Chat with Matt Mosley
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Mosley, an award-winning writer for The Dallas Morning News for seven years, joined ESPN.com in January 2007 and writes columns, features and blogs about the NFL.
Send your questions now and join Mosley in The Show on Friday at noon ET!
Mosley Archive: Columns | Blog
Ashburn, VA
Matt, I hate looking a head in the schedule but do you think the Skins can beat the Steelers and if they do I think people really have to start looking at the Redskins as a big time threat in thte NFC, you agree?
Matt Mosley (12:03 PM)
Hello Ashburn. Hello SportsNation. Looks like you guys were more prompt today. And yes, I think the Redskins can beat the Steelers. The Redskins do a nice job against the run. I also think the Redskins will be able to run against the Steelers. I already think the Redskins are a big time threat in the NFC. No doubt about it.
Herndon, VA
Is JC ever going to step up into the upper echelon of QBs? He's a great game manager at the moment. But what about a game changer?
Matt Mosley (12:05 PM)
We're Redskins heavy early in the chat, but we'll balance things out. I think Jason Campbell has already stepped into the upper echelon. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a 300-yard game every time out to be an elite quarterback. Campbell hasn't thrown an interception since last season. And it's not like he's being overly conservative on his throws.
Brian (Dallas, TX)
Do you think people give Wade Phillips way too much credit as a defensive coordinator in San Diego?
Matt Mosley (12:08 PM)
Brian: Phillips has always been an excellent defensive coach., I just think he has a tough time as a head coach because he can't focus on his strengths. Phillips was successful with Ted Cottrell and Brian Stewart in San Diego, But no, I don't think he was overrated in San Diego. He's just not been able to focus on the defense in Dallas. But a lot of that is his fault. His mandate was to fix this defense.
SprungOnSports (Long Island)
Who do you think wins out, the Giants o-line or the Steelers front 7? Who wins the game?
Matt Mosley (12:09 PM)
Giants win, 24-14
Rick (Richmond VA)
The ability of backs to block in passing situations is not properly valued throughout the league as it can make all the difference. Between Sellers and portis the skins have two Monster blockers in the backfield. Where would you rate the other NFC East backs?
Matt Mosley (12:12 PM)
Mike Sellers definitely belongs in the Pro Bowl this season. He absolutely blows up linebackers on isolation plays. And yes, Portis is one of the best in the business. He's a physical guy and he has excellent technique. In terms of blockers, I would say that Brandon Jacobs does a pretty nice job and Brian Westbrook does a decent job for a little guy. Marion Barber isn't as destructive as one might think, and fullback Deon Anderson is still learning. And he's been hurt.
Kenny (Chesapeake Beach MD)
Mosley, do you think the Giants are only 5-1 because of their powderpuff schedule so far? Do you think they will struggle in the 2nd half of the season?
Matt Mosley (12:13 PM)
Kenny: I think Bill Snyder did an excellent job with the Giants' schedule. They did play the Redskins, although I agree that it took Washington a couple of games to hit its stride. I think the Giants will lose a few more games, but I still think they win the division.
Andy (Ann Arbor, MI)
I read a report that Jerry Jones is considering hiring Jimmy Johnson if he cans Wade. I cannot believe that. I thought they hated each other. Plus, I assume Garrett is a shoe-in. Have you heard and rumblings about Wade's future and possible replacements?
Matt Mosley (12:14 PM)
Jimmy Johnson is not coming back to Dallas as a head coach. It simply won't happen. Put that in three-inch headlines!
Rick (richmond VA)
Really love your work. So being down there in enemy territory you must have had some dealings/interviews/a good vantage point on pacman. Is he truly as mind-boggingly stupid as he acts???
Matt Mosley (12:17 PM)
Rick: I didn't spend enough time with Pacman to know if he's "stupid," but I think it's fair to say he uses extremely poor judgment. He's been caught up in a cycle of poor decisions for years. But his rare athletic ability allowed him to get the benefit of the doubt in a lot of situations. As Bill Parcells used to say, "trouble knows how to find some guys." And that's Pacman. The truth of the matter is that he's not that great of a player. And the coaches didn't particularly like being around him. HIs suspension may have been bad for the Cowboys in the short term, but it will be better down the road. If Jerry Jones allows him back on the team, he's even crazier than most of us suspected.
David (Gainesville, FL)
Has the NFC South taken the NFC East's position as the best division in football?
Matt Mosley (12:20 PM)
David: You sort of have to look at who everyone's playing. I certainly think the South is formidable, but at the end of the season, we'll say the Beast is the best. The Saints are explosive, but they make dumb mistakes. The Bucs have an opportunistic defense, but their offense isn't anything special. Are we ready to declare the Panthers a Super Bowl contender? I know I'm not. Atlanta's a great story, but Matt Ryan's about to learn a tough lesson against his hometown team.
Morris (Columbus, OH)
Injuries and chaos aside in Big D, the O-line needs to step things up immediately if they want a win Sunday. How do you see them matching up against Tampa's defense? Big Davis is the only lineman that's earned his reputation and pay so far this season...
Matt Mosley (12:22 PM)
This line needs a chance to get its swagger back. The only way to do that is to stick with the running game for more than a couple of series. Who cares if the Bucs put eight men in the box. Run the ball. It's what the Giants and Redskins do. They don't let defenses dicatate what they do. They always dictate what's going to happen. Andre Gurode needs to wakeup and someone needs to help Flozell Adams get out of his stance.
Rick (richmond VA)
Devin Thomas doesn't even seem to be getting looks in games?? Do you think he is putting in the effert and just not getting it yet, or worse is he just not dedicated enough to make the leap??
Matt Mosley (12:24 PM)
Devin Thomas is working hard on special teams. I can say that, because I witnessed it first-hand last Sunday. That said, he and Malcolm Kelly have been huge disappointments at receiver. They're not catching on in the classroom, and I don't think either of them will make a significant impact during the season. One or two catches here or there is all you can expect.
Steiny (NYC)
With Clinton Portis a little banged up this week, do you think Shaun Alexander can play a major role in the game against the Lions?
Matt Mosley (12:25 PM)
Something has gone horribly wrong if Shaun Alexander is playing a major role in anything.
Keith (Long Island, NY)
Do you think Plax has any chance of missing time at all this weekend against the steelers? I think he plays and has a big game like he always does despite injuries
Matt Mosley (12:26 PM)
He's playing. But the Giants could win without him. Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith have emerged as solid receivers. And you always have the veteran Amani Toomer. This is a team that won't be held hostage by a player going down with an injury.
Jason (Orlando)
Matt- I'm confused. If Dallas isn't giving Johnson enough time to look downfield, shouldn't Witten get the ball until they can stop him?
Matt Mosley (12:28 PM)
Johnson can't throw downfield, so that's not where he should be looking. Play to his strengths by sending Witten down the seam or on short drags. Same goes for Terrell Owens. The ball needs to come out quickly. Hopefully Johnson shook a little rust off.
Will J (Portland, OR)
How much will the return of Kevin Curtis, and possible return of Reggie Brown affect Jackon's playing time?
Matt Mosley (12:29 PM)
Not at all, Will. He may miss a couple of reps, but he's taken advantage of Curtis' and Brown's downtime. Andy Reid's going to keep him on the field.
MERMEL (NYC)
How do you think Jason Campbell will do vs a very bad lions team?
Matt Mosley (12:30 PM)
I think he'll have an excellent first half and then the Redskins can run in the second half.
Randy Galloway (Lone Star Park)
Mosely, do we see Red Jesus as the head coach after another meltdown this Sunday by the Cows?
Matt Mosley (12:30 PM)
Not this Sunday, Randy. But Red J could take over after a blowout loss in the Meadowlands.
Mike (Charlottesville, VA)
Speaking of teams held hostage, what happens to the Skins if Portis ends up missing major time due to injury?
Matt Mosley (12:32 PM)
They could be in trouble. Alexander would become the lead back if it happened tomorrow. Ladell Betts would give you a solid option when he returns. It would be a terrible loss, but I don't think the season would be over.
