Chat with Pat Yasinskas

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Welcome to The Show! On Friday, ESPN.com NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas will stop by to talk about the NFL season.

Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.

Send your questions for Yasinskas now and join The Show Friday at 1 p.m. ET!

Yasinskas Archive: Blog | Columns

Casey (Lafayette, LA)


The Saint's defensive players that were on the field last week was nearly the same defense that was on the field in Week 1. In both those weeks, the defense only gave up 13 and 17 points respectively, and the team won. I liked what I saw in both these weeks and think this defense is much improved from a season ago. If those players can stay healthy, I'm expecting good things from this unit. What are your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:01 PM)


If they can stay on the field, but that's a problem. Now, it looks like Ellis will be out at least a couple weeks. The Saints have caught the most brutal version of the injury bug I've ever seen.

Tim, Cocoa Fl.


hi Pat,what's the latest on cadillac Williams and how will he fit in when he returns?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:01 PM)


I don't think you'll see Cadillac until next year.

Gary Williams Temple, TX


Pat,I'm a North Carolina native living in Texas among Cowboys and Texans fans, and have heard my share of ragging on my team but I have been a Carolina Panthers fan since they joined the NFL in 1995. I have two questions. 1) Do you think they can continue their improvement on offense even if Gross and Otah are out for an extended period of time? 2) Do you think the Panthers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:02 PM)


I think Otah probably will be only one game. Gross will be more. They can get by with Wharton at left tackle for a bit, but they need him back if they're gonna go deep in playoffs.

Tony, Spring Hill, FL


If Brian Griese can control himself with the interceptions, how good are the Buccaneers?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:03 PM)


Pretty darn good. They've been winning even with the interceptions. Would help if they get Galloway back.

tom (boston)


Do you agree that top to bottom, the Saints have one of the most talented and deepest receiving corps in the NFL? They have Colston, the two high draft pick deep threats in Henderson and Meachem, a guy who catches everything thrown at him in Moore, and an underrated veteran in Patten.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:04 PM)


On paper, yes. But let's see them all out on the field before giving them too much credit.

kent (n'awlins)


Looks like the Saints are gonna give up huge yardage Monday night to Peterson, since Sedrick Ellis will miss 2-4 weeks with a torn medial meniscus, it was announced today after it was scoped this morning. Can the Saints prevail anyway?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:05 PM)


Yep, they can. They just have to outscore them. That's possible with Brees.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)


How do you think Carolina will do against Larry Johnson?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:06 PM)


They've got the talent to keep LJ in check.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


Hey Pat, will the Panthers shuffle the line by putting Travelle Wharton back at LT should he miss some games?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:07 PM)


Yes, Wharton will go to LT. Bridges will start at RT. Not ideal, but they're both decent.

Chris (Chapel Hill, NC)


how do you think tampa bay and carolina match up? that game will be huge

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:08 PM)


We'll see in less than two weeks. I think they match up very closely. Should be a huge division game and kind of like the Tampa Bay/Carolina games of a few years ago.

kent (n'awlins)


Pat - your thoughts on the Saints/Vikes on Monday night? Can the Saints contain Adrian Peterson? Should we be scared of Gus Ferot?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:09 PM)


Wouldn't be scared of Frerotte. I'd put eight guys in the box and focus on Peterson.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)


What are the Falcon's chances within the division? Turner looks like he can be a decent back, and Ryan so long as he minimizes mistakes can do enough to win....think they can contend within this division with no team looking exceptional?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:10 PM)


Actually, I think Tampa Bay and Carolina are looking pretty darn good. Falcons will continue to be competitive, but can't win division.

Lou(NY)


With a banged up Rodgers and a suspect run defense will you go on record and predict a Falcons upset?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:11 PM)


Won't go that far. It could happen, but I'm not going to predict a win in Lambeau.

