Tina, CA

Hi Mike, whats your take on L. Tomlinson? Is he washed up now? He's only 29 but has had his fair share of carries/hits on the body. But he's reminding me of how Marshall Faulk was in his last couple years. Is the end closer than I thought for my fantasy franchise of 6 years? It feels like a family member is dying.

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

Someone asked me that yesterday. I think it's premature talk unless the injuries linger. If healthy, no way is he washed up. But we've seen a few backs hit that age and suddenly have problems staying healthy. Health is the No. 1 concern.

Nick, Briarcliff, New York

Do you thnk tony Romo should start? The Cowboys have a big game against the giants next week and the more reps he takes with Roy Willaims the more he will get use to throwing to him. I think that the cowboys will be better prepared to play the giants if he starts this week.

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

If he can grip the ball and throw it OK, yes. But if you watch the end of the Cardinals-Cowboys game, Romo's passes had nothing on them. He can't play if that's how he's going to throw the ball.

Raul from San Francisco

Sando, What do you think the 9ers have to do to get back on the winning comlumn?..Do you believe it has a lot to do with coaches and/or players? What's your outcome of this week's matchup against the NFL defending champs coming back home from a loss in Cleveland? thanks Sando great job on the blogging keep it up!! -Raul

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

The 49ers have probably overrated their talent in a couple areas. Offensive line would be one. The talent-to-production ratio there should be better, in general, over the last couple seasons. The team still doesn't know if it has its QB for the long haul. That is a huge problem. The team lacks speed at safety, too. And then the constant turnover at offensive coordinator has set back the team.

Bryan, NJ

Will the Cardinals run away with the NFC West title or do you think its going to be closer race than it seems to be?

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

I don't see another team in the division making a serious challenge. Only the wrong injuries to Arizona are likely to tighten up the race.

Ken (San Diego, CA)

I don't understand if Dallas can pay two receivers 9M, why does everyone say that AZ can't pay two receivers top dollar?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

The issue isn't "can" so much as "should" -- at least in my view. Steve Breaston's emergence makes things a little interesting too. Long-term, I think they need to sign Boldin. They won't always have a passing machine such as Warner throwing the ball. And once Warner leaves, the talent at WR will be more important. Boldin is a great all-around player and a big part of their run game too.

PiersMorgan4949, Bay Area California

Greetings Sando. Please answer my question. Does the FIre NOlan brigade start, and do you see Nolan dismissed by Bye Week? Please answer my question, thks.

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

It's already started in the Bay Area media. I think it gets louder as the team continues to lose. Losing to the Giants is expected. A home loss to struggling Seattle the next week could trigger action at the bye, in my view.

ray gordon reid hempstead ny 11550

question to mike sando at 12.10 pm hi mike saints or panthers

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

Great game. Let's tentatively go with Carolina at home.

kc oakland

Taking away that last min. defensive TD by the Eagles, the Niners didn't look too bad -- but what happened to their game plan mid 3rd qtr to the end of the game. They just got away from using Gore and eating the clock -- and just kept passing

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

Pressure reveals a play caller's true identity in some cases. Mike Martz has reminded himself to get Gore his needed touches. But in the heat of battle, we've seen Martz become Martz -- a guy who favors the passing game. That is my best explanation for the third-quarter approach against New England and the fourth-quarter approach against Philly.

Phil (Albany, NY)

With the 49ers being 2-4 right now, do you think there is any way they can finish the season with at least a .500 record?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

Very unlikely. I don't see enough consistency from the QB position to make that happen.

Chris (NY, NY)

Assuming Dallas finishes with the 20th pick in the 1st round, they gave Detroit roughly the equivalent of 1040 draft value points for Roy Williams which is equal to the #15 pick in the draft. The last 6 players picked 15th include Jerome McDougle, Michael Clayton, Derrick Johnson, Tye Hill, Lawrence Timmons and Brandon Albert have a total of 0 pro bowls between them. If Roy Williams plays like a #1 receiver, I can't see how they gave up too much for him.

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

The question about Roy Williams is how well he'll play when the chips are down. The knock on him is that he isn't as passionate about the game as some guys. Is he going to help that team win playoff games? If yes, it's worth the investment.

Matt (Iowa)

What's going on with Dallas offense? Is losing Kosier and Flo dealing with stingers the problem? Or are teams finally figuring out Garrett?

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

I haven't seen every game, but I did watch the Arizona game. The Cardinals' quick and relentless front seven gave that line problems. I don't see those problems necessarily persisting every week. But if Romo is out, look for more problems in protection. Johnson doesn't move as well.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Mike, Im a Denver fan and going to the Game against NE on Monday nigtht. Will I see the Denver team from the first three games or the past three games in terms of offense?

