Tim Graham

  (2:00 PM)

Good afternoon from the home base in Coral Springs, Fla. I won't be able to stay on for two hours like I usually do because of a TV obligation, but you have me for at least the next hour.

Tim Graham

  (2:01 PM)

A quick bulletin in case you didn't see it on the blog, but I just posted that the NFL has fined Cardinals S Adrian Wilson $25,000 for driving Bills QB Trent Edwards into the ground.

Tim Graham

  (2:01 PM)

So we can talk about that ...

Shail (Columbia, MD)

Is it too early to put the bust tag on Maroney? He was solid at the end of last year, but I'm assuming that was mostly since teams feared the pass so much. Now that Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan are outperforming him, should the Pats be looking to make a move with him?

Tim Graham

  (2:03 PM)

I'm always very hesitant to label anybody a bust. I'm almost always the last guy on that train, but I will say Maroney hasn't shown me anything this year that would make me consider him a feature RB on a majority of teams. And the Pats need a reliable RB now more than ever.

Ryon (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

Is Ryan Grant over-raited or does he need time?

Tim Graham

  (2:04 PM)

Can I say "yes" to both? He'll be better than he has shown, but he still might be overrated.

John (Miami)

Everyone is picking Houston...come on. The Dolphins are showing signs of life, and the texans are finding ways to lose their games. Why no love for my beloved fins?

Tim Graham

  (2:05 PM)

The Texans have almost beaten a lot of good teams and they're at home. And you're still dealing with reputations. The Dolphins have a top 10 D and an exciting offense. Anything is possible.

DJ (Minneapolis)

Who is to thank for the Skins season so far? Jason Campbell? Zorn? The media picking them to finish last?

Tim Graham

  (2:06 PM)

The media. We're just that powerful.

Kev (NYC)

Do you have any doubts about Eli finally having *made it*?

Tim Graham

  (2:06 PM)

Not at all. He has made it.

Pete (NYC)

What is the state of the Bills? Are they really a 4-1 team? Can they make the playoffs with their lines playing the way they are? Go Sabs!

Tim Graham

  (2:08 PM)

They're a 4-1 team based on their schedule. But they do have a lot to work on. The bye couldn't have come at a better time. They learned a lot about their weaknesses in Arizona.

Maurice Miami

Chances that miami goes to the playoffs this year if they can win their next 3 games which is very possible?

Tim Graham

  (2:09 PM)

Let's see ... that's the Texans, Ravens and Bills .. That's not an easy stretch. If they can win all three of those, you're talking about a single-digit power ranking.

Eric WPB Florida

Hey Tim, Is Perry Fewell mentally handicapped?

Tim Graham

  (2:10 PM)

Not that I've noticed.

John (Miami)

Rumor has it that Ronnie Brown has been practicing his throwing frequently with the QBs. You think we see him throw another TD this week?

Tim Graham

  (2:10 PM)

Maybe. Of course, if you listen to Warren Sapp, you can't throw out of the Wildcat offense.

Jon (Mad-town)

Has there ever been an RB who averages 3.6 yards per carry that has been more overhyped than Matt Forte? He's a good pass catcher, but can't seem to make consistent runs.

Tim Graham

  (2:11 PM)

He was my preseason pick for rookie of the year. I like my chances.

Paul Union Beach

I hear TJ Housh is on the trade block...if miami wins this week, think they might make a push for him?

Tim Graham

  (2:12 PM)

Those types of trades are for teams that are one or two players away from the Super Bowl. The Dolphins are intent on building through the draft. I can't see them giving up a draft pick for a player who might not want to stick around. But if the Dolphins can work out a deal, I guess anything's possible.

Devin (Hester)

Can i just put some stickum on my hands? I'd become one of the best receivers in the game!!

Tim Graham

  (2:13 PM)

Illegal!

Gray (Chicago)

Tough crowd, Matt Forte is 5 games into his career and he is being called overhyped? Wow, sounds like a bitter Lions fan...misery loves company?

