Buzzmaster

  (12:59 PM)

Keith Kidd should be here in a minute!

Keith Kidd

  (1:02 PM)

What's up SportsNation? It's been an interesting week to say the least as the first quarter of the season comes to an end. Let's get rolling!

Greg (Denver, CO)

Does Cable have a chance this year or will Oakland completely implode?

Keith Kidd

  (1:04 PM)

I think he does have a chance. I think he'll improve the team from a game management standpoint. I could never buy into Lane Kiffin's game management style - the 76-yard field goals. This offense has a lot of talent and needs to start attacking downfield. The open date will stabilize things. But the Raiders have had five straight seasons of 11 losses. I feel sorry for Raider nation. But I thought Rob Ryan would have been the better choice myself.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

I'm so excited for the show... Who will win this weeks Matt Millen Chatter Award!?!?

Keith Kidd

  (1:05 PM)

We'll announce it at the halfway point. If we announce it now, everyone will go home.

Cosmo (New York)

Keith can you talk about some of the bright spots for the Fins? Thanks

Keith Kidd

  (1:06 PM)

The win over the Patriots was a great starting point. I love the combination of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. I think Chad Pennington is an exellent QB from the standpoint of managing the game. Bell might be one of the best safeties in the league that no one knows about. You have to love the direction that Bill Parcells has this team going in.

Paul (knoxvill,Tn)

Keith...with the Saints playing MNF with Minn (btw who ya got??)....and Oak on a bye and time to prepare...are the Saints still the favorite in week 6..or Oakland???..thanks man!

Keith Kidd

  (1:07 PM)

Yeah, the Saints are the favorite the next two weeks. The scary thing about them is that they'll will start getting guys back on offense. Drew Brees is playing at an unbelieveable level right now.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

How long before we hear rumblings on the job security of Brad Childress? Whatever he is doing doesn't look like it's working in Minnesota.

Keith Kidd

  (1:08 PM)

I think the rumblings have begun. To me, this team has missed on Tavaris Jackson, which will ultimately cost Brad Childress his job. But there is a lot, lot of this season to go. This game against New Orleans is huge if you're a Vikings fan.

Larry (New York)

Kidder, Aaron Rodgers or Jason Campbell?..who ya got?..They were selected with back to back picks in 2005, in case you forgot

Keith Kidd

  (1:09 PM)

Jason Campbell. He's played more than Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers is a perfect fit for Green Bay. My only issue has been the durability.

Ed (Boston)

Are the Patriots finally going to be able to put some points on the board this weekend against the Niners?

Keith Kidd

  (1:10 PM)

The Patriots, they're not going to put the Brady-like points on the board. They'll put anywhere from 13, 17, 20 points per game. they're going to have to win with their defense and special teams - all three phases.

Keren (Maui)

Rob Ryan? Sorry KK my instinct says the reason the Raiders have given up 42 points in the 4th quarters of the last 2 games was to grease the skids on Kiffin's exit. Most likely on orders from the great Mr. Davis himself.

Keith Kidd

  (1:11 PM)

I totally disagree. My question is this -- IF the Raiders would have made a play in the fourth quarter, an extended drive, they would have won both of those games the last two weeks. Kiffin is a so-called offensive genius - where's the offense? How can you have a QB in JaMarcus Russell and just have him throw a bunch of short passes and not down the field? The unfortunate part of all this is that Lane Kiffin has made Rob Ryan out to be a bad coach. That's not true. Go back to college football where you belong.

Jon (Mad-town)

Devin Hester caught one TD tip-toeing the sideline, and dropped another one. Is his increased involvement on O a sign of things to come?

Keith Kidd

  (1:13 PM)

They have to get an identity in the passing game. So, I think he will get more involved. They made some plays against a very good Eagles defense.

Andrew (Atlanta, Georgia)

I have been a Raiders fan my whole life. I have seen them fall on hard times before but not this bad. Are they ever gonna be good again?

Keith Kidd

  (1:14 PM)

Andrew, I don't see many bright spots on the horizon. The only reason I say that is, since Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen left, this organization has been absolutely disfunctional. You can't keep changing coaches every year. It's nothing against Mr. Davis, I just feel sorry for of all Raider Nation.

Keren (Maui)

KK are you telling me to go back to college football where I belong? Or what are you saying with that comment?

Keith Kidd

  (1:16 PM)

I'm talking to your former head coach Lane Kiffin. It's difficult to coach in the NFL and he's more equipped to coach in the college game. He's 33, he'd be fantastic in a kid's house trying to talk him into coming to a school.