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

I think you should be cautiously optimistic about that game from a Denver perspective. Cutler and Shanahan will be looking to show off that offense on a national stage.

Matt Mosley (ESPN)

Hey, what's with all of the questions about the Cowboys? I thought I was the NFC East blogger!

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

My favorite post of the day. Great job.

PiersMorgan4949, Bay Area California

Greetings, Mike. Thks for answer. Now, this Sunday, do you see JTO going down 6 times to the Gmen, and expect a blowout like 56 to 10 Gmen? Thks.

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

If I'm the Giants, I'm not happy about Joe Staley's comments about wanting to match up against Michael Strahan. It's not like the people replacing Strahan aren't capable of giving him problems, particularly on the road. I do see the Giants getting to JTO.

Andrew(Phoenix, AZ)

Hey Mike, big fan of your blog and huge Cards fan. My question is if the Cards win the division and host a home playoff game, win or not, do you think Boldin will be more tempted to stay with the Cards success this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

He seems to be a very principled man. I think the organization would still have to take the initiative in mending that relationship. In general, I do think the team's success as described would make re-signing more palatable.

Matt (St Lous)

Do you see the Ram's defense being able to shut down the Cowboys offense of TO, Witten, Barber and R.E. Williams? I don't care who's throwing the ball, we can't double all of them!

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

Shut down, no. But I did like the way the Rams played against the Redskins. They were more active and did a better job swarming to the ball, even though the Redskins still got yards. I do not expect the Rams to get blown out. I expect the Rams' defense to be competitive in this game.

Matt (IN)

I'm a Colts fan and don't really follow the West that much, but I do check in on how Edge is doing from time to time. Is he in danger of losing his job to Hightower or are they doing what a lot of teams are doing and using the 2 backs? Thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

I think Hightower is slowly overtaking James, but the team might not make the full switch in terms of the starting job this season. I would expect Hightower to be the starter by 2009.

Kim (Burien, WA)

Does it really seem likely that Seneca Wallace can be ready to start Sunday. With all the time he put in early this season working at receiver, is it realistic to think he'll be any better than Frye?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

I don't think he's spent enough time at receiver to dramatically take away from his ability to play QB. The calf injury would be the main culprit in depriving him of reps. And I do think that is potentially significant.

Jason, Charlotte

Mike, Is the Shaun Alexander signing merely Jim Zorn giving him another chance, or does all the negativity toward him being "soft" actually make him wanna prove himself again. How do you see this playing out?

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

The initial thought was to sign Alexander for three weeks while Betts gets healthy. Alexander does get a chance to state his case, and he could conceivably stick around if he makes a big difference. I'm interested in seeing how Alexander responds to being in a competitive situation. He has been handed starting jobs in the past with no real threat of losing them. As a result, he never had to work at his craft the way someone such as Julius Jones did. Portis is everything Alexander is not: tough, hard-nosed, great in blitz pickup. Can Alexander suddenly be good in those things? I'm skeptical.

Ken (San Diego, CA)

I'm starting to hear "Az Hakim" in reference to Steve Breaston. Is that really accurate?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

I wouldn't make the direct comparison. Breaston does have a special-teams background and I think that makes him fearless as a receiver and dangerous after the catch. Breaston has 24 catches in his last three games. Hakim never caught more than 53 in a season.

Sean (Philly)

When you said "constant turnover at offensive coordinator", I thought you were referring to Mike Martz's system.

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Great line. Love it. Way to keep it sharp.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Sando! How's it going! Still really excited over the Cards win last Sunday. Did anybody ask Morey if it hurt to block the punt? I'm assuming it would be fairly painful. -C

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Great win for your team. No one asked Morey that question, to my knowledge. Nothing hurts when you win!

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Gus Frerrotte is doing a nice job for the Vikes this year but what do they do for the longer term? I'm not convinced that a USC QB will be the answer and am already pretty sure that Tavaris Jackson isn't. I'd prefer getting a veteran who isn't ready for retirement and don't think the draft is the answer. What do you think is their best avenue?

Mike Sando

  (12:26 PM)

The draft, unfortunately. Most of the free-agent options are going to be undesirable. Teams don't let starting QBs get away.

Joe (Albany)

What record do the Rams need to finish with for Haslett to retain his job? There are reports that 6-6 the rest of the way would do it. Agree or disagree?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

That is one component, to my understanding.

Chris (Brooklyn, NY)

Okay-- now I'm really getting ahead of myself. What record do you think it takes to get a bye in the NFC? Because many of the best teams are in the east and only one of them can get it-- you have to think that Arizona has a great shot at it, especially because they get to fatten up on 5 more NFC West games. Thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

Eleven could do it. I would recommend 12.