Jeff(Nashville,TN)
Who is more valuable to their team right now, Clinton Portis or Marion Barber?
Matt Mosley (12:32 PM)
Portis
Terrell's Mom (My Big Estate)
How is my baby gonna do on Sunday?
Matt Mosley (12:33 PM)
He needs to play the game of his life. I think he'll catch five or six balls for 72 yards. And by his recent standards, that would be a huge day.
Chris (Cali)
What's up with Garrett??? He has been a dissapointment! Has the league caught up to his schemes? How much does the O-line miss Tony Sparano? To me the biggest problem this year has been the O-line!
Matt Mosley (12:36 PM)
I started mentioning the Sparano thing earlier in the season and was almost laughed out of town. But this offensive line has definitely slipped since last season. Is that Hudson Houck's fault? I'm not sure, but you can't argue with the fact that the line is playing a lot worse than last season's unit. I have no clue why Garrett has been so conservative with the game plan (even before Brad Johnson took over). T.O. used to go in motion. Now, he's no more than a blocker on the outside -- and a lousy one at that.
Zach (CT)
Matt, two questions for you. If the Dallas D steps up and plays to its, I cringe to say this now, potential do they have a chance in these next two games? Also, do you have a favorite team or are you one of the many experts who don't really have a preference?
Matt Mosley (12:43 PM)
Zach: If Wade Phillips somehow gets his defense to show up, there's a slim chance they could turn things around. Regarding your second question, I grew up rooting for Danny White and the Cowboys. "The Catch" had a devastating effect on me. But by the time the Cowboys were winning Super Bowls early in the 90s, it wasn't the same. I was no longer a big fan. When I started on the Cowboys beat for the Dallas Morning News in 2003, I didn't have any rooting interest. You enjoy seeing certain guys play well because you've gotten to know them. But I don't feel particularly happy or sad when they win or lose. I have one team that I cheer for in every sport and that's my alma mater, Baylor. We're picked third in Big 12 basketball by the way.
VK (DC)
Thought's on the play of the Skins young LBs, HB Blades and Rocky McIntosh?
Matt Mosley (12:45 PM)
Rocky McIntosh will eventually be a really good player in the league. Still makes mistakes in overpursuing plays, but I like him. H.B. Blades has been excellent in goal line D and I think he can do a decent job filling in for Marcus Washington.
Chris (Cali)
How much of the future did the Cowboys mortgage in the Roy Williams trade? The 2 picks were high, but when you factor in they would have been paid no more than 10 mill for their entire contracts. How many good players are the Cowboys going to lose? Canty, Burnett, Spears, Colombo, and I think the other Roy Williams has played his last game in Dallas!
Matt Mosley (12:48 PM)
At the rate the Cowboys are going, they may have given up the No. 16 or 17 pick overall. I think Jerry thought the pick would end up being No. 25 or worse. He's been coveting another star receiver. And now he has a young player for the next few years. It's rare that you find an impact receiver in the draft. Jones wanted someone who can play now.
Yat (LA)
I hate to torture myself, but how good would the Eagles be if they had drafted Witten instead of passing on him for LJ Smith? Sigh...
Matt Mosley (12:49 PM)
It is amazing that Witten was the 69th overall player taken in 2003.
david (norristown pa)
do you think TO is upset with roy williams getting that big contract
Matt Mosley (12:50 PM)
I think T.O. is upset that he had to bend over and tie his own shoes this morning.
Patrick J. (Ocala, FL)
Is DeMarcus Ware the best defensive player in the NFC East? NFL?
Matt Mosley (12:50 PM)
I think Ware and Justin Tuck are pretty close right now.
Steve (DC)
You were being criticized at first for being a Cowboys homer especially by us Redskins fans but as the season has gone on you have really proven us wrong. I enjoy your unbiased work, keep it up. Also can you give a shout out to all the Redskins faithful on extremeskins.com, we are always posting your work.
Matt Mosley (12:50 PM)
SHOUT OUT!!