Mike (San Diego)

Kidder, who has called Kiffin and Offensive Genius? He wasn't even the OC at USC. He was just a cheap hire, by a really cheap organization.

Keith Kidd

  (1:17 PM)

Where have you been? That's been out there since he got the job in Oakland. It's been said because of his background in offense.

Samson (east LA)

Do you see the Steelers passing game coming around, or is it going to struggle all year?

Keith Kidd

  (1:18 PM)

It has the potential of coming around. However, this team has really struggled on the offensive line. I think they'll have to do some things, coaching wise, to halp the offensive line. But as long as you have Roethlisberger and can give him time, you're going to have success in the passing game.

Samson (east LA)

Why do we have to talk about the sorry Raiders so much in these chats. No one cares about Lane Kiffin, and the Raiders are still gonna stink without him. Moving on...

steve (St. Louis)

Who do you start? Deshaun Jackson or Bobby Engram?

Keith Kidd

  (1:18 PM)

I would start DeSean Jackson this week. Engram concerns me because he hasn't played up to this point.

M (McLean, VA)

How do you rank NFC East teams?

Keith Kidd

  (1:19 PM)

To me it's a three-way tie in this division with the Eagles right behind them. There is not a bad team in this division.

BC (Austin, TX)

I'm still convinced Al Davis thought he was hiring Monte Kiffin but age got the better of him.

Matt (Grand Rapids)

Who should the Lions hire as the next GM? Is it a job qualified GM candidates will want?

Keith Kidd

  (1:21 PM)

The best thing the Lions could have done and didn't is hire a consultant, like Ron Wolf. To come in and give them a thorough evaluation of their organization. I don't know if Mr. Ford will make many changes. But a guy to keep an eye on is Rich McKay in Atlanta.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

do you see a good game out of Turner going against a banged up Packer defense

Keith Kidd

  (1:22 PM)

Absolutely. In order for this offense to function very well, he's going to have to have a big game. What people don't realize is, he's a great running back. He has a lot of similarities in his strength in his legs that remind me of Adrian Peterson. The Packers have a little bit of concern with Aaron Rodgers.

Andrew(NY)

Do you think the Bills have a chance to make a nice playoff run this year?

Keith Kidd

  (1:23 PM)

I do. I think they've got a chance to win the AFC East. But I saw some things defensively that the Rams really hurt them on. but you have to lvoe the physical and mental toughness of your QB Trent Edwards.

Mad Mike (Houston)

Kidder: We all know that Linehan, Kiffin and Millen were all very suspect in their abilities to continue with their franchises during the offseason. So, why would you wait until during the season to make these moves. Very unsettling for a fan who may have upwards of 2k for season tickets. Basically, means they are already throwing in the towel for the season, no continuity. Your thoughts?..........MM

Keith Kidd

  (1:25 PM)

You make a great point, but as you can see, all of these decisions were made with an upcoming bye. The team had time to absorb the loss and move forward. Remember now, as teams continue to lose, stadiums have a tendency to get emptier as the season goes along. Owners don't like that. But I am shocked that a lot of this went down this early.

Adam (Jersey)

The Bucs have been dropping Gaines Adams back into coverage in their zone blitz with good results. I wonder, however, if the fact that he is dropping into coverage on obvious passing downs means that the Bucs are not happy with how he is progessing as a pass-rusher. Thoughts?

Keith Kidd

  (1:26 PM)

It's a design of their defense that implements a zone blitz concept that allows him to drop into an area in the hope that the QB hot reads and throws the ball to him. I like it.

Mike (San Diego)

Kidder...follow up. Do you consider Lane Kiffin an offensive genius? Just because that's his background, doesn't make it right to call him a genius...that's all I'm saying.

Keith Kidd

  (1:27 PM)

It's my last question I take on Lane Kiffin. No, I don't consider him an offensive genius. My point is that too much blame has been put on the defensive side when the offense has looked horrible since he's been there.

DollaBill (Jersey)

please stop posting Raiders questions, they stink end of story.

Nat Bussichio (California)

Is Braylon Edwards in the league in 2 years? Guy seems like he can't catch a cold.

Keith Kidd

  (1:28 PM)

Unlike other WRs that have faded off into the sunset, this guy can play. However, I would have him down at the Cleveland clinic right now to get his eyes checked. I've never seen a guy drop balls like this guy has been dropping.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

KK, how about finishing this sentence for us: The next NFL head coach to be fired will be___________?

Keith Kidd

  (1:29 PM)

Hey man, keep a close eye on Minnesota. If this team goes to 1-4, this team could self destruct. The funny thing is, if they do go 1-4, they could still win the division.

Paul (Denver)

What's the word on Chris Williams' recovery?

Keith Kidd

  (1:30 PM)

Great question. Backs are very difficult because of the position that he plays. It could be a few more weeks or it could be the rest of the season. Who knows.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Keith, it seem as though everyone says the QB play in the NFL is continually getting worse. With more college programs turning to the spread offense, since it's such a success at that level, will QB play in the NFL continue deteriorate?

Keith Kidd

  (1:31 PM)

Great call on this. I did a radio show the other day on this. The thing that is interesting, not only are the systems harder to project them to the next level, but it will take some time to develop. There's only so much time you can have per week with college players. You have to be a rare player to come in and play right away in the NFL, especially at that position.

Steve (San Diego)

Which defense will come out big Sunday, Titans or Ravens?

Keith Kidd

  (1:32 PM)

The Ravens.

Ben (Atlanta)

Kidder........your time in the Pats organization I'm sure gave you a pretty good idea as to what kind of talent evaluator Thomas Dimitroff is. Given that knowledge, along with his first offseason and draft, where will the Falcons organization be in 5 years? Kings of the NFC South? Superbowl Contender/Champion? or also ran?

Keith Kidd

  (1:34 PM)

Not just in New England, but in Cleveland too. I spent 7 years with Thomas. This organization is on the right track. They're going to win quicker than what people think. Thomas is a great evaluator and he knows how to unite people. He doesn't divide people. That will be the key to his success. One thing about Atlanta right now, there are some pieces in place, but they're missing some parts. But they're playing extremely hard for Mike Smith right now and that's a good sign.

Ed (Boston)

Not Marvin Lewis????

Keith Kidd

  (1:35 PM)

They're not going to fire a coach in Cincinnati and have to pay him the rest of the season. I guarantee you that.

Keith Kidd

  (1:36 PM)

Drum roll......Here's our first Matt Millen Award goes to Al Davis in Oakland, with a very close second to Lane Kiffin. I've never seen a coach try so hard to get fired.

JJ (NYC)

How do you see the Skins vs. Philly game turning out? Jason Taylor is out and Westbrook is very questionable.

Keith Kidd

  (1:37 PM)

Eagles 26, Skins 20.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Excellent choice for the Matt Millen Chatter Award... It's now my favorite part of the week.

Jon (Mad-town)

Is it me or will Vince Young playing backup do wonders for his career. He has yet to learn how to read NFL defenses, and hasn't ever watched the game from the sidelines. He has a chance to learn the game now and come back better than ever, agree?

Keith Kidd

  (1:38 PM)

I agree. Right now Vince Young needs to sit behind Kerry Collins and learn as much as he can and get his mind right. At some point he may be out on the field, but it may have to be an injury that gets him out there. Collins has done the one thing Young hasn't - evolve the passing game.

Majeed

Can my Fins pull off another huge upset this Sunday? Me thinks so!

Keith Kidd

  (1:39 PM)

I don't think so this week. The upset was last week with the Raiders and Chargers. The Chargers got a wakeup call. They survived. I don't see another upset this week in Miami.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Is VY's mom letting him go to the games yet?

Keith Kidd

  (1:40 PM)

That ain't right.

Keren (Maui)

Loved the two comments from you in a row about Cincinnati and the Matt Millen Award. "Spot on" as the Brits would say.

Don (NJ)

KK, I would debate that Wade Phillips has not lived up to his reputation in Dallas. As a longtime fan I expected him to bring more consistency to our defense. He has not pressured the QB with constant blitz' packages like I expected him to. Please I would like to here your thoughts????

Keith Kidd

  (1:41 PM)

The whole key to Wade Phillips tenure in Dallas is he's got to get deep in the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. The motto in Dallas is Super Bowl or bust.

Meredith (Nashville)

Why did you say the Ravens defense over the Titans? Tennessee leads the NFL in takeaways, with twice as many as Baltimore (12 to 6). And will the Ravens even get to Collins? He's been sacked ONCE this season. Flacco, meanwhile, was getting hit a lot in the 2nd half on Monday night. The Titans defense have 15 QB sacks (Ravens have 9). I expect a very physical, low scoring game, but I'd give a slight edge to the Titans.

Keith Kidd

  (1:42 PM)

The Ravens are playing at home. I like the things that Joe Flacco did last week. It will allow them to be a little more creative defensively. This is a great rivalry. I miss Brian Billick in this rivalry because he'd always say something to tick off the Titans.

Chris ( Revere Ma)

Do you think Andre Johnson is going to step it up this year or is his personal season a Waste already?

Keith Kidd

  (1:43 PM)

Andre Johnson last year was hindered because of injury issues. This offense is starting to have a running game identity. He better start stepping it up because he's on my fantasy team.

Jon (Mad-town)

Why Matt Flyn over Brain Brohm?

Keith Kidd

  (1:45 PM)

Simply put, Matt Flynn outperformed Brian Brohm in the preseason. The bigger issue to me is why didn't Green Bay go out and get a veteran QB. We knew Aaron Rodgers wasn't going to last the whole year, his history has taught us that.

Chris (Revere Ma)

So then I shouldn't trade him away for Driver and Welker. Shoot me a quick Answer Keith.

Keith Kidd

  (1:46 PM)

Do whatever's best for your team. I'm on a two-game losing streak right now.

Paul (Denver)

What do you think of Orton's progress this year?

Keith Kidd

  (1:47 PM)

I think it's been great so far. Matt Forte has been an excellent addition. Obviously this team is going to have to win with their defense and special teams. Orton's going to have to manage the game and he did a great job against the Eagles.

Xander (Philly)

Kidder, who ya got in the Bills/Cardinals game? With Boldin most likely out, I think the Bills D matches up pretty nicely.

Keith Kidd

  (1:47 PM)

I actually love the Cardinals in this game. They were embarrassed the last two weeks. Now they come home to Arizona, long trip. I kind of like the Cardinals in this one.

Al Davis

You have to pay coaches the rest of the year if you fire them?

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Two game losing streak? Maybe you'll be fired next!

Xander (Philly)

Is LJ back? I know he torched a bad run D in Denver, but 198 against them equals 100 against Carolina, no?

Keith Kidd

  (1:48 PM)

There's no doubt he's back. If you're a Denver fan, you better hope your offense scores 40 points every week. For LJ, this will be a very good test for him in a very physical front 7.

Sean (Philly)

...I love the Cardinals in this game...I kind of like the Cardinals in this game?

Dave (Denver)

I know it is a caliente question - Your thoughts on Terrel Owens recent actions? Is the fire behind that smoke or just a smoke screen?

Keith Kidd

  (1:50 PM)

It's just a smoke screen. I was surprised that he did what he did. In reality there were 17 balls thrown his way. This is the last thing that this team needs later in the season. They don't need this to be an ongoing deal.

Mike (San Diego)

Kidder, could you let Majeed know that my FF team, Fecal Matter, is going to destroy his team this week? We're both at 0-4, but I won't be for winless for very long!

Evan (NJ)

KK- does PGH have any chance to escape Jax w/ a win after those 2 brutal battles w/ Philly & Balt? this is a BAD match-up this week!!

Keith Kidd

  (1:51 PM)

To me, this is going to be another knock 'em out, drag 'em out bout. I don't know how Pittsburgh can survive another one. Jacksonville is another physical opponent. The Steelers have to find some offense and I don't know how they can do that with their running game.

Steven (Indianapolis, IN)

If Palmers is hurt for an extended amount of time, should I start planning for the 2nd overall pick in the draft this year?

Keith Kidd

  (1:52 PM)

I would think that would be true. I think you could start getting that in order right now. Their whole season was on the line last weekend. Coming back from 0-4...eh, their schedule is too tough. It's going to be one of those 2-14, 4-12 kind of years.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Maybe not appropriate for this chat but in your opinion, how many fantasy leagues are too many? I'm in three (all free on-line leagues).

Keith Kidd

  (1:53 PM)

I don't know. What does everyone else think?

Scott (Boston)

With the rightful suspension after the hit on Boldin last week, the NFL made it clear that as soon as defenders launch they are responsible for whatever happens. With the speed of the game today how do defenders compete?

Keith Kidd

  (1:54 PM)

The commissioner is really harping on this and players have got to take notice. Unfortunately things happen so fast and these kinds of collisions happen. The commissioner has taken notice and puts it on you if it happens.

Dave (Tampa)

Depends on if he's single or married.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

I once did 8 fantasy leagues... way too many... 3 is alright though

Ogre (Adams College)

Fantasy football? That's for NERDS!!!

Chris (Revere Ma)

3 is the Max in my mind over that and you don't have a life unless your life has a sports related job in it.

Chuck (NYC)

One more try...can speculate on the possibility of further disciplinary action from the league against plax?

Keith Kidd

  (1:55 PM)

All I know is that the league is looking into this right now. I'm sure we'll find out more as things start to unfold. As we all know Plaxico is suspended this week.

Jon (Mad-town)

Once you can't count fantasy leagues on 1 hand thats too many. Or if you can't remember who is on which team, that is also too many.

DollaBill (Jersey)

I don't care haow many leagues you are in J.B.; you should join another and ask again next year.

Jon (Mad-town)

The Bears seem to get burned in the seams every time they play Cover-2 and have moved towards a more Blitz-happy package. Is it time for them to make some personell changes?

Keith Kidd

  (1:57 PM)

I haven't seen a lot of the Tampa 2 system in Chicago this season. They've done a lot of single high safety and 8 man fronts. The question to me is in running this kind of defense can the corners hold up?

Kevin (West Winfield, NY)

2 or 3 leagues works for me.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Thanks a lot to all for your input on the FF thing. I may scale back to two leagues for next year.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Thanks for your time again KK! I look forward to the Matt Millen chatter award next week!

TSM (california)

One fantasy league is TOO MANY! Same with fantasy questions in a NON fantasy chat.

Kevin (West Winfield, NY)

Who do you see winning the NFC West? Is Seattle still the favorite, or do Arizona and San Francisco have a chance? Note that if you were to say St. Louis had a chance, I wouldn't trust any of your opinions.

Keith Kidd

  (1:57 PM)

Seattle now becomes the favorite in this division. Arizona is starting to break our hearts again. But it's still early.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

I'm married but don't spend a lot of time on this at home. I did just get an iPod Touch though so that might become an issue.

Keith Kidd

  (1:58 PM)

Make sure you download my Monday Night Football preview show on PodCenter.

Billy ((Columbus))

Do you think that CHris Henry and Cedric Benson, if they can stay out of trouble, can be stars in the making?

Keith Kidd

  (1:59 PM)

I'm so frustrated with the Bengals right now, I can't even talk about them.

Joe: Denver

karma has finally caught up w/Al Davis and his Choakland organization. Pretty Cool!

DollaBill (Jersey)

With Rodgers out/hurt, do you see any hope for Grant running the ball, won't teams just be stacking the box on them?

Keith Kidd

  (2:00 PM)

Regardless, I see Grant involved in this game. They need to find their identity running the ball. Atlanta is playing very hard right now. If the QB can limit his mistakes and finish drives, the Falcons can win this game.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

KK: Noted. Consider it downloaded.

Kevin (West Winfield, NY)

Why is nobody signing Shaun Alexander?

Keith Kidd

  (2:01 PM)

Great question. There's three issues: 1) does the player want to play, 2) what's he asking for for money?, 3) is he healthy?

Jon (Mad-town)

Cedric Benson is the worst #4 picked runningback in history. He runs 2 yards and falls at first sign of contact.

Jon (Mad-town)

Is LT at the point where we're about to see a sharp decline in his effectiveness like many RBs.

Keith Kidd

  (2:02 PM)

LT is at a point right now where he's starting to get fully healthy. That makes it scarry for the other teams in the league. He hasn't been healthy.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, with two weeks to prepare, getting Stallworth and Sean Jones back and at home, will the Browns be able to turn the season around with a statement win against the G-Men on the 13th?

Keith Kidd

  (2:04 PM)

This bye week was critical for the Browns. Obviously last week, Derek Anderson got some confidence back. This will be a test for them on a Monday Night against the Super Bowl champions who are better than they were last year.

Pete (Canada)

i think i figured out why LT is playing good....Its all that Campbells Soup

Tony (Brooklyn, NY)

Are Power Ratings supposed to represent the best team in the league? Or at they a mix of team quality, record and momentum? I'm a die-hard Giants fan but don't see how they're even the best team in the NFC East.

Keith Kidd

  (2:05 PM)

It's a snapshot of the league as of right now.

jonathan (miami)

is chad jhonson still an elite wr in cincy or would he better off traded?

Keith Kidd

  (2:06 PM)

Not right now he's not. At his stage in his career, he needed a full offseason and training camp to get to his level and he missed all that. Right now he's in catchup mode. Based on the way he's played, his value is diminishing.

Keith Kidd

  (2:07 PM)

It's been a great hour. Good luck this weekend with your teams. Check out the Monday Night preview on PodCenter.