John (CT)

Yesterday on Sportscenter, Shaun King gave his opinion that the Eagles are the favorite to make it to the Superbowl from the NFC. Given that there are 11 teams in the NFC that are 3-3 or better, I find it hard to pick an outright favorite at this moment in the season. Despite that, what is your take on the matter?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

I predicted the Eagles before the season. Westbrook's health affects my outlook a little. That type of injury will not go away quickly. Let's watch to see how Eli Manning reacts to a bad game. In the past he has shaken off that stuff pretty well. I like the Giants based on what I've seen most of this season.

ray (Eden Prairie, MN)

Romo shouyld sit, its only the Rams

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

"Only the Rams" won at FedEx Field last week.

Paul (Santa Barbara)

Sando do you think the Hawks have a chance at winning either game against the Cardinals?

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Too early to say. From what we see right now, no way. It would take a healthy Hasselbeck in rhythm with his receivers. And I do not anticipate seeing that anytime soon.

Jeff, New Haven

Does LT's playing at a small-ish college prolong his career? Meaning he didn't face the beating he would have in the Big 10, SEC, etc?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

That would be a stretch in my view. He's taken quite a few hits in the NFL.

ray (Eden Prairie, MN)

and your point

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

The Rams have looked better in their last two games. The Cowboys have been slumping. Dallas can't take an only-the-Rams attitude.

Greg (Arizona)

In my opinion Larry Fitzgerald is the best WR in the league, and trading Boldin in the offseason wouldn't be a bad idea because the emergence of Breaston & Doucet. Fitzgerald clearly doesnt need to have Boldin opposite him to be affective, he might actually be better without Boldin playing.

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

Fitzgerald might be the best WR in the league or he might be the second-best on his team. Here's my take: Fitzgerald is working hard at improving his game and it shows. Great hands, improving routes, very impressive. I would not trade Boldin unless I could get GREAT value for him.

Brian (NC)

Since Tony Romo, with no broken fingers, has turned the ball over at least once in 20 consecutive games (!), what's the over/under on the number of times he turns it over to the Rams with a broken pinkie (assuming he plays, that is)?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

Two.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Hugh Millen on the Mitch in the Morning show stated that he thought the "holding" penalty on Wahle would have been called 4 out of 10 times, your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

That is classic Hugh. I would say 4.3 times out of 10. Hilarious. I watched it and thought it was technically holding but not as bad as many of the holds we see go uncalled from week to week. The league needs to apply a consistent standard.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

Living in Ohio and not having DirecTV I don't get to see my Cards too often. With that said, I was very impressed with Tim Hightower on Sunday. How did so many teams miss on him and do you see him as a potential #1 back someday in Arizona?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

I do see him starting. I can't answer for teams, but Hightower did not play against great competition at the college level and he fumbled a bit early in his career.

Dan (NY)

What's great value for Boldin? The haul the Lions got for Roy Williams? Clearly, Boldin is better.

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

I would want more than what the Cowboys gave up. I would make the price almost prohibitively high. He's under contract at a reasonable price and productive during the season. Great combination for the Cardinals.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Yeah, Hightower's 3.0 yds a carry are really impressive. That is just what the Cards need, another RB that won't get a carry over 10yds all game.

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Hightower is an NFL-best 10-for-10 on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1. Situations matter. Hightower has played well so far. He has five touchdowns too. And he got 17 yards on third-and-17 screen pass.

Lucas (Reno, NV)

What adjustments should the 49ers make this week to compensate for the great pass rush the Giants will be using?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

They should have their quarterback turn around and hand the ball to No. 21. And they should work on the screen game with said No. 21 and also Vernon Davis, possibly.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)

How much of a difference do you think not losing Norv Turner would have had on the Niners franchise? It seems like that was a huge, huge turning point. Or were the Niners just completely overrated?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Big difference. I think Alex Smith might be starting at QB. JTO would not be on the 49ers. Neither would Isaac Bruce.

Mike (San Diego)

Mike, any idea how the Rams suddenly got better? Do assistant coaches sometimes undermine their HC? The Rams gave up 400.3 points per game, and now they're defense is good? What gives?

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

They played with great passion and forced turnovers. Yes, assistant coaches sometimes look out for their own interests. I do not know if that has happened in this case. It doesn't really matter. The team responded to Haslett in the first game. Now let's see if they can sustain it.

MJ (Boston)

I like Bolden, but Roy Williams with a pro bowl QB, will step his game up considerably. This guys big, fast, strong, he's the real deal...and he's 26. As a Cowboy fan, I'd rather RW than Bolden.