Sharell (Raleigh, NC)


Panthers, Panthers, Panthers, blah, blah, blah...Although I am a Falcon fan I am realistic here not hoping for much, but you have to admit, at this point you have no idea who will win this division and the wildcards will probably go to an NFC East team?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


I still think the East teams are gonna beat up on each other and a couple of them will struggle later in the season.

kent (new orleans)


Pat - do you know when the Saints can expect to get Colston and Shockey back on the field?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


Shockey may only be another week or two. Colston's at least several weeks away.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


The rumors about Garcia being traded just won't go away. I don't see it happening. Agree/disagree?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:13 PM)


Don't see it happening. With Griese throwing INTs like he's been, Bucs would be foolish to give up their insurance policy.

Will J (Portland, OR)


I know John Fox likes his two-headed monster at RB, but do you think Carolina should be giving Stewart the ball more than 10 times a game? I think he has a lot of the same skills Marion Barber has, and look what kind of season he's having.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:13 PM)


Yes, absolutely.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)


Do you think the move to Griese was the right move for Tampa? Garcia may not be the biggest gunslinger, but he never had back to back 3+ turnover games...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:14 PM)


It worked at the time. If Griese keeps throwing picks, there's always chance Gruden goes back to Garcia.

Joe(Wilmington, NC)


I know the panthers are going to make the playoffs, but once they get there, what would there chances be to go all the way?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:15 PM)


Decent. As I said, whoever comes out of the East might be beat up. The West isn't any good and I'm not sure about the North right now.

Tim, Cocoa Fl.


who do you like in the broncs/bucs game this week.What are the keys to watch for? And are you going to the Rays game today?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:16 PM)


I wish I was going to the Rays game, but I've got a couple things to write tonight and have to get packed for New Orleans. On the Bucs -- 1. limit turnovers; 2. run the ball; 3. Slow Brandon Marshall.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)


How would that work though, there is obvious public animosity between Garcia and Gruden, isnt that bridge burned? Is Garcia #2 on the Depth Chart or is McCown (Luke) ahead of him?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:17 PM)


Not necessarily. Anything's possible with Gruden when it comes to QBs. Remember, he once got rid of Griese and now he loves him.

Jay (harrisonburg)


Even with Shanahan's revolving door defense, do you think Tampa's offense has enough firepower to outshoot an angry Broncos offense? Or do you think the spunky Buccaneer defense will be enough to turn this gunfight into a homicide?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:18 PM)


Defense is going to have to keep it close. Heck, the defense is capable of putting up a TD or two.

Eric


Hello Pat! What has happened to Michael Clayton on the Bucs? I know he's had some injuries, but he looked like a star in the making as a rookie. What has gone wrong with him?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:19 PM)


He got fat. Gruden got mad at him. He had some injuries and he got in the doghouse. He's played some this year with Galloway out, but hasn't done anything special.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


When can we expect to see more of Jerious Norwood? I loved that pick for Atlanta, and while signing Michael Turner was a great move, it seems like Norwood is on the bench way too much.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:20 PM)


Tough to get them both out there at once and Turner's the guy they've got their money tied up in. Norwood's been very good when he gets his chances, but he doesn't get many.

Will J (Portland, OR)


Which game will you be at this weekend?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:21 PM)


I'll be at the Monday night game -- Minnesota at New Orleans.

kent (n'awlins)


Pat - As much as your job seems like fun to me, I just realized I could never have your job -- I could not go to a Monday Night game in the Superdome and be sober enough to actually write anything!

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:21 PM)


LOL. Yes, that is a big drawback.

Pete - Rock Hill, SC


The Burner looks bad vs strong teams Tampa, Carolina. How many strong teams will he face the rest of the year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:22 PM)


Don't have it in front of me, but I think the Falcons have only two games left against "easy'' teams. He's going to have to show he can do some of that against good teams.

Will J (Portland, OR)


How do you feel Matt Ryan has faired so far? Exceeded expectations? About what you expected?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:23 PM)


Exceeded. Yes, he's been far from perfect. But for a rookie, I think he's been fine. For them to be 2-2 at this point is great. It brought some life back to that franchise.