Tim Graham

  (2:14 PM)

I'm also a big fan of Will Forte.

Andrew (Buffalo, NY)

Wilson was fined $25,000 for his hit on Trent. Was that enough? I felt he should have been suspended. Your thoughts?

Tim Graham

  (2:15 PM)

I don't agree with a suspension in this case.

SomeoneWhoDoesntCareAboutChicago

Funny, i guess I read the title of this chat wrong...I thought it was an AFC East Chat.

Tim Graham

  (2:15 PM)

So what's your AFC East question?

Rick-Lowell, MA

Do the Pats beat SD this week?

Tim Graham

  (2:16 PM)

I say yes.

Chris, Buffalo

Do you feel, as a AFC East analyst, that the Bills will be "OK" when Trent Edwards returns?

Tim Graham

  (2:16 PM)

I do think they'll be fine. Losman would win them games, too. Edwards wouldn't have made a difference against the Cardinals.

Someonewhodoesn'tcareabouttheNFCEast

You are the only chat going right now, can I still ask questions?

Tim Graham

  (2:17 PM)

I'll ask you one: How would you fit your name on the back of a jersey?

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

So i'm already tired of hearing about Pacman jones. Any chance he gets banned for good this time?

Tim Graham

  (2:18 PM)

Since you're tired of hearing about him, I won't answer the question.

Jud (Utica, NY)

I've got tickets for the Chargers-Bills game. Am I going to see JP Losman or Trent Edwards?

Tim Graham

  (2:19 PM)

My feeling is Trent Edwards.

Ryon (Kenosha, Wisconsin)

Should the Dolphins use their 1st or 2nd round pick on a quarterback?

Tim Graham

  (2:19 PM)

No way. They have identified Chad Henne as their man.

Kev (NYC)

Please add to the cool name list I've started: TJ Houshmanzadeh, Osi Umenyiora, D'BrickAshaw Ferguson,

Tim Graham

  (2:19 PM)

Ikechuku Ndukwe

Jon (Mad-Town)

Which Mike Holmgren team is flopping more the Seahawks, or Eagles?

Tim Graham

  (2:20 PM)

The Seahawks. In his farewell season, no less.

Steve, Dallas TX

Since no one asks about my Jets I'll take a shot, With 3 easier games ahead how would the Jets look for a playoff spot at 5-2 after the first 7?

Tim Graham

  (2:21 PM)

Not just the next three but the combined records of four of their next five opponents is 2-16. They could battling for first place when they face the Bills on Nov. 2

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

Guess i set myself up for that pacman comment.

Tim Graham

  (2:22 PM)

Yes, you did.

Kev (NYC)

Which time is the bigger enigma and why...GB or SD?

Tim Graham

  (2:22 PM)

PST when Arizona doesn't conform.

Tim Graham

  (2:23 PM)

Oh, you meant "team" ... San Diego. Green Bay's erraticism is more easily explainable because of the QB change.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Add my name to the list...seriously, noone elses' name starts with 2 n's in a row!

Brett Farve (New Jersey)

Don't you think the media is talking a little too much about Pac Man right now?

Tim Graham

  (2:24 PM)

I don't think it has been too bad yet. Everyone is waiting to see what the commissioner will do.

Jon (Mad-Town)

When can I trust Kyle Orton? I've been a lifelong Bears fan and know not to trust my eyes for a few games (see Rex Grossman 2006)

Tim Graham

  (2:25 PM)

When he makes you forget Bob Avellini, that's when you embrace him.

Tony Cortina, Rochester, NY

What is wrong with the Bills O-Line? Despite being one of the biggest and most athletic in the league, they are hardly opening huge holes for Lynch and Jackson.

Tim Graham

  (2:26 PM)

Great question. The Jason Peters holdout looks like the main culprit. He missed all of camp, and Langston Walker played out of position for weeks. You'd like to think everybody can fall back into their old roles, but I guess it's not that easy.

Nate (Indiana)

How bad is it in Detroit?

Tim Graham

  (2:28 PM)

Ford stock is down to $2 a share. No matter how you look at it, ugly.

