Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Okay, Lets get rolling a little early on this chat-Lots going on!

Jason(Dallas, Texas)

Dallas spend too much for Williams considering all the extra picks they acquired this year and last from Cleveland, Detroit, Tennessee, Miami?

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

That was pretty steep. If you saw the article I did (pure speculation) at to where some guys could end up, I picked Roy W going to Dallas-but straight up for a 2nd round pick. However, how many WRs in this league have more upside than Roy? Very few. Getting out of the wasteland he was in and into a home environment could really pay off. Remember, TO isn't real young and maybe, just maybe, TO is starting to show a slight decline. Not sold on that yet, but for the first time in a long time, I am considering it.

Ryan (madison)

Is there really any elite team this year? There seems to be solid teams but no elite team like previous years with Pats and Colts.

Matt Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

Agreed. I just wrote 250 words or so on why I think that NYG is the best team in the league right now, but I also am still picking Dallas to win it all. I do expect some teams to really step up though like SD, Indy and NO.

Michael, CT

The NFC south has got 4 of the best 10-12 teams in the leauge right now, who comes out on top?

Matt Williamson

  (1:03 PM)

NO-no doubt in my mind. Look for my blog today on their O (wow, I am really pumpling my material today by the way). Anyways, in that blog, I said that once Colston and Shockey comes back that NO will have the best O in football-far and away. Also, I like their D enough now. They are a contender to win it all.

Mike (New Orleans, LA)

What's up Matt? I'm as big of a saints fan as there is and appreciate you showing them a little love, but number 3?!?! Even I couldn't rank them in the top 10 right now.

Matt Williamson

  (1:04 PM)

All of their losses have been real close and if they play Minny 10 times in that environment, I bet they win 7 or 8 of them. Maybe putting them at #3 is based a bit on potential going forward and I love what Brees brings week in and week out, but which teams are you convinced would beat NO in a five game series?

Shawn Tn

Hey Matt, Do you think Dallas can win 2 of the next 3 games with Brad J playing and not Romo?

Matt Williamson

  (1:07 PM)

Yes, even with Johnson, I think they can beat anyone. I worry more about the secondary right now than the O. Here's why. First the bad-Johnson will bring little verticality to the O and there are now simply throws (deep out, etc) that he cannot complete with any consistency at this level. Now the good: The Cowboys are now almost forced to get back to what they should have all along-their running game with two great (yes, great) RBs and a shorter controlled passing game to Witten and TO and now Roy W. Then take a few shots. I felt like Dallas' O was constantly looking for the big play. Don't get me wrong, Johnson is no where near the QB as Romo, but it could be just what the Doctor ordered.

Mike (Dallas)

I don't presume to know more than Dallas' coaches, but I'm a little surprised they haven't made any oline changes. Columbo is very inconsistent, and they have a much more athletic replacement in Doug Free.

Matt Williamson

  (1:08 PM)

Free is more athletic, but I wouldn't make changes up front. Columbo is a tough guy and while I certainly don't love him, if he is weakest link of the group, then you are doing okay. Get back to the run.

Dave, Bloomington, MN

What do you think of LT? Is he declining now also? I just traded for him in my fantasy league which is a keeper league. I need him to have a couple more years left in the tank! Your opinion?

Matt Williamson

  (1:10 PM)

I think he is hurt. Is that the beginning of "declining" in terms of his overall career? Maybe. He looks nothing like his former self though to me. Can he come back to being what we are used to once the toe heals? Sure. I doubt it happens this year though. Side note and I am not a doctor, but players and coaches often talk about how injuries need a few weeks to heal, etc. However, I really can't see how playing an NFL football game week after week allows for any physical ailment to truly heal.

Tom (MD)

What do you think of the Ravens young oline?

Matt Williamson

  (1:11 PM)

I like it very much. Been saying that a long time. The Yanda injury hurts them though, but Ozzie has used high picks on linemen over the past few drafts and it is paying off. Brown and the OGs are the real strength of the group. Grubbs could be a Pro Bowler soon, as could Brown.

