Lucas (Reno, NV)

Mike, I am a broken hearted 49ers fan, but I am excited about what Mike Singletary has done. JTO was causing too many turnovers and the Offensive line needs to be overhauled, but starting David Bass is a start. Assuming Singletary stays and more than likely Martz is out at the end of the season who will be Singltary's Offensive Coordinator? Would the 49ers be interested in Lane Kiffin? Who ever it is needs to look at the Titans and think about giving Frank Gore the ball 30 times a game.

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

We're getting ahead of ourselves. The premise is a potentially troubling one for the 49ers. How many offensive systems can they expect these players to embrace? At some point the franchise needs some stability. To answer your question specifically, I don't know who would be on Singletary's short list, off hand. I think he faces an uphill fight to keep the job.

Chris (Brooklyn)

What's up Sando! I'd love to hear your initial thoughts on Rams vs. Cards this week? I'm worried S. Jackson is gonna have a big day against AZ. Thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Well, the Rams are worried Jackson might not be ready -- again. That's what the reports from St. Louis are saying. Getting to Bulger is the key. I haven't broken down the St. Louis game in detail yet, but I've watched it a couple times casually (I put on games in background for the osmosis effect) and Bulger looked to be throwing early as if wary of taking hits. This Arizona defense can hit the quarterback. Wilson, Okeafor and those guys aren't afraid to take their shots. My initial feel is that the Cardinals' offense will win that game.

EZ (D.C.)

Give me your thoghts on the Skins Steelers MNF game. It's funny has nobody is giving the Skins any love. I wonder when people are going to realize that Portis will be the MVP this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

The Steelers' injury situation is a big problem. I might favor the Redskins as a result. You're right on Portis. HUGE SEASON.

Rick (NY)

Why does Anquan Boldin seem to get more looks in the red zone over Larry Fitzgerald?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

I haven't charted red-zone looks but if that premise is true, it could be because Boldin has been a more refined route runner. Fitzgerald has worked on that part of his game -- he squeezed the DB nicely on the corner route against the Cowboys -- but Boldin might be the surer thing in those situations. Coverages also might dictate. Those are a couple theories.

Vernon Davis (San Fran)

After what happened Sunday do I have any value left, fantasy or otherwise?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

Yes. I liked the way you hustled after Josh Wilson and nearly caught him on the 75-yard interception return. You work hard. You just need to mature, and you need to do it in a hurry.

Dave (Pittsburgh, PA)

Is any team from the NFC West going to make it past the wildcard round?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

The Cardinals could win a home game, yes. Seattle tends to win those first-round home games, too, but the Seahawks probably won't get that chance this season.

Carlos (La,CA)

Mike, If the niners end up with one of the top 3 picks. Do you think they will draft a qb or ol. Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

I haven't studied who is available, but going the first-round QB route seems unlikely given what happened with the Smith pick. I would rather go OL or DL in that situation and get a sure starter.

Jerry (P.AZ)

With the emergence of Breaston and the potential of Doucet to be a solid 3rd receiver, isn't trading Boldin for a 1st rounder a no-brainer?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

On the surface, yes. But I think Boldin is a key to the development of other receivers. He's such a pro. The standard he sets raises the level of those around him. I think that's one reason Breaston has improved so much. I would keep Boldin if I were th Cards.

Eric (Sioux City)

If the 49ers are going to stick with the 3-4, they need to get a dominant NT. Should they reach for AL's Cody in the 1st or take Raji in the 2nd?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

I do not study the college players, particularly this early, but you're right about needing the NT if they go 3-4. I'm just not sure they'll go 3-4 next season.

Jerry (TX)

I have heard that Mike Martz would probably not be in SF next year, but why is that. Does Singletary want to have some other offensive system in place?

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

I wouldn't assume Singletary will necessarily be there, either. Nolan was the one who wanted Martz. Without Nolan, Martz has lost his biggest supporter. I think that lends support to the idea that Martz might not be back.

Thomas (San Jose, Ca)

Hey Mike, how come the 49ers do not take a more serious look at Culpepper. He is a vet with a lot of experience and he is not that old yet and still has a solid arm. He could probably do better than any other quaterback on the roster. At least bring the guy in for a workout and see whats he's got we have nothing to lose.

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

That SF system is demanding on the QB. Might be hard for a guy to walk in cold and show enough command this late in the season. Also, Culpepper doesn't have the mobility to deal with the constant pressure facing the 49ers' QBs.