Jud (Utica, NY)

If you were a coach, what would you do with prima donna wr's like ocho cinco and TO. I mean with an 0-5 record it's a good thing ocho cinco has gotten his name straight.

Tim Graham

  (2:28 PM)

I'd throw them the ball and fine them whenever they say something stupid.

Johnny(Queens)

When do you think Roscoe Parrish will be back for the Bills?

Tim Graham

  (2:29 PM)

He could be back next week against the Chargers, but that might be pushing it.

Matt (FLA)

Prediction for the final AFC East standings based on the first 5 weeks?

Tim Graham

  (2:30 PM)

Wow ... I thought I could rattle it off and then I got stopped dead in my tracks after the Bills.

Tim Graham

  (2:31 PM)

Bills are in the driver's seat. After that I can see any combination.

Butters, Hamilton Bermuda

I thought this was an AFC east question and answer, I ask about AFC east and you ignore it, you're not a nice man, nope you're not... Keep answering non-AFC east funny man...

Tim Graham

  (2:31 PM)

Thanks for stopping by.

Jon (Rochester)

How excited are you for the Valuev - Holyfield fight?

Tim Graham

  (2:32 PM)

About as excited as I am about getting a haircut.

Jake (Des Moines)

Yes or no. Bills make the playoffs?

Tim Graham

  (2:32 PM)

Yes

Jon (Mad-Town)

Jets- Playoffs or bust?

Tim Graham

  (2:33 PM)

If they don't make the playoffs, they better come close and be entertaining in the process. Otherwise, heads could roll.

Paul(South Buffalo)

What is your opinion on JP Losman? What is it that keeps this kid from being a good QB? He has lots of athletic abilities! He can throw a nice ball! Does he lack the smarts to be a good QB?

Tim Graham

  (2:33 PM)

It takes him too long to read a defense.

Dennis (San Jose)

You think one or even both wildcards come out of the AFC East this year? I'm tired of my friends ragging on the AFC East

Tim Graham

  (2:34 PM)

That's entirely possible unless a few struggling teams get in gear.

Lori (Pennsyltucky)

"SportsNation Tim Graham: (2:25 PM ET ) When he makes you forget Bob Avellini, that's when you embrace him." Avellini? That's setting the bar mighty high, don't you think? Okay,a question: During the preseason, could you have imagined that there would be so little hype for a nationally televised Pats-Bolts game?

Tim Graham

  (2:35 PM)

When the schedule came out, this game was one of only a handful that I got excited about. Not so much now. And I'm going to be there.

LO (waverly,tn)

nope the jags and colts will step up

Tim Graham

  (2:35 PM)

Those are two candidates. Chargers also.

Jordan (Boston)

How do you see the Dolphins ending up being this year? A contender or a team that can win games here or there?

Tim Graham

  (2:36 PM)

They might be a year removed from "contender" status, but if you go week to week, they've shown they can be competitive enough to make a run.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

TRUE OR FALSE: KYLE WILLIAMS IS HAVING A PROBOWL SEASON SO FAR FOR THE BUFFALO BILLS?

Tim Graham

  (2:37 PM)

False. But he's having a very good one.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Chargers a wild card contender? So you see Denver getting the West? With that D?

Tim Graham

  (2:38 PM)

With the way the Chargers are sputtering, the hot start the Broncos got off to could be the difference in the final standings.

Tim Graham

  (2:38 PM)

Same thing goes for the Bills in the AFC East. There's too much parity in the division. Their hot start start could be what decides it as much as divisional play.

Dennis (San Jose)

Is Vernon Gholston just a workout warrior who can't get it done on the football field?

Tim Graham

  (2:40 PM)

I'm not ready to say that yet. If he's not showing anything substantial early next season you can start using the "b" word.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Don't give up on the Patriots yet. They are 3-1 and haven't played the Bills yet.

Tim Graham

  (2:40 PM)

They're still a live team. I agree. But their margin for error is razor thin -- like a lot of teams.