Chad (Cascade,MD)

Can the ravens turn it around?

Matt Williamson

  (1:12 PM)

It is going to be tough. They were exposed last week. They have two huge weaknesses-their CBs and the speed/playmaking ability on O. Too much stress on their D to keep every game very close since they have zero ability to come from behind. Learning year for Flacco.

Paul (Trenton, NJ)

Has Oakland already imploded or do you think Cable has any chance of righting this ship?

Matt Williamson

  (1:12 PM)

Imploded...KaBoom!

Bob (Oakland, CA)

Do you see Russell's accuracy issues as the struggles of a young, inexperienced QB or is this guy not ever going to be an overly accurate QB in your opinion?

Matt Williamson

  (1:14 PM)

Think of Russell as a rookie, since last year was ruined for him with his hold out. I don't think he will ever be a precise passer, but overall, I have litlte worries about his ability to throw the football. He is just very young and will have a roller coaster season. His decision making was great before last week. He is going to have games like that. His protection and recieving options are also dreadful.

Mike (Boca Raton)

why do you think browns qb derek anderson was so successful v. the giants?

Matt Williamson

  (1:15 PM)

Not a DA guy here as you probably know, but I do think he is a streaky player and when he is on, he is on. He was on. Plus, Clev had two weeks to prepare for that game, their OL played tremendous, Braylon was a madman and they got consistently production from Lewis on the ground. All of those factors made DA's job much easier. Still, I gotta give him credit.

Joe (NY)

Hey Matt, Who is going to win the AFC East? It seems as if its the most wide open division right now. Also are the Jets playoff bound?

Matt Williamson

  (1:16 PM)

Tough on. In the power rankings, I ranked that division 1. Buff 2. NYJ 3. Miami 4. NE. I do like Buff to win it and the Jets should contend for the post season as well.

Mike (Boca Raton)

do you fault the browns for not utilizing josh cribbs more (like on monday night). he is obviously dangerous and versatile and it made no sense not to utilize him more prior to the giants game. do you expect to see more of that?

Matt Williamson

  (1:18 PM)

I do. Hard to fault them because that team has a ton of legit weapons and need to get everyone the ball, but in my write up (another shameless self promotion) of the Browns/Skins game, I did a bullet point on maximizing Cribbs. The difference between Cribbs and someone like Ronnie Brown is that Cribbs is a much better passer. QB at Kent State. But he doesn't sacrifice physicality with the ball in his hands. GREAT guy to have on your team.

JC (TN)

Keep showing the Titans no respect. They'll just keep winning game after game.

Matt Williamson

  (1:19 PM)

I ranked them as the #2 overall team in the NFL right now. That is respect. I still don't trust their ability to throw the ball though. To win it all, can Tenn keep the lead in 3 straight playoff games and not force their hand to throw?

MJ (Boston)

What do you think of Jay Ratliff? In 2005, the Boys got Ware, Spears, Burnett, Barber, Canty, and Ratliff...is that the best set of draft picks per draft in the last 20 years?? Who's had a better 2 days of drafting than that?

Matt Williamson

  (1:20 PM)

That is awesome. Sure, I like Ratliff. Versatile peice in that 3-4. Not a true space eating NT or the prototype DE for that scheme, but he is a great guy to have. Plays hard.

Paul (Denver)

What do you think of Devin Hester's progression so far?

Matt Williamson

  (1:21 PM)

Impressive. Coming along well. I still question his hands and probably always will. He drops a lot of punts as well. However, he is getting it as a WR now. Looks so much more comfortable.

Travis, SLC

Is Torain going to add another dimension to the solid Denver offense? What are the Broncos options on defense to try and fix it?