Jerry (TX)

Answer to Eric's question, the 49ers just drafted a NT in the first round, Kentawn Balmer from North Carolina, they are just bringing him along slow but I expect him to be more of an impact next season.

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

They have looked at Balmer as a DE in the 3-4, not a NT.

Jeff (AZ)

I understand your logic for keeping Boldiin, but Breaston averaged nearly 100 yds/gm when Boldin was out. Why keep him on the bench and pay two receivers $10m each when you could greatly improve the defense with that 1st rounder.

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

That is logical thinking. I just wouldn't want to part with the best player on the team (or at least one of the three best).

Carlos (La,CA)

Mike, What's going on with Willis last year he was tremendous and yet we barely hear about him today? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

The defense has regressed this season. Willis has still had some games with lots of tackles. I think he had 18 against the Patriots. But he's not surprising anyone right now and that defense is having problems around him.

Matt

What if Bolding could fetch say, an Albert Haynesworth in a deal? Would that change your thinking?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

Wow, that would be a fun one. Yeah, I would consider something along those lines. Haynesworth next to Dockett? YIKES. On the other hand, would you expect the same production from Haynesworth, game in and game out, if you paid him on a long-term deal? The Titans haven't gone that route and they seem content doing the one-year thing to keep him motivated.

Mike (Ohio)

Any thoughts on the Flem File naming Adrian Wilson as the successor to Rodney Harrison for title of NFL's dirtiest player?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

Most personal fouls in the NFL, 2001 to 2007: Adrian WIlson 17, Rodney Harrison 14. Nuff said.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

The Deion Branch trade now looks like a huge mistake for the 'Hawks. Any chance he provides any returns on the first-round investment?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Looking doubtful. Even when healthy, Branch hasn't done a great deal. I'll believe it when I see it with Branch.

Vince Wilfork

I will soon take that title of Dirtiest Player!

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

I admire your game and haven't seen you as being the dirty player some have alleged.

Chris (Brooklyn)

To weigh in on the Boldin conversation-- I can't see the Cardinals being able to afford the cultural hit of losing Q. Winners like Boldin don't come around every day, and they almost NEVER come to Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald is a great player, but he's a quiet leader. Boldin, on the other hand leads by both example and voice. I don't have any numbers to back this up-- but I'm imagining that Boldin jerseys are the top sellers. Trading a player like that has HUGE implications when you're trying to turn a franchise around. I for one, would be incredibly disappointed if the Cards traded Q, no matter that they got.

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

That is a great point, Chris, and it reinforces my feelings. Don't trade your best guys, particularly when they are your best guys on the field and in the locker room.

ryan(NJ)

I haven't gotten to watch Hightower much. Is his low YPC due to the situations Arizona gives him the ball in, and his lack of consistent work, or is he just being overhyped?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

Might be a little of both. No question, Hightower has not racked up yards in the flow of the offense. However, he has been very effective in short-yardage situations, even after contact. ANd he has made a couple plays on the perimeter that Edgerrin James could not make (I'm thinking of the 17-yard gain on third-and-17 against the Cowboys).

Bob (Scottsdale)

Which ownership group is the worst in the NFL this season? Mike Brown is always a candidate, Ford is having trouble everywhere, Weird Al's Raiders? Seems like MAYBE the Bidwells might have finally figured something out?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

Tough to put the Bidwillis in that group. They have a credible coach, a new stadium and a competitive team. The Raiders would have to lead that list. I would put the Bengals and Lions right there too.

Julian ( Frankfurt, Germany )

As much as I hate to trade Q, in case that Kurt Warner decides to retire after this season, what about trading Q for a top RB, don't want to think about names here, but that should make some sense because the offense really needs some balance without Warner spreading the ball.

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

I would continue to develop Tim Hightower. Trading for a RB doesn't make sense to me. RBs don't hold up physically. The Cardinals can't get anyone better than Boldin, so why trade Boldin?

Burwell (Addison, PA)

I haven't had the chance to watch many Cards' games this season, but I loved Gabe Watson coming out of college. How is he looking as the 3-4 DT? And is Branch as big of a bust as everyone is saying?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

Watson made an immediate positive impact upon his return from injury but I haven't noticed him much since. Branch hasn't done anything. He does look bustworthy.

Dave (NYC)

Hope all is well with you Mike. In regards to Boldin I agree the Cards need to keep him. He is by far one of the most dangerous recievers in the game. The reason Breaston is having a good year is because this is all the Cards can do because they can't run the ball. I would like to see the Cards using Boldin in a couple of trick plays. I was told that he can throw the rock. Your take?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

They did use Boldin on a deceptive rushing play last week. He gained 30 yards. I liked that play. Perhaps they could set up a Boldin pass that way.