Antonio (Washington, DC)


Do you think Williams will be back for the Bucs this year? And if so what will that mean for the Bucs backfield?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:24 PM)


Don't think you'll see Cadillac until next year.

Will J (Portland, OR)


What's a big drawback? Being drunk and writing? Or having to be sober?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:24 PM)


The last one.

Antonio


Do you think Clayton will be in Tampa next year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:24 PM)


No, not a chance.

Sharell (Raleigh NC)


Do you think we will see Ryan in the no huddle offesne that he displayed in Carolina this week? Is that to much for a rookie?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:25 PM)


I think you'll see some of that going forward.

Jason C (Jacksonville, FL)


I know the Panthers love Nick Goings but with D Will and Jon Stew healthy why would he be on the field? He has missed some key blocks.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:26 PM)


Agree with you totally. But try telling that to John Fox, who is President of the Nick Goings Fan Club.

Bill (Pomona California)


Hi Pat, a Jets fan here, but I have a question about Jonathon Vilma - how's he doing? Making plays, or still favoring the knee? Hopefully he's doing well. Really liked him in the 4-3.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:26 PM)


I think he's looked pretty good. Hasn't had a lot of big plays, but I think that has more to do with the injuries around him.

kent (n'awlins)


That's ok Pat. I'll have an extra one for you on Monday Night! See ya at ACME Oyster House before the game!?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:27 PM)


I wish. Are they still open after the game? Like 2 a.m.??

Terry - Charlotte


Is the Smith - Lucas incident finally over?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:28 PM)


I sure hope so. And, yeah, I think it's all behind them.

Ryan (Houston)


New Orleans has caught the most viscous injury bug you have seen? I remember the 49ers loosing Jerry Rice for the season and Steve Young for a few games against Tampa a few years back.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:29 PM)


I was talking in terms of numbers. Have you seen a Saints' injury report? They've had like 15 guys on it the last two weeks.

JDawg (Zanesville, Ohio)


Pat, PLEASE tell me there is still hope for a Browns playoff birth this season!

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:29 PM)


I don't want to lie to you.

Tim, Cocoa Fl.


Have you talked to Matt Bryant this week? Hows he holding up?I think he was still in shock last Sunday.May be tougher this week.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:30 PM)


Saw him at practice the other day, but he said all he could say Sunday. Time for us in the media to give him a little space.

Will J (Portland, OR)


I think Goings is getting a pass, because he has been instrumental in stablizing Carolina's running game when Foster was injured every year.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:31 PM)


In Fox's eyes, you're probably right.

kent (n'awlins)


Come on Pat! You know EVERYTHING is open after 2 A.M. in New Orleans.... Especially after a Saints Monday Night gameJ!

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:31 PM)


That's very good information. Thanks.

Tony Spring Hill, FL


Do you agree with the Bucs second round pick thus far in Dexter Jackson?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:32 PM)


So far, not really. But I think he's got potential.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


How long until the mess in Atlanta is completely cleaned up and the Falcons can become contenders? Although I'm very surprised at how well it has gone so far, I'd say it'll be at least 3 years until they're a legitimate force in the NFC.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:32 PM)


I think they can turn the corner with one more good offseason. They remind me a lot of Carolina when Fox went in there in 2002.

jonathon (Hamden CT)


aside from the NFC east would you consider the NFC south to be right up there with with the way Tampa, Carolina and even atlanta have been playing as of late?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:33 PM)


Yes, the West does nothing for me and the North is still sorting itself out.

Ralph, Honolulu


John Gruden was recently asked about Greise throwing 6 inyerceptions in2 games. He blew it off and mentioned the 3-0 record since Greie became the starter. But doesn't he have to be worried about those picks? He just didn't want to critcize his starter?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:34 PM)


Heck yeah, he's got to be worried. If Griese goes up to Denver and throws a couple picks in the first half, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Garcia or McCown in there.