Kev (NYC)

Odds NYG repeat?

Tim Graham

  (2:41 PM)

I had them first in power rankings this week, so I like their chances as it stands today.

Lori

Follow-up on the Pats: Staying on the East Coast didn't work so well for the Cardinals. Any thoughts on how spending the week in California might affect New England -- for good or bad -- on Sunday night?

Tim Graham

  (2:42 PM)

Tough to say. I think it comes down to how the staff has approached it and is preparing them. The Pats are saying all the right things, that it feels like training camp ... it's a bonding experience ... it's better than criss-crossing the country ... But they are human beings, and being away from your family and not sleeping in your own bed for nine days or so can be stressful.

LO (waverly,tn)

the giants and titans would make a good superbowl titans 27-17

Tim Graham

  (2:43 PM)

Chalk it up.

eli (warre)

yes or no patriots have a chance at the superbowl

Tim Graham

  (2:44 PM)

They have a chance, but their offense will need to re-invent itself, and that's nearly impossible to do in-season.

ray gordonreid amherst mass 01002

question to tim graham at 2.45 pm hi tim how will it take for tom brady boy

Tim Graham

  (2:45 PM)

You were so methodical you even typed in the time .. and then you left some words out of your question.

Jeff (Charlotte, NC)

Tim, Do you think that Thomas Jones has lost a step and do you see Jesse Chatman eventually overtaking him as the starting RB?

Tim Graham

  (2:46 PM)

I thought Jones looked a bit haggard in preseason, so I see where you're coming from. I think Chatman could be a feature back if need be. He's a slick runner and has excellent hands. He has done well when given a chance, but I'm not sure he's better than Jones.

Paul Union Beach

Kendall Langford...steal of the draft, write it down!

Tim Graham

  (2:47 PM)

Donald Thomas ... Not many teams find a starting lineman in the sixth round.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Tim, with LT hurting and Chambers out at receiver, what do the Chargers have to do to beat the Pats?

Tim Graham

  (2:48 PM)

Have Sproles return two kicks for touchdowns. I just saw the Chargers last week in Miami, and the offense is way out of sync.

Mike (Washington DC)

Do you miss working for the Buffalo News?

Tim Graham

  (2:48 PM)

I miss the people and the city. But newspapers are dying.

Pete(Buffalo)

Do you think the Bills should try and trade for Tony Gonzalez? Trent really could use a TE!

Tim Graham

  (2:49 PM)

I'm not as down on Robert Royal as other people are.

Ed (Boston)

If San Diego loses to the Brady-less Pats at home in a must win game can we pretty much stick a fork in them?

Tim Graham

  (2:49 PM)

I'd say so.

Newspapers (.)

You're not invited to the funeral

Tim Graham

  (2:50 PM)

When you're dead, you can't control who shows up.

Lori

One more, and thanks for your time. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for the Bengals this week. How much does that increase the point spread in the Jets' favor?

Tim Graham

  (2:50 PM)

Policy forbids me from answering that question, but if you were to ask it in a different way ...

Johnny(Queens)

In order who is the best QB so far from the class of 2004? Eli,Big Ben, Rivers, JP(haha had to put him in 4 laughs)

Tim Graham

  (2:51 PM)

I'd go Roethlisberger, Manning, Rivers

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

Try this then. Do the Jets win by 2 TDs this week?

Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

You're astute ... I think so.

Jon (Mad-Town)

Should I drop Palmer from my fantasy team already?

Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

Yes.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Can Miami win in a blowout if Matt Schaub plays like he has recently? If they stop Slaton it may not be close.

Tim Graham

  (2:53 PM)

I'm not a big fan of Schaub, but he does play significantly better at home.

Chad Ocho Cinco, Cincinnati

Dude, get me out of here.

Tim Graham

  (2:54 PM)

Is this where you lobby to be traded to my chat?

Kev (NYC)

Tim! Can you please confirm Palmer is out on Sunday?

Tim Graham

  (2:54 PM)

I can. He's out. Fitzpatrick is in.

