancy Pendergast decides to get. He was able to force Matt Hasselbeck into mistakes before Seattle figured out how to play Arizona. Will Favre fall into that trap?

Travis, SLC

This might be crazy talk (talking about something 12 weeks away) but if you look at the Bills and Broncos schedules they are fairly easy. Could we see a battle for home field advantage of 14-0 teams in week 15?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

I love the thinking, but have to shoot down that one. Denver's defense will make it tough to be that good. You do have to love the Broncos' offense this season, though. Jay Cutler is the real deal.

brice (ny)

do you think the bills will win the afc east because they look really good?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

I am leaning toward the Bills in the AFC East.

Joe (Buffalo)

Mike, out of the NFC west I thought that the seahawks would have been the toughest game for the Bills. Do you think the Bills will sweep the NFC west?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

I think 3-1 is probably more likely. The game at Arizona is the one that stands out as most challenging. Getting Seattle at Buffalo set up nicely for the Bills. Playing in Arizona is tougher than it used to be.

Terrill Hall Mobile,Alabama

what do you think the Dolphin chances are against the Chargers and do you think they will be able to acquire Anquan Boldin from Cardinals?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

I like the Chargers big in that game. And I see the Cardinals keeping Boldin, who is one of the most complete players in the league.

Deric (Twin Falls, ID)

Mike, with changes in coaching staff coming in Seattle what type of offense do you expect Mora to install? What about defense? Do you think that the adjustments to such changes will set the Seahawks back a couple of years in the division?

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

The Raiders' Greg Knapp is reportedly a candidate for OC there. I would think the offensive concepts would remain in place. Nothing gained by making Hasselbeck learn a new system. On defense, I would expect the Seahawks to become much more aggressive with Mora as head coach.

Joe (Buffalo, NY)

How bad do you think the Bills will beat the Rams on Sunday?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

I think Marshawn Lynch has a shot at 150 or 200 yards. And I see the Bills winning by 10 points or more.

Taylor (Tempe, AZ)

Will the Cardinals finish 18-1 this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Which game do you have them losing?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Oh, Washington.

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

I figured you might be giving them a retroactive victory too. Might as well.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Can't make the game, sadly. But I'm pretty excited that I'll be able to watch from the comfort of my couch at home. I think the game is more than a "prove it" game--it's a "must win" game because a loss and the Cards could suddenly be 2-4 (their next two against the Bills and Cowboys). I'd like to see them play more of Hightower-- because I see him as the back that matches up better-- thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

I just put together a detailed look at Hightower on the NFC West blog. The Cardinals targeted him as a runner or receiver on 19.6 percent of plays. You are right about this being close to a must-win. I think Whisenhunt has bet big on this road trip thing.

J (Milwaukee)

Shouldn't the Rams look to move Bulger to the Vikings, Holt to the Titans, etc.. and really blow this thing up?

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

Things can't get much worse for the Rams, but getting rid of the most talented players might test that premise. Bulger's contract has $8 million in bonus money that hasn't been accounted for.

Sean (Philly)

Does DA make it through the whole game this week? Which Ohio team wins the contest?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

I was wrong on a couple teams this season -- the Rams were one -- but the situation in Cleveland was one I saw coming. I thought Derek Anderson's numbers suffered in a big way from dropped passes over the first two weeks. That is probably little consolation in Cleveland. I'm inclined to say Anderson makes it through this game and the Browns prevail.

Michael (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey Sando, How much of an effect do you think staying on the East Coast for the week will have on the Cards/Jets game? Do you expect if the Cards win, other WC teams will try this? And didn't the Seahawks try this years ago with little success?

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

I think it's a high-stakes gamble to relocate for two weeks. The Cardinals will have to show maturity in handling this as an extended business trip. New England is doing the same thing for its post-bye trip to the West Coast. I'm not sold on the idea for all situations, but I like Whisenhunt's boldness in breaking from the past.