Jeff (Herndon, VA)


Hey Pat,Do you think Charles Godfrey (FS, Carolina) can end up in the running for defensive rookie of the year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:35 PM)


Yes, he's playing very nicely. Needs to put up some stats to get awards, though.

Jason C (Jacksonville, FL)


What do you think the chances of dwyane jarretts chances are for being with the Panthers long term? I feel that he is a younger version of Moose.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:36 PM)


Haven't seen anything to sell me on Jarrett. But, remember, it took Moose a couple years to really become a factor. WR is one position that often develops slowly.

Antonio (Washington, DC)


When will Mike Vick be back?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:36 PM)


He'll have to go to the new UFL or somewhere else for a year or two.

Mason Raleigh NC


Pat,Do the Panthers have a legit chance of winning the Super Bowl?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:37 PM)


Possible. They're off to a nice start. Long season ahead though.

Will J (Portland, OR)


Do you have an all-time favorite interview?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:39 PM)


Hmmm. That's a tough one. Nate Newton talking about Thanksgiving dinner at his house. Or maybe Todd Sauerbrun ripping on the Gramaticas. For overall consistency, though, Steve Beuerlein, John Lynch and Jake Delhomme are the best I've covered on a regular basis. I'd also throw Warren Sapp in there on his good days -- but he also was capable of bad days. Very bad days.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


Do the Panthers resign Julius Peppers? It's going to take a monster contract and he knows he'll command a fortune in free agency. Is it worth it for the Panthers to take on such a contract?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:40 PM)


I wouldn't do it right now. I'd see what he does the rest of the year. If he doesn't pick up, let him walk. They've also got Gamble and Gross and a couple others to worry about.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)


Drew Brees- best QB in the NFL?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:41 PM)


At least in the top 3. I will say I think he's the smartest QB.

Dave (Tampa)


Hey Pat, Who was your favorite and least favorite to interview when you were on the beat?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:42 PM)


On the Bucs beat? Lynch, Sapp and Brooks were the best. I'd throw Michael Husted in there too. As far as the worst, Reagan Upshaw and Tyji Armstrong.

Tim, Cocoa Fl.


Did you see Sapps rant on Al Davis? Classic Warren.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:43 PM)


Yes, Warren will tell you what's on his mind. In this case, I agree with him.

Sharell (Raleigh, NC)


Do you think Peppers want to stay with the Panthers?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:43 PM)


Great question. I'm not so sure he does. When he was asked that question in training camp, he kind of blew it off.

Jonathon (Hamden CT)


If Griese can cut down the turnovers realistically how far can you see the Bucs go?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:44 PM)


Defense is good enough to keep them in any game. Say what you want about the skill positions, but Gruden can coach. Anything's possible.

Manan ( Woodbridge VA)


Do you see the panthers lack of a pass rush being a problem? It seems like the panthers defense is pretty good in every aspect except their defensive line

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:45 PM)


Yes, the back 7 is very good. But they've got to get production up front to have a really good year.

Drew (greenville, NC


Pat now that Shockey is injured again and the Giants look still so good without him don;t you feel they made out great in that deal? Especially with how well Reese is drafting.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:46 PM)


I think it was a good trade for both teams. Right now, particularly good forthe Giants.

Antonio (Washington, DC)


When will Tampa ever draft a Wide-Out that can consistently play good.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:47 PM)


Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green didn't do it for you? Just kidding. Yep, they've got a pathetic history at that spot.

HJ CA


With all the injuries and with Deuce back, do you think the Saints have a good shot of getting into the playoffs this year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:48 PM)


They've got to keep their heads above water through the London game. If they can do that and get some of the injured guys back, yes, they can get there. But they'll need a strong second half of the season.

David (Whittier CA)


What are the chances of Michael Clayton in a bucs uniform next season?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:48 PM)


Slim and none.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)


You see any trades being made at the deadline?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:49 PM)


Probably nothing major.

Josh Cedarville, OH


Are the Panthers the team to beat in the NFC South?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:49 PM)


Think you've got to include Tampa Bay right there with them.