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Boldin loves the game and is a consummate professional. Also a great blocker. And of course a top-flight receiver. I would take Boldin any day.

James, DC

The Skins get back on track this weekend?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Yes, I think so. They turned it over and lost the game. Skins previously protected the ball well.

John (CT)

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line before the season was praised as one of the best in the league, with 3 pro bowlers. Why were they so miserable against the Cardinals? Romo was pressured almost ever pass play with only 3 or 4 Cards rushing. And on run plays, Barber was met in the backfield almost every time by 3 defenders. What can they do differently?

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

The Cowboys have a big offensive line. Those guys struggled with the quicker Cardinals.

Sargon AZ

Hey Mike, Do you think its too late for the rams to salvage there season as a contender?They appeared to be a totally diffirent team out there against Washington.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

Yes, too late to salvage as a contender. But no reason they can't win a few games down the stretch.

Carlos (Las Vegas, NV)

Is Manny Lawson playing this week? If so, why not use him to rush the passer? The personel they've been using clearly has not been doing a good job. He was drafted to be a pass rusher, why not use hime? The defensive backs have looked bad, but to me it is because there is no pressure on the QB.

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

Lawson has practiced, so he has a chance. Perhaps Lawson isn't a very good pass rusher. That is something to consider in the equation. Yes, they drafted him to rush the passer. But if the 49ers thought he could do that well, I'm thinking they would use him.

Andy (Ann Arbor, MI)

I think the Lions owed it to Kitna to be truthful and say they wanted to go in another direction. I don't understand why they wouldn't try to trade him to someone, perhaps the 49ers, instead of putting him on the IR. What are your thoughts on how they handled the situation?

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

The Lions squandered the benefit of the doubt in these situations long ago. Jon Kitna is probably a little emotional about the situation, so I wouldn't just take what he is saying unfiltered. But I tend to side with him in this matter. Problem is, the Lions can't know which direction they are going at the position next season. Who will be the coach? Kitna is under contract at a reasonable rate next season. Perhaps the team wants to keep him as a backup. We'll see.

Hector (Santa Clara, CA)

Regardles of how JTO plays the rest of the season, I believe the 49ers will draft a QB this upcoming draft. My question is do you believe they'll take one in the 1st round or in the later rounds? This is also assuming Mike Nolan is fired and Mike Holmgren is running the show.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

Holmgren hasn't been a first-round QB guy. He would have to be absolutely sure on a guy to do that.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

I hate the Cards but even I can see holes in MJ's logic. Boldin has produced HUGE with even worse QBs then Kitna and his only "probowl" QB is an over the hill Warner. Sorry but Williams "potential with a Probowler" doesn't outweigh year after year production with less then stellar QBs.

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Warner isn't over the hill. He's putting up huge numbers. More TD passes in second half of 2007 than any QB in the league.

brice (ny)

do you think greg jennings is underated? nobody talk about him and he is a darn good wr probably top 5

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Depends who is doing the rating. Sounds like you appreciate him. The big plays are undeniable. He leads the league in 20-plus-yard pass receptions.

John (Watertown, NY)

Is there a reason that the 49er's don't seem to want to use Vernon Davis? Does Martz have something against Tight Ends?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Davis has finally become involved in the passing game lately. Martz traditionally has not featured TEs in the passing game. Davis struggles as a route runner and that is part of it.

Karen (Boise, ID)

This season is early, but clearly the Cardinals are the best team in the division. The other teams haven't looked good. Between the 49ers, Hawks and Rams, which teams has the brightest future?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Seattle if Hasselbeck gets healthy.

Dave (NYC)

Always a pleasure Mike. Is Boldin going to play after the bye and do you see the Cards winning the division and also what is your take when the Cards play host to the Giants on Nov 12th?

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

Thanks, Dave. Right now I do think Boldin has a chance to play against Carolina, but I'll believe it when I see it. No need to rush him back. The NYG game will be a tough one. I see the Cardinals possibly going 7-1 at home this season. That would be the game I'm circling as the most likely loss. But if the Cards are as amped up as they were against Dallas, I think they'll force Eli Manning into some mistakes.

Jerrod (IA)

the chiefs clearly dont have a franchise qb on their roster, do they look to the draft or free agency at the end of the season?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Don't look for one in free agency. Won't find one there 90 percent of the time. That leaves the draft, and it's a guessing game.

Mike (San Diego)

Mike, do you really have to force Eli Manning into mistakes? Seems like most of his mistakes are of the self-inflicted kind.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

My understanding is that Manning makes some mistakes when defenses force him to make tough decisions against coverage.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY THE CHAT TODAY. Hope to see you on the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest