Almar (Santa Clara,CA)

Hey Bill, great job this season so far!!!...So, straight to the point, after the circus ended with Kiffin and Big Al, is this season a lost cause for the Oakland Raiders??

Bill Williamson

  (2:04 PM)

Thank you, but no on the quesiton. The key or Cable is to make sure he gets his team to play as ahd as Kiffin had them playing in the past three weeks. There is talent on this team.

Jeff (Omaha, NE)

Can the Chiefs go 8-8 this season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:04 PM)

Don't count on it. 6-10 would be a good season.

Jonathan, Aurora, CO

Are the Broncos defensive struggles more a result of the system or pure talent? I mean we do have Bailey and Williams.

Bill Williamson

  (2:05 PM)

More talent. The defensive line is young and the safeties have struggled. They need mroe players.

Jonathan, Aurora, CO

For as bad everyone thought the AFC West would be this year, two AFC players of the month is kind of impressive huh?

Bill Williamson

  (2:07 PM)

Yes, it's a nice start for the division with Jay Cutler and Darren Sproles being honored.

Keith (Springfield, MO)

Why are the Broncos trying to run two different defensive schmes (4-3 and the 3-4)? Doesn't it make sense to master one and stick to it? Aren't the players better suited for the base 4-3?

Bill Williamson

  (2:07 PM)

They are trying to find soemthign that works. I think the players are pretty suited for the 4-3 n the long run and that's what they will likely use the most.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

Any word on if big D Robertson will be back for Denver this week or is E. Graham in for a field day a la LJ?

Bill Williamson

  (2:08 PM)

I think Robertson will be back.

Xander (Philly)

Im confused as to why most espn analysts are picking the Cardinals over the Bills. Care to shed some light?

Bill Williamson

  (2:09 PM)

Not sue. I'm going with the Bills

Bob (Colorado Springs)

Is it possible that the Broncos might consider hiring Lane Kiffin for the rest of the season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

I wonder too. It would be perfct revenge for Shanahan.

Jonathan (Aurora, CO)

K so if are safeties are one of the issues, what are the chances John Lynch may come back to the Broncos?

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

I think that ship has sailed.

Almar (Santa Clara, CA)

Do you or any of the media have any idea who Al Davis' is looking into to become his first assistant/general manager since Bruce Allen?

Bill Williamson

  (2:11 PM)

It's very early in the process. Names will pop up in December or so.

Travis, SLC

Will Ryan Torain have a big impact on the Denver offense in week 9 and later on in the year? They have moved away from the run and that scares me. I have heard rumors that Mike isn't a big fan of Young or Hall.

Bill Williamson

  (2:12 PM)

Torain is expected back Oct. 20 at New England. The team is very excited about him.

Kyle, (Fort Collins, CO)

Seeing that Cutler had such a tough day turnover wise against Kansas City's Tampa 2, what do you see in store for him against the creator of the system?

Bill Williamson

  (2:13 PM)

He threw for 361 yards. He just made a couple of mistakes. That's what film study is for. He will be fine.

Brian (San Diego)

What do you feel needs to be corrected for the Chargers to make the Super Bowl this year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:14 PM)

They need to tighten the pass defense and stay healthy.

Will J (Portland, OR)

I know the Raiders don't have a very good receiving corp, but don't you think they should open up the offense a little more with more long balls?

Eddie (Los Angeles, CA)

How long until the Chargers O-Line is 100% and playing with the same chemistry they've had in the past. Basically, how far along are McNeill and Hardwick to getting back to game shape?

Bill Williamson

  (2:16 PM)

They are all back. Each week, this unit should get better.

Bob (Colorado Springs)

If the Broncos had a decent defense, would they be your Super Bowl Favorites this year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:17 PM)

Not a favorite but a contender, sure.

Kenny (Laramie)

How do you think the Denver faithful will react to Brian Greise returning to Invesco?

Bill Williamson

  (2:18 PM)

Expect boos. Plenty of the, It is deserved? No, Griese is a good man. But you sports are sports.

pete, orlando fl.

Can the Dolphins beat San Diego this week?

Bill Williamson

  (2:18 PM)

Could the Dolphins beat New England a couple of weeks ago? Could Kansas City beat Denver last week? Yes, yes and yes.

Chris (San Diego CA)

Chiefs fan here, How would you rate the Chiefs rookies thus far?

Bill Williamson

  (2:20 PM)

It's early but they ahev done pretty well. They need to keep Albert healthy, though.

Bob

Let me take this one Bill. Kenny, the Bronco fans could care less about Brian Griese

Bill Williamson

  (2:20 PM)

Thanks, Bob. It wll be interesting to see what happens.

Sean (Oakland CA)

how man games can the raiders win this season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:21 PM)

The thought was they could win 6 or 7 before a tough December. So they better get to work.

PT (Franklin, NC)

If Tom Cable is gone after this year is James Lofton his logical replacement?

Bill Williamson

  (2:21 PM)

If that was the case, why not just make Lofton the coach now. I was surprised Lofton didn't get the job this week.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Do you think Tom Cable has any chance of being the head man, well behind Al Davis, next year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:22 PM)

If the Raiders have a winning record in the final 12 games, yes.

Brian(San Diego)

I think the next four games (at Miami, vs. NE, at. Buf and vs. Saints in London) is crucial to the success or failure of the Chargers season. How many games do you think they will win in this strech?

Bill Williamson

  (2:23 PM)

Very good question. This isa tough month for the Chargers. With three long road trips,. If they win three they should be in great shape.

Al (Oakland, CA)

I think Shannahan would be a good fit for my Raiders

Bill Williamson

  (2:24 PM)

Is this a 20-year old post, Al?

Gregg, Denver

This might be a little wishful thinking given the current state of the Broncos defense but what are the chances the division crown will be decided the last game of the season in San Diego?

Bill Williamson

  (2:25 PM)

I think there a good shot it happens.

Alan (Castle Rock, CO)

Ashley Lelie wanted out of Denver because they signed Jevon Walker. Now both on the Raiders Roster. Ironic, but has that cause d any riffs in the locker room?

Bill Williamson

  (2:26 PM)

No, they are friends. Actually, the two worked out together in Arizona in the offseason in which Walker was traded to Denver. Lelie's beef was with Denver not Walker.

Matt

Hey Bill, non-AFC West question here if you don't mind. Do you think the hit on Boldin by Eric Smith really warranted a suspension? Thanks

Bill Williamson

  (2:27 PM)

You know, I really didn't study it much and only saw it a couple of times. First, it was a nasty hit. Just brutal. But these DBs are flying around trying to make plays. I don't think Smith had bad intentions.

Jonathan (Aurora,CO)

Two playoff teams coming out the AFC West?

Bill Williamson

  (2:28 PM)

Real good chance.

Jon (Olathe, KS)

While Carl Peterson's departure after this season is a foregone conclusion, what do you think will happen with Herm? John Clayton listed him as a coach who could be gone after this season.

Dan (San Jose)

Does Torain start for the Broncos Oct 20th? I have never even heard of this guy!

Bill Williamson

  (2:30 PM)

Fifth round pick from Arizona State. Big, strong tailback who fits Denver's style.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

I dont understand why Davis didnt make the D-Coordinator head coach...he was the reason Kiffin was out...wasnt it?

Bill Williamson

  (2:31 PM)

Could those 42 points allowed in the past two fourth quarters be sold to the fan base?

Almar (Santa Clara,CA)

Hey Bill, the Raiders are 0-2 when you go to the games in Oakland, will you be in town again when Brett Favre and the Jets come to Oakland on the 19th?

Bill Williamson

  (2:33 PM)

Sorry, but that's the plan.

Steven (Hampton, VA)

Mr. Bill, Do you see the Titans winning the AFC South, or will Indy or Jax come along later and pass them for the division lead?

Bill Williamson

  (2:33 PM)

I like those Titans right now.

Kyle (KC)

Can Croyle be a solid NFL quarterback? If health wasn't an issue would that change your opinion?

Michael (Los Angeles)

How long before Tomlinson is 100% (or at least close to it)?

Bill Williamson

  (2:35 PM)

He's real close. He practiced yesterday which was his first Wednesday practice since before the injury. He is close.

Kyle (KC)

Do you agree with Herm's rebuilding plan? Is this the right way to build a team in the era of free agency? When do you expect them to compete again?

Bill Williamson

  (2:36 PM)

It's the team's only chance. If the Chiefs have another good draft next year, they could be good in 2010.

Justin (Minneapolis)

Any chance my Broncos get Haynesworth this offseason???

Bill Williamson

  (2:37 PM)

That sure would help. They will have some money. We will see.

Kyle (KC)

Hey Bill looks like you forgot to answer the question on Croyle.

Bill Williamson

  (2:38 PM)

Sorry, not sure what happeend there, Anyway, his health is a big issue. He has been hurt in three of seven starts. That is a concern. Otherwise, he has some skills.

Wade (Aurora,CO)

Somebody said that the Chargers are gonna have a very tough stretch, but so do the Broncos. They play the Bucs, Jaguars, and the Patriots all in a row. What do you think their record will be after that stretch?

Bill Williamson

  (2:39 PM)

They need to win two. if Denver is 5-2 at the bye, it will be in good shape.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

Is Jack Williams starting this weekend?

Bill Williamson

  (2:39 PM)

No, he is the new nickel corner in Denver.

Keith (Springfield, MO)

Have Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder been busts?

Bill Williamson

  (2:40 PM)

To early to make that all but they may be heading that way. I am surprised about Crowder. He was good as a rookie.

Rob(Burke, VA)

What are the actual chances that the Raiders find a coach who can be successful, please Al Davis and maintain his sanity at the same time?

Bill Williamson

  (2:42 PM)

It may be tough.

Chris (Phoenix)

With all the accusations made by Al Davis..Tampering by Patriots..Monte Kiffin desire to leave Bucs..Broncos tainted 2 superbowls..Does Godell step in at anytime and end this circus?

Bill Williamson

  (2:42 PM)

You would think he is watching this situation. It was not a proud day for the NFL.