Matt Williamson

  (1:22 PM)

Believer in Torain here. I also like Pittman, but I do know that Den was very high on the rookie and he should boost that running game-perfect fit for what they do. Options are D are rather limited. They aren't good enough at safety or up front vs. the run. To help the D, they need to consistently play with the lead. Can Cutler and company put up 30+ every week?

MJ (Boston)

Do you think the Pats will win 9 games? I got them 8-8...

Matt Williamson

  (1:23 PM)

I would take the UNDER on 9 wins. Serious QB issues. OL is somewhat suspect as well. As is the secondary.

Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan)

Do you think the Lions have the talent to go defeated this year? 0-16 Baby!!!

Matt Williamson

  (1:23 PM)

They do have that sort of talent. 1-15

Randy (Wyoming)

Hey Matt love your insight. Should I trade Favre for Chris Johnson? I need help at RB and I would still have Garrard and DA at QB.

Matt Williamson

  (1:24 PM)

Seems fair to me. I like Johnson. For FF reasons, he will probably never factor in much near the goal line though. White is still a good RB who will always have a role in this O-don't be fooled my last game. Favre is a good sell high guy now, but he also is a pretty darn solid FF QB.

Majeed

M-Dub, Fins would then finish 9-7 based on your assessment?

Matt Williamson

  (1:25 PM)

I will take the UNDER there as well. Pats and Phins both at 7-9.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Should the Raiders give some of their young WRs more chances now that the season is pretty much a wash?

Matt Williamson

  (1:25 PM)

It wouldn't hurt, but they also REALLY need to see what they have in JWalk. Need to draft one high.

MJ (Boston)

Matt - for the record, you're the man to chat with, major props too ya...that should have been mentioned earlier.

Matt Williamson

  (1:26 PM)

Gotta post this one!

PT (Franklin, NC)

Why would the Raiders attempt to trade Micheal Bush when Justin Fargas and Mcfadden aren't even 100 percent healthy? Has Al had a psychiatric evaluation lately?

Matt Williamson

  (1:27 PM)

REALLY didn't understand that. Also remember, Bush is making his rookie salary and the salary of a 4th round pick at that. He doesn't hurt the cap at all. Surprised no one jumped on nabbing Bush. I have no idea what Al wanted for the guy, but he can be on my team for what he costs. Everyone has that one dude in your FF league that gets a little crazy this time of year and will trade a dollar for 75 cents. Al?

Dan - San Jose

Patriots are suffering from the Runner-Up hangover. All the bad stuff that never happened to them is all happening now.

Matt Williamson

  (1:29 PM)

That SB Runner Up syndrome is really something. Amazing. Still, I think Brady's injury has more to do with it than that syndrome. How about a little Karma as well for throwing bombs against teams you are beating by 30 with three minutes left in the game last year. If I were the head coach for SD on Sunday Night, I would have pulled LT out of the game early, and brought in Chris Davis-young and fast-and thrown Davis bomb after bomb.

Travis, SLC

To Dan in San Jose... Satan is coming back to claim Belicheck and Brady's souls after their deal with him.

Matt Williamson

  (1:30 PM)

BB's maybe. Brady? No, he is just the Man.

Broad Street Brian Philly

Does any team in the league get destoryed by TE's like the Eagles. I love the young backers, SLB Gocong is tough against the run but struggles to cover. How do you hide this weakness?

Matt Williamson

  (1:31 PM)

SD has a real tough time. Doesn't make a ton of sense to me considering their LBs are athletic. However, someone like Gocong on the strong side is much better going forward than in reverse. Remember, this guy was a DE in college. The safeties could be showing a little age as well, but overall, I think that is more of a testiment to good CB play, as they make life tough on WRs-QB has to throw to someone.

Satan (down below)

Sorry Matt, but Brady too. You think a 6th round choice became a star on his own? HAHAHAHA!!

Matt Williamson

  (1:32 PM)

He does have an awful lot going for him...