MJ (Boston)

Who's better Nate Clements or Walt Harris, and are they top 10 corners?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

I would go with Clements. I do think Clements has top-10 potential but just about every corner needs a potent pass rush to dominate. Clements is coming off one of his finest games as a 49er. I've seen various metrics suggesting he's less than advertised, but give him a pass rush and he's better than that.

Bill (Bremerton, WA)

I'm not that ardent a Rams fan (who is, at this point?), and I haven't watched any of their games this season, but I had a thought earlier today. It's true that Bulger was benched, but the idea of Trent Green providing a spark to the offense doesn't make a ton of sense. Then I wondered...is the offensive line so bad in STL that they don't want to risk Bulger getting injured again? I realize that Trent Green has become synonymous with the word 'concussion', but is it possible that the Rams just don't want to see their newly signed Franchise QB having a serious injury?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

I've watched every snap of every Rams game this season (I know, I know). The line was better against Seattle. Bulger took one sack (allowed by the FB, Kreider). I think the move speaks to Al Saunders' preference for his own quarterback, in this case Green (Saunders and Green were together in Kansas City).

Steve Dallas, TX

Hey Sando! So do you thing the Seahawks should be in "Panic" mode like so many other people are thinking they should be??? I believe that any team with the amount of injuries Seattle had would not of played any better and now with the return of their WR's next week i believe that the Hawks will be fine. Your thoughts sir? thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

I wouldn't subscribe to the "panic" mentality but let's face it, this team has a tough road ahead. Losing to the Giants makes the record 1-3. That's why the home loss to SF was so costly. Yes, we can easily explain the SEahawks' struggles. But the defense hasn't been as good as expected and the schedule offers up some tough games.

joel san antonio tx

Sando, do you think the eagles are an elite team in the nfl

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Yes! I picked them for the Super Bowl in our season preview package.

Tyler (Mason, WV)

Many people look at the 49ers' WR position as a dull, patched group. Honestly, Johnson and Bruce are incredible recievers, Battle is a solid no.3, and VD is more than capable of busting out this year if he can get a few mental things nailed down. Am I mistaken or are people just underestimating the Niners' Pass attack?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

I underestimated them. That said, it's been three games. How will Bruce feel in Week 12? The 49ers are averaging better than 9 yards per attempt right now. That's a huge number. Brady averaged 8.3 last season, the best of his career. I think the passing game will "settle down" a little bit as the schedule toughens and defenses adjust.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

One last question Mike-- As an NFC West team fan, I have to say that this year, matching up against the NFC East is really hurting. There's pretty much no team an NFC West team wins a wild card, no?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

No NFC West team would finish in the top four upon joining the NFC East, in my view.

mike (az)

Mike, How do you think the loss of the B-train (bert berry) this week against the jets will play into the cards ability to get pressure on Favre? I have been happy with clarke haggens play this year but i have found Chicke to be a bit erratic with his play, esp after being expected for a big season in his new hybrid role. With Travis Laboy also being a bit gimpy it seems the cards are going to have to really throw a lot of blitz schemes and mix em up quite a bit to achieve the pressure necessary to get to at a gimpy favre.

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Your phrasing sounds a bit ominous, for good reason. Berry has had injury problems. He is older. LaBoy has had injury problems. That is why the Titans let him go. I do think the Cardinals need DC Clancy Pendergast to come up with something confusing.

chauncey (teaneck)

How will the Plaxico suspension affect the giants?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Not much. I still think the Giants can beat Seattle.

Steve Seattle, WA

With the Seahawks already 1-2 and with a tough part of the schedule coming up, do you believe that they can still win the west?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Sure. The Cardinals could be 2-3 in two weeks if they lose on the road to the Jets and at home to the Bills. Lots can change. I would expect the Seahawks to improve as their receivers get healthy. You're right about the schedule, though.

bad horse (evil league of evil)

so, who is coaching the rams on tuesday?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

If not Linehan, I would lean toward Al Saunders.