Charles (Spfd, MO)

Can you think of another team starting two rookie cornerbacks? How have Flowers and Carr looked?

Bill Williamson

  (2:43 PM)

They are taking their share of lumps but I think these will be two good players down the line.

Jon (Olathe, KS)

So the none response to Herm-on-the-hotseat would lead we the readers to think you are in the school of thought he'll be gone, yes?

Bill Williamson

  (2:44 PM)

If the Chiefs win five or six games and they play well In December, Herm should stay. Ownership and the players like him.

Gabriel(Tampa)

Is tampa bay an underrated team? Because i have seen the expert picks and we have been picked to lose all 4 weeks yet we have a 3-1 record.

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

Yeah, I'd say they are a tad underrated

Karl Denver

Wait, is Csrl Peterson really out after this year?. That's bad news for the rest of the AFC West, say it ain't so Bill...

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

I don't think he is neccesarily out, no.

Tom Cable Alameda

I look like I mean business, do you think I can take down Rob Ryan if we lose another lead?.

Bill Williamson

  (2:46 PM)

He looks like he means business, too.

matt denver co

will shanahan make any big changes to help the defense? trades or new signings?

Bill Williamson

  (2:47 PM)

What like bringing in Simeon Rice for $3 million? Those desperation moves rarely work.

Josh, Allentown PA

Hey Bill, what kind of odds do you put on Bernard Pollard making the Pro Bowl in spite of playing for the Chiefs

Bill Williamson

  (2:48 PM)

It may take hima year. often players need to put ina big year and then get noticed the next year.

Tony (Cincy OH)

Chris (Phoenix) brings up a good point. Goodell expects his players to be pristine, even fans have to behave at games, but owners like Davis and Mike Brown are tarnishing the leagues image. Why doesn't the Commish hold these franchises to higher standards? They make tons of money, but the Bengals and Raiders are an insult to the NFL's competitive balance.

Bill Williamson

  (2:49 PM)

My thoughts are that Goodell got involved in the Brett Favre saga so he could get involved in anything else if he wishes.

Patrick (NYC)

Do you think KC's big win was a flash in the pan for a team in for a long season or do you think this young team is starting to click and might get hot?

Bill Williamson

  (2:51 PM)

There isa chance this team could start to click. But it needs to stay healthy in key spots and Larry Johnson needs to keep runnign wild.

Chucky (KC MO)

What have you seen of Glen Dorsey so far? Can he and Tank form a dominate interior of the d-line?

Bill Williamson

  (2:52 PM)

Form what I see and hear, Dorsey is coming along. I seee the Chiefs having a very good D-line down the line.

Tom (Simi Valley, CA)

Everyone knows that when Denver doesn't meet expectations, Shanahan fires the defensive coordinator. Since this year's defense is a sieve, when is Shanahan going to fire the guy that signs all those defensive players? Oh wait, he'd have to fire himself, wouldn't he?

Bill Williamson

  (2:53 PM)

Pretty clever, Tom.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

If only they had rivalries like the Raiders and Seahawks nowadays. The NFL just isn't the same.

Bill Williamson

  (2:53 PM)

What, that Seattle-Arizona feud doesn't float your boat?

Anthony: (NY City, NY)

It's looking like my Chiefs will get a top 5 pick again next year. Which part of the team do you see them upgrading? DE for pass rush would help IMO.

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

QB, WR, OG, DE, LB

Chad (Cascade, MD)

Can the ravens make to the playoffs?

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

Sure, why not. They play tough and the kid QB looks like the goods.

Bob (Colorado Springs)

hey, I might be in the dark on this one, but how are the Bronco's two superbowl wins tainted?

Bill Williamson

  (2:55 PM)

Al Davis has long said that because of the Broncos' salary cap infractions during that time.

Kyle (KC)

After his break out game last week, what type of season do you expect from Derrick Johnson? Will this finally be his Pro Bowl breakout year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:56 PM)

He really rose to the occasion. He called himseld out prior to the game and he delivered. I like that guy.

Tucker Max (Los Angeles)

Who wins more games, Cinci or Cleveland?

Bill Williamson

  (2:57 PM)

Cleveland.

Kyle (KC)

QB for the Chiefs? You said earlier that Croyle has skills, does this mean you don't see him ever staying healthy?

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

He does have skills, but he can't stay healthy. If he gets hurt again this year, watch for Kansas CIty to try to get a young QB next year. They already hinted that by checking in on Brady Quinn a couple of weeks ago.

Steve (Seattle, WA)

So, I may be asking a crazy question, but what are the chances that the NFL completely shakes up the divisions and mixes up the teams in each division? i.e. the Raiders going into the NFC West or the something to that effect?

Bill Williamson

  (2:59 PM)

Probably not a great chance.

Almar (Santa Clara,CA)

Now with Kiffin getting the boot, will the vanilla offense fade away from the Raiders play-calling??

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

We will see in 10 days.

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

Hey guys, again, a lot of fun. Thanks for the great questions and enjoy Week 5. Talk to you next week.