Dave (Fargo)

Hey Matty love your chats. What is going on with that explosive Broncos offense? There D is still not playing great but the struggles seem to be on the Offensive side of the ball lately

Matt Williamson

  (1:33 PM)

Last week, I think it was simple. No Scheffler. No Royal. Stokely got hurt during the game. Cutler keyed on Marshall, which he usually does-to a fault almost-but now he had very few other suitable options. Jax put Mathis (an excellent CB who matches up well physically with Marshall) and a safety over the top. Just not enough weapons. After the bye, that O will be back. No worries...at least on that side of the ball.

JC (NY)

what team has made better decisions on when to release aging players than PGH? bye to Haggans & Porter. Hello to Woodley & Harrison. And the Steelers have yet to fully unleash Timmons!! remarkable!

Matt Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

They are terrific at it. I did think Porter was done-but he has put together a heck of a year in Miami. But yeah, I hear ya. Long list. Teams should know their own personnel MUCH better than the other teams in the league do though.

TONY (KEIZER, OREGON)

i see, i dont suck up to you, thats why i dont get posted, i see how it works now

Matt Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

Tony-you are catching on quick. Can't get anything past you.

Luis (SB, CA)

To Mike in Dallas, it was Flozell getting beat all day by Zona D-Line...Columbo has been solid

Matt Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

The Hotel did have a long afternoon. He seems to have a game or two like that every year.

Matt Williamson

  (1:36 PM)

Also-I think Zona had their blocking schemes confused. Zona does that very well.

Mike (San Diego)

M-Dub, in regards to releasing aging players, the Iggles have to be right up there with the best of them. So many players leave for more money, and they just flat out stink.

Matt Williamson

  (1:36 PM)

Agreed. NE is strong there too. Not a coincidence that these are all good organizations.

MJ (Boston)

Tony will get posted, when he has a good post worth answering, what a winer!!

Matt Williamson

  (1:37 PM)

MJ's got my back

MJ (Boston)

How's Talib doing in Tampa? I haven't heard anything from him, is he starting? Nickle? Who's been the best rookie corner?

Matt Williamson

  (1:38 PM)

Lowry in NYJ has been impressive considering where he was selected. Talib is the nickel. Made some plays last week. Starting to come on. Barber looks old all of a sudden. Could push him sooner than later. Other rookie CBs come to mind? Wasn't a real good CB draft class.

Eric (Sioux City)

Nearly a year and half into their careers, how would you grade the 2007 safety class -- Landry, Griffin, Merriweather, Nelson, Weddle, and TJack.

Matt Williamson

  (1:40 PM)

Landry will be a Pro Bowler for years to come. Does it all and just scratching the surface of what he can do. Wish Taylor was next to him still-wow. As for the others, the jury is still out, but I think Griffin and TJax are keepers. Tough guys with good range. Good tacklers. Expected more from Weddle and Merriweather this year. Nelson needs to stay healthy, but he could be an excellent pure FS. Cool?

Jeff (TX)

Columbo has been solid one game, bad the next.

Matt Williamson

  (1:41 PM)

He does have some of that. He's a brauler. Tough guy. Not real light on his feet. Can be beaten by quick twitch speed. Depends who lines up on the other side. You know the DEs are getting paid as well.

Ken (San Diego, CA)

Come on Matt, you can't use "upside" with Roy Williams. The guys is in his sixth season already. He's injury prone and had one really good year. 9M and 3 picks seems like a lot. Can anyone say Joey Galloway?

Matt Williamson

  (1:42 PM)

It does seem like a lot, but you can't tell me that you would be shocked if Roy W's career took a dramatic turn for the better in his new surroundings. I do question his want-to, but getting out of that organization should only help. Upside.

MJ (Boston)

Matt - Not a fan of Landry? he gets beat, he's not a consistent tackler, and he's been accused of being dirty...Horton's been much better than Landry.