Lori

Done. From the Dept. of the Somewhat Obvious: Should Jets fans be happy that their team is facing Ryan Fitzpatrick instead of Carson Palmer?

Tim Graham

  (2:55 PM)

Ecstatic.

Glen (NJ)

Tim, can you please tell these Bungle question asking people to leave?

Tim Graham

  (2:56 PM)

The Bengals are playing the Jets, you know ...

Joe(PA)

Will JP Losman be a Buffalo Bill next season? If not, Will he be a starting QB for another team?

Tim Graham

  (2:57 PM)

No, I don't think Losman's pride will allow him to returnn. I'm sure he'll try to land in a spot where he can be the starter. We'll find out what the rest of the NFL really thinks of him by the interest he generates over the winter.

John(Buffalo)

Whats the word on Angelo Crowell's status? Anything?

Tim Graham

  (2:58 PM)

He's on IR and done for the year. He's rehabbing his knee at home.

Tony Cortina

Come on Tim. I know that Lori linked your chat on TBD, but her questions are getting worse. Now what about Schoebel and Kelsay?

Tim Graham

  (2:58 PM)

I don't think that's the same Lori. She always identifies herself as being from Port Alegany.

Lucas (NY)

Tim, how do you feel about Vernon Gholstons play this year and the new free angents Calvin Pace, Alan Faneca, and Damien Woody

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

Gholston has been invisible, but that's OK if the Jets weren't relying on an impact right away. I get the impression they were happy to develop him this year

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

The other three have been valuable acquisitions. All are playing well.

Donald T. (Wall Street)

Will the DOW close under 8000?

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

Where is it right now? I'm glad I cashed out my 401-k when I bought my house a few years ago.

Jay(canada)

Angelo Crowell did get the surgery?

Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

He did have the surgery the week before the Raiders-Bills game on Sept. 21.

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

OK, guys I need to wrap it up here shortly. But I can take a few more. Sorry I have to split. The regulars know I'll stay on all day if I can.

Lucas (NY)

Considering the fact that Thomas Jones looks sluggish and Brett Farve is turning 39. Where do the Jets look in the 2009 Draft?

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

Good question. A quarterback won't be ready for a while, and they already have three youngsters on the depth chart. O-line (for the future), RB, LB ...

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

That's a stab. I'm not sure what all the contract situations are.

Jason (Kailua, HI)

Have you heard anything on the rumor that Jeremy Jacobs is trying to set himself up to buy the Bills and keep them in Buffalo?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

I have heard that rumor, but I don't know if anybody can compete with Ted Rogers' money.

Josef (Arlington,VA)

Tim, Labbatt or Molson? Where does your allegiance of ice-cold Canadian lager lie?

Tim Graham

  (3:06 PM)

Labatt Blue or the Labatt that comes with green label (I can never remember what that's called).

Ryan (Boston)

If Edwards is out for the Bills Chargers game, what are the chances that Lynch and Jackson run the wildcat with Losman as a wide out the whole game? I'm pretty sure we'd turn the ball over less...

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

The chances are nil.

Mike(Buffalo)

Who is Jeremy Jacobs?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Once called the most powerful man in sports by Sports Illustrated. Owns Delaware North, which runs arena concessions across the country. Also owns of the Boston Bruins

Braylon Edwards

So are my hands going to remain bricks forever?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Try some aloe and lanolin.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Will this be the week where the Wildcat gets figured out?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

I think the Chargers figured it out. The Dolphins scored a TD out of the Wildcat, but it was from 5 yards out. There were quite a few 1- and 2-yard runs.

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

Gotta roll, guys. Feel free to drop a line in the AFC East mailbag. I answer them every Saturday on the blog, or I'll get back to you personally.

Brad(NM)

Why do you say Losman would win Buffalo games? Just because he can hook up with Evans on one long bomb, doesn't mean he can manage and win games. The guy can't read coverages and makes very bad decisions when the pressure's on. Plus he fumbles more than any QB I've ever seen!

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

You've heard of Kurt Warner, right?