Sean (DC)
Because the Skins have played so well, people seem to be ignoring the fact that Vinny Cerrato is still a moron. THREE wasted second round picks. Make that four with the mindless trade for Jason Taylor. Throw in a draft, which aside from Chris Horton, has produced nothing, and the Skins continue to have the worst personnel staff in the league. Will Vinny stay as long as Dan Snyder owns the team?
Matt Mosley (12:53 PM)
La Canfora, stop posing as "Sean." I didn't think the trade for Jason Taylor was mindless at the time. It seemed like something the Redskins desperately needed to do. I won't argue that the second-round picks have been a huge disappointment, but let's give them one more season before we start talking bust. And if a team's winning, the GM (or whatever they call Vinny) is usually safe.
Chris (Cali)
I don't think it's rare for a team to find an impact receiver in the draft!!! That concept is overrated. Most times receivers that are drafted high are on bad teams, with bad QBs! If the QB situation is stable, I think WR's can be developed!
Matt Mosley (12:54 PM)
Chris, you can certainly draft an impact receiver. I'm simply saying that most of them don't make an immediate impact. Thanks.
DJ (Ktown Germany)
Matt who is gonna finish last Dallas or Philly? I still see Dallas going no worse that 9-7 call me optimistic but I could totally see them going 10-6 and fully healthy into the playoffs as a scary team for anyone to play.
Matt Mosley (12:54 PM)
Unless something dramatic happens, Dallas is your fourth-place team in the East.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
Matt, love the chats! ESPN has an article stating that the Steelers and Giants are destined to meet in the Super Bowl. It's entirely too early to say it's a lock, but who are you predicting, and more importantly, who wins on Sunday?
Matt Mosley (12:57 PM)
Robert: I wrote one of the columns in the package you're alluding to. I think the Giants are better at this stage of the season and will win in Pittsburgh. Giants win, 24-14. And that's with or without Plaxico.
BC (Austin)
How about 'dem Baylor Bears?!?
Matt Mosley (12:58 PM)
Ranked third (along with KU) in the Big 12 coaches' poll. Football team has a shot in Lincoln tomorrow. Does anyone know how to find Versus on DirecTV? If so, let me hear from you quickly.
ROB HSL
Chris horton what does ur scouts eye see Sean Taylor RIP my friend or lavar all flash no substance
Matt Mosley (1:00 PM)
Horton isn't nearly as physically gifted as the two guys you mentioned. But he's an instinctive player who's always around the ball. He'll give up some big plays, but he'll also make a lot of them. You don't replace Sean Taylor. But with Horton, you have a kid who flies around the football., You have to keep players like that on the field. Neat kid, too.
Redskins Fans (DC)
Any chance the Skins install someone new as the punt returner? Randel-el has been straight garbage.
Matt Mosley (1:01 PM)
I'm not hearing anything like that. I think Randle El's still pretty reliable back there. No changes coming.
Mikey (Scottsdale, Arizona)
So what's your take on Singletary being the new head coach for SF?
Matt Mosley (1:04 PM)
I think Mike will do an excellent job. I hope he's there for a lot of years. I know the players and coaches have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I truly wish he'd prevented his offensive line coach George Warhop from getting knee-capped, though. You give the guy one first-round rookie, a decent center in Heitmann and a bunch of spares and then you fire him? Singletary's one of my heroes, but he should've been in the York's offices telling them not to make someone besides Nolan the scapegoat. I'm just glad Mike Martz had the guts to question the move. Other than that, I really don't have any thoughts on the matter.
Eddie (Winston Salem, NC)
Rank the BEast's defenses factoring in who they have played against. And how they have fared against those offenses.
Matt Mosley (1:05 PM)
1. Giants 2. Redskins 3. Eagles 4. Cowboys
Ben (Virginia)
Carlos Rogers has been amazing thus far this year, especially the last few weeks with Shawn Springs out of the lineup. Do you think he could make a pro-bowl either this year or in the near future?
Matt Mosley (1:06 PM)
I agree with you, Ben. Fred Smoot's always getting hurt and Shawn Springs is getting long in the teeth. Rogers has sort of held that thing together. If he keeps this up, he definitely deserves consideration for the Pro Bowl. Folks, you've been wonderul, but my hour is up. Enjoy Scott Drew.
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