JDH(VA)

Could Levi Brown turn into the best OT taken in the 07 Draft? or will that title end up in the Bay area with Joe Staley? Or does the annointed Joe Thomas keep his crown?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

I haven't seen Joe Thomas this season, but based on what I saw last season, I would put Thomas ahead of those guys.

Mike (az)

Berry injury problems yes, with laboy i think your being a bit unfair, he has a sprained ankle, the titans let him go b/c of repeated concussions. No correlation between those...

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

That's true. Point taken. I was aware of that.

Eddie (Tucson)

Do you think the 49ers can contend, and win the NFC West or is it too soon to know?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Too early. I think the offense will return to earth at some point. But the 49ers have shown enough to make me think they'll be competitive.

Paul (Albany, OR)

I will admit to being a long time Rams fan and I appreciate your comment regarding Trent Green and Saunders. But in reality it makes me mad. We root for the teams and the players and I could give a rat's behind about the coaches so long as the players are performing. Mark Bulger is a solid NFL quarterback who does not deserve to be demoted because an offensive coordinator has a favorite player. What is this Boys and Girls club with a dad coaching? If you are right then wipe the slate clean, fire ALL of the coaches (defense is pretty awful too) and play the young kids to see what you have to prepare for free agency and the draft. Thoughts? Thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Jeremy Green said on his podcast today that Saunders doesn't like to develop quarterbacks. He said Saunders likes the veterans. That said, Bulger did look gunshy. I rewatched the Seattle game last night and noticed Bulger not stepping into throws. The announcers were on this as well. I just think it's a panic situation. There's no good reason to bench an established former Pro Bowl QB after three games in a new system. But with Linehan in desperation mode, the move was made.

Ryan (San Diego)

Haha I just read the chat transcript and would like to add a big YEA RIGHT, to the poster that asked about the broncos and bills being 14-0. They will both be lucky to be leading their respective divisions at that point

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Not that you have a rooting interest in the AFC West, right? Ha.

JDH(VA)

Will the Patriots have it all figured out by the time the Cardinals play them in the next to last week of the season (Potential must-win for Cardinals to grab playoff spot)???

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Doubt it. I think the QB situation could remain a struggle.

Bill (Bremerton, WA)

Couldn't resist, just one more thought. I watched a clip on NFL.com today that talked about the Chiefs pondering a trade of Tony Gonzalez to a playoff-caliber team, in his elusive pursuit of a Super Bowl ring. Crazy thought, but what about the Cardinals as a destination? I don't know how good Leonard Pope is, and I don't know if Arizona needs any more weapons down field...but I wonder if the Cardinals might not get serious about winning the west and add a locker room leader that is pretty good at getting open in the end zone? Chiefs really do love stockpiling their draft picks...

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

WOW. TG would make a huge, huge difference. Kurt Warner might not thrown an incomplete pass (except when the defensive linemen bat 'em down). Pope and Ben Patrick have been OK. Patrick nearly had a long TD against the REdskins, but a delay of game penalty wiped it out.

JDH(VA)

My boss(49er Fan) and my fellow manager(Bills fan) want to make a few bets with me(Cards Fan)regarding the games between the teams. Any creative suggestions??

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

This one is easy. The loser has to wear the winner's jersey of choice to a sports bar on game day. Come up with some vintage jerseys of all-time unpopular players.

Ron (FT Washington, MD)

Do you think that the switch at QB in STL is going to help the Rams?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Not long term. Maybe for a few games. Maybe.

Joe (Buffalo)

Mike, The Bills D hasn't allowed 100 yards on the ground yet. Do you think they will contain S. Jackson?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Absolutely. Jackson hasn't come close to 100 yards in a game this season.

Jason (baltimore)

Ravens...Contenders or no?

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Not sold.

Adam (Sacramento)

Sandman... how do you expect the Niners O-line to hold up against the Saints? The Saints D-line is not putting up any sack numbers so far this year, but they've given the 49ers problems before.

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

Good question. The 49ers did not handle the crowd noise well at Qwest Field. I think O'Sullivan probably takes some sacks in this game, but he'll make big plays too.

Chad(Wisconsin)

What happened to the former NFC West running back Shaun Alexander? Why hasn't anyone signed him? Did he retire?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

He did not retire. He had a tryout with the Lions. I see him as an emergency injury replacement at some point in the future. He has no value as a backup because he's not a third-down back, he's not a tough short-yardage runner and he's not a pass blocker.

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

And he does not play special teams.

Paul (Albany, OR)

Please tell me then if Saunders gets the interim HC job that the Rams will pursue someone else in the offseason? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

The Rams will pursue someone else in the offseason.

Kevin (Washington Township, NJ)

Mike, the Rams are clearly on pace to finsih last in the divison. As for the Seahwks, do you think that once they get healthy they'll be back on track? Also what do you think of the Cardinals? Were they just a two-week wonder or is their loss to the Redskins just a one week thing? I'd like to know what you think of the Seahwks and Cardinals as contenders in the NFC West because I'd like to know the chances the 49ers have of taking the division. I know it's wishful thinking but if the 49ers can pull out wins against the Saints and Patriots and then pull a season sweep of the Seahawks when they play later on, do you think they can take the division?

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

I have a hard time getting the 49ers past 7-9 based on what we know about the upcoming schedule. But I thought they would be 1-2 at this point, so things can change. We'll know much more about the Cardinals after this game against the Jets. A victory there tells me Arizona is a threat. Seattle's season could get worse before it gets better, record-wise, but I think the Seahawks will get a split with SF this season. I had previously predicted a 49ers victory over Seattle at Candlestick, but the venues might be switched this season.

Darren, North Bay

Can you blogger slow down? I can't get one question answered. Give somebody else a turn rather then talk about how great the 49ers are when they beat phony teams!

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

What is your question?

Greg (Indy)

Mike...what are your thoughts on the no pass interference call on Marvin vs. the jags. The interception was not the only no call. And the Keiaho call, it looked to be within 5 yards and the guy ran into him. I know that we gave up over 200 yards rushing and it is hard to win when you do that, but the officiating was horrible....Your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

BAD CALLS!

Ray Lewis (Baltimore)

Come over the middle and say that to my face punk

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

No way.

JB (missoula)

I noticed you ranked the 49ers in the middle of the pack on espn, what do they need to show you to rank a little higher? Are you just looking for consistancy or what do they need to do?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

I'd like to see more from the defense (against a good offense). Also, beating the Lions almost doesn't count. That's all. The 49ers can move up quite a bit with a victory over the Saints.

JDH(VA)

Thanks, that should work since I work at a bar famous for orange shorts, got one more question I have a bet with one of my cooks, Does Colt Brennan have a future in the NFL? I believe with a little luck(unlucky for Jason Campbell)and overall ineptitude of Collins, Brennan will start by week 12.

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

I love the fact that co-workers are arguing over Colt Brennan. I don't have a good answer on that one. But if you do the uniform thing to settle the bet, I'm thinking "Bidwill" might look good across the back of a Cardinals jersey.

Tyler (Mason, WV)

In kevin's reply, you said the venues might be switched from San Fran to Quest. How would that come about? I didn't know it was possible unless something like a natural disaster or something like that.

Mike Sando

  (1:01 PM)

Got me. What I meant was this: I had thought Seattle would lose to the 49ers at SF and beat the 49ers at Qwest. WE already saw the 49ers beat the Seahawks at Qwest. So now I think the Seahawks will win at SF. They'll split either way.

Carlos (La,CA)

Mike, What happen to the rush that M Lawson was going to bring for San Fran's D? Thank.

Mike Sando

  (1:01 PM)

GREAT QUESTION. It's not there. Lawson can't make plays from the sideline.

Mike Sando

  (1:02 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY TODAY. See you on the NFC West blog.