Matt Williamson

  (1:43 PM)

He does have some dirtiness to him and yes, he will miss some tackles going for the kill shot, but I think this is a guy who is just scratching the surface of what he will do. Works hard. Tough. Very fast. Very physical. Plays the ball well. I like what I have seen. Not a finished product, but is still a puppy. Wash did get a find in Horton though.

MJ (Boston)

this is nothing like the Joey Galloway...they gave up 2 firsts...Aikman was on his way out...Galloway was a desperate move, and they weren't nearly as talented as this Cowboys team.

Matt Williamson

  (1:44 PM)

Agreed. Dallas might be the best team in the league on paper. True contender.

Rick (PA)

if you ran the Steelers draft, their 1st pick in 2009.... O-line or D-Line?

Matt Williamson

  (1:45 PM)

Always prefer DL as a rule of thumb. However, if they do not resign B McFadden, it might have to be CB. The OL will be revamped so-of course-that is an option, but don't discount a CB to replace Townsend in time and it would be nice if that guy was a top flight returner as well. McFadden has been great this year.

Matt Millen (in hiding)

C. Rogers, check. M. Willams, check. R. Williams, check. One more to go, and then my plan will have worked to perfection, mmwahahaha!

Matt Williamson

  (1:46 PM)

Funny....Roy is better than those guys. To Millen's credit-can't believe I just wrote that-MANY GMs would have taken Rogers.

Ryan (Denver)

I love the Broncos corners and linebackers, but man are the safeties and D-line awful. I think the broncos need to blitz often to keep QBs on their toes and not sitting int he pocket and finding receievers open 20 yards down the field. Agree?

Matt Williamson

  (1:47 PM)

I do. Champ is still amazing, but remember my commentary on Den's O injuries last game? The opposite was true for Jax in Den. They have a ton of okay pass catchers and simply did not throw at Champ. Okay fine, let Champ take any one of those WRs out of the game-who cares. Bly is fine-don't love him. The LBs are good enough, but overall, I agree with ya.

Tatum Bell (bell hop)

Man, Roy left town so fast I didn't get a chance to "check his bags."

Matt Williamson

  (1:47 PM)

Nice

Big Jake (Baton Rouge)

What do you think of Cassel for next Monday's game?

Matt Williamson

  (1:49 PM)

Not much. Not a believer at all. Processes information too slowly. Doesn't get the ball out. Little anticipation. Too fearful of letting the long ball go. Feels pressure that isn't there and can't get out of the way within the confines of the pocket when things do break down. All the things you would expect from a signal caller who was last starting in 1999. 1999! High School!

Williss Tampa

Matt...Buffalo traded their former 2006 first round pick DT John McCargo to the Colts for a 4th round pick. Good move by Buffalo and can McCargo ever live up to the expectations?

Matt Williamson

  (1:50 PM)

Worth the risk for Indy and they were incredibly light at that position. Shocked me a bit by Buff though. They are a contender right now-why lose an asset at this stage of the season? However, 4th round picks are valuable as is dumping a first round contract. Can McCargo rebound? Sure, the talent is there. I still never saw him as a first round prospect though.

Eric (Sioux City)

Good safety analysis. Have noticed, that aside from Landry, the safeties having been more CB hybrids; guys, smaller guys with good agility. Not sure that bodes well for 230 pound college prospects William Moore and Taylor Mays.

Matt Williamson

  (1:51 PM)

Not seeing a lot of those guys anymore. Even Roy Williams was getting phased out a bit. Need to be able to walk up and cover the slot guy once in a while. Guys like that could be great nickel LBs, but you don't use high picks on nickel LBs/special teamers.

Luis (SB, CA)

Ken: Joey Galloway? How about Leonard Davis? Another Texas native who played for a terrible team in Arizona. Plug him into Dallas: VIOLA! I expect the same for Roy

Matt Williamson

  (1:52 PM)

Worth noting

Bob, Atl Ga

so what is your take on Matt Ryan - and will Jamaal Anderson build off his dominate gamve vs the bears?