Lou (Rochester, NY)


Fantasy Football question- who do i start this week- desean Jackson or Lance Moore?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:49 PM)


Lance Moore.

Ed Hochuli


That's a personal foul against Pat for using "LOL" in a chat. 15 yards and repeat 2nd down.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:49 PM)


I want a replay, Ed.

David (Whittier CA)


Sorry if you answered this already, but what is the latest on Cadillac Williams?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:50 PM)


Still rehabbing and making progress. But, realistically, I don't think you'll see him until next year.

Antonio (Washington, DC)


Where do you see Talib in the next year or so?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:51 PM)


He's going to be good. Ronde's not going to play forever. I could see Talib in his spot next year.

Freddie, Fort Myers


Why did the Panthers let Jenkins (the defensive lineman) go during the offseason?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:51 PM)


He and Fox didn't get along.

Josh Cedarville, OH


What is the Panthers biggest flaw?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:52 PM)


Everybody's saying D-line and that's not wrong. But I'd be more worried about o-line right now with the injuries to Gross and Otah.

Sam ( Raleigh NC)


I know Jake got alittle banged up last week and is listed as Probable. How seroius is the thigh injury and is it going to take one good low takle to send Jake to the bench?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:53 PM)


Jake practiced both days and says he'll be fine. With Fox, if you practice, that usually means you're fine.

kent (n'awlins)


Pat - speaking of the Gramatica's, what's up with Martin the Martian not speaking with the media after his missed field goal against Denver?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:54 PM)


As a media member, I obviously frown on it. But it's his choice.

Bobby Raleigh NC


Pat Why does it seem like lately Julius Peppers isn't as committed to Carolina as he once seemed?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:55 PM)


He's getting closer to being a free agent and probably wants to see what's out there. Not sure he ever was committed as he "seemed'' or as we (fans and media) made him "seem''.

Allen, Pensacola


Will the Saints be in New Orleans long term? What is their relationship with the city in this regard?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:56 PM)


I think they're working on a new deal. My guess is they'll make something happen. Saints are too important to lose.

Josh Cedarville, OH


But with the way that the "injured" O line looked like last week, shouldn't the concern be somewhere else?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:56 PM)


Let's see how it does over the course of a full game, or a couple of games.

Jonathon (Hamden CT)


with the way Gruden shuffels QB's around if the Bucs go on a nice run with Griese do see Gruden keeping him around? or are we going to see yet another QB starting for the Bucs next year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:58 PM)


Wow, that's a tough one. Could see just about anything there. Even keeping Griese and making a play for Brett Favre or whoever's out there.

mark irvine, ca


i have marion barber, adrian peterson, and matt forte. which two should i start this week

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:58 PM)


Barber and Peterson. Couple more questions before I have to run.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)


How remarkable has Delhomme been since coming off Tommy John surgery? It always seems to kills QBs careers. Front runner for comeback player of the year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:59 PM)


Yes, definitely the front runner. I'm shocked by it and his arm looks better than it did 2-3 years ago.

Jeff (Herndon, VA)


Can Duece make it through the season healthy? Or should I look forward to dropping him on my fantasy team?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:59 PM)


I'd hang onto Deuce.

Dave (Tampa)


Speaking of Ronde, has he lost a step or just had a couple of rough games? It looks like teams are targeting his side.

Pat Yasinskas
  (2:00 PM)


Sure looks like teams are targeting him. I don't expect that to stop anytime soon.

Antonio (Washington, DC)


Do you think this is Derrick Brooks final year do he have one or two more left in him?

Pat Yasinskas
  (2:01 PM)


That's going to be up to Derrick. He could probably go another year or two, but might have to reduce his role. He's still doing pretty darn well.

Adrian Peterson (Minneapolis)


Can the rest of my offense live up to the occasion and help put us at 2-3?

Pat Yasinskas
  (2:01 PM)


You better have a talk with them, AP. All right that's it. I've got to run. Thanks for coming by. Enjoyed it.

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