Matt Williamson

  (1:54 PM)

Anderson came into the league as a junior and didn't have a long record of production at Arkansas, so his early struggles should be a surprise. Still, esp with Abraham terrorizing OTs on the other side, that Anderson should be a fine strong side DE who stacks the run well. Will take time. As for Ryan-he's tremendous. Much like at BC when he didn't have great skill people aorund him, Ryan elevates the play of his teammates-and just wait. He is poised, smart and tough. Throws with exceptional anticipation for such a young QB and benefitis from coming from a pro style O at BC. Physically, he isn't a marvel, but he has enough. I like. I really like. ATL has their O foundation.

TSM (california)

Do you think BB wishes he would have taken Brady out at the end of some of those games last year to give Cassel more playing time instead of running up the scores like he did

Matt Williamson

  (1:55 PM)

Didn't make any sense to do it then

Jim (MN)

Many good OT prospects drafted the last few years -- JT, McNeil, Roos, Stewart, Long, Winston, Clady, Otah, Albert, Baker, etc. Any sleepers?

Matt Williamson

  (1:57 PM)

Hmmm...first off Joe Thomas might be the very best OLineman in the NFL right now. Already. Sleeper young OTs off the top of my head? Maybe Gaither (in time) in Balt. Ugoh isn't a sleeper, but he should be fine in time. Really like Clady and Long this year. I promise I am overlooking a young sleeper-but who? Staley isn't bad either, but hasn't adjusted to LT as well as I expected. Levi Brown is still quite a work in progress, but Grimm will turn him into a player. Sleeper OG-Nicks in NO.

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

Is T.Gonzales ever getting out of K.C.?

Matt Williamson

  (1:58 PM)

That is amazing to me. Trade him! If another team offered a third rounder, you have to pull the trigger!

Dave (Denver)

Sleeper tackle Ryan Harris in Denver. Turning out to be a very good RT.

Matt Williamson

  (1:59 PM)

Not a bad call. Smart guy who is athletic, but not a killer or pile mover-which fits in well there. Does Winston in Hous count? Really good one in the making.

Sandro (arlington, va)

RT - Stephon Heyer?

Matt Williamson

  (1:59 PM)

Not a fan here, but he was a find in the later rounds. I would stick with Jansen. But yeah, overall, he qualifies. Not a high profile draft pick.

Adam (Jersey)

How do you like TB's offensive line? Zuttah has been a nice surprise filling in for Joseph and then Sears. And Trueblood is dirty, in a good way... and a bad way.

Matt Williamson

  (2:01 PM)

I love their interior when healthy. Jospeh is one of the best OGs in the league. Much like Balt (see early in chat), they have dedicated high picks of late to the OL and it is paying off. Very different player, but Zuttah played OT at Rutgers last year and could possibly challenge Trueblood if need be. Faine was a great signing. Penn is good enough. Sears will be excellent. Still a young work in progress, but a lot of pieces here.

Brain N.O.

Matt, the Saints are about 3 plays away from being 6-0. Why aren't they getting love from anyone?

Matt Williamson

  (2:01 PM)

Bro-I get all kinds of heat because I give them too much love! Ranked them 3rd in the NFL! They are strong-very strong-and only getting better.

Joe Cool(Santa Cruz)

Aaron rodgers make the pro bowl?

Matt Williamson

  (2:03 PM)

Too early to say, but they will take three from each conference-Brees is a lock. McNabb comes to mind. Warner. Orton? Eli has a great shot. Campbell. Won't be easy, but he has a shot. I guess Romo will still get consideration as well.

Matt Williamson

  (2:03 PM)

Roos and Stewart in Tenn-love that young tandem.

Matt Williamson

  (2:04 PM)

Okay, I am out. This was a lot of fun as usual. Check back next week and we will do it again.