Russ (MD)

I love what Whisenhut is doing out in the desert. I hate to get too optimistic (the Cardinals have broken my heart so many times), but is a serious Super Bown run a serious possibility in 2-3 years?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Who will be the quarterback at that time? That is the dilemma. Warner is great right now. Will he be great at age 40? I don't think he can hold up that long.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Mike, I read an article that Mangini wants Favre to take less risks. That seems a bit out of sorts asking a future Hall of Famer to stop what got him to this point and change his ways. You think Manginious is having second thoughts getting rid of Pennington who is having a nice year down south? Your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

I would offer Mangini good luck with that, but I don't think anyone is going to change Favre. You might be able to manage him for stretches, but when the pressure is on, people revert to form. That's what happened to Favre in the championship game last season.

Steve (Phoenix)

Is Tim Hightower going to be a capable every down back someday, in your opinion?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

He looks like he could become that type of player. I do think the Cardinals need to improve their run blocking, though.

Pete (Houston)

Mike, any chance Seahawks or 4-12ers can upset the Cowboys?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

Highly doubtful.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

The Niners gave up what ended up being a #7 overall pick for Joe Staley, but do they regret the decision? From what I've seen he looks pretty good and could be a mainstay on that line.

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

They have expressed to regrets in my conversations with the front office there. Staley should become a long-time starter, but not necessarily a great left tackle. I'm still puzzled about what he saw on the play where Julian Peterson went right past him for the sack and forced fumble in the red zone (returned by Patrick Kerney). Staley set to the inside, as if Peterson weren't even there. Weird.

Burwell (Latrobe, PA)

Will the Seahawks be in full-blown rebuilding mode after this season? They have a lot of great pieces on both sides of the ball, but I can't see this team being competitive anytime soon.

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

The quarterback situation will dictate a lot of that. The defense is pretty young for the most part, but Kerney's long-term health is an issue. They spent a lot of money on him and he has delivered, but can he hold up? Not so sure. Tim Ruskell is not the type to sit back. And without Holmgren around, I could see Ruskell being more aggressive in the moves he makes on offense.

Russ (MD)

That Nate Clements signing looks really bad in hindsight. Will he ever live up to the contract, and if they want to release him will the cap hit be prohibitive?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Get him a pass rush and some safety help and you'll get return on that investment. Otherwise, it's not money well spent.

Pierre (stl)

Hightower somewhat resembles Marion Barber, your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

I haven't seen the same level of recklessness. And I mean recklessness in a godo way. Barber is in a class by himself that way.

Jon (NJ)

Can you touch on your opinion of Mangini for a second; He has tons of defensive talent (Pace, Jenkins, Ellis, Revis, Rhodes, David Harris, Bryan Thomas) and more then adequete offensive personnel. But it just seems like he stays too true to his gameplans and refuses to adjust to in game situations. It almost seems like the game makes perfect sense to him on film, but very little sense to him in real time.

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

That is a nuanced observation. Unfortunately, I have watched only one full Jets game and part of another this season. My focus has been on the NFC West. The Jets looked very good in the game I watched start to finish (Week 4) but the Cardinals did shred that defense in the third quarter.

Tom (Los Angeles)

Thought Josh Morgan was going to step up last week. What happened to him? Are there too many other options in SF right now (along with a shaky QB situation) to expect much from him?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

They threw to him only twice. Morgan dropped the ball on the first one. Sometimes that will dissuade a quarterback from going back to a guy.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

I'm not overly impressed by the Jones/Duckett/Morris combo. Will the 'Hawks have to sign or draft yet another RB next year?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Morris could leave in free agency. I could see Jones becoming the main back next season. I would not expect the team to make a major investment in the position, at least at this point.

Sarah (Denver)

No Rams questions? how has Cris Long looked this season?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

Yes, our first Rams question of the day. Thanks. Chris Long has looked good. He is improving. He has four sacks, on pace for nine, and he is getting pressure recently. That pick is looking better and better. Now, if only we could get a few more of your Rams-fan friends to join us around here.

Issac Bruce

How will my fant. value be in the coming weeks with a new qb?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

I'm more bearish than bullish. You benefited from JTO throwing down the field. We'll probably see fewer of those throws.

Chuck (Meriden, CT)

What can you tell me about Stephen Jackson's injury. You said he might not be ready to go again. I need him to carry my fantasy team.

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Well, I thought he would play last week. I was in St. Louis for the Dallas game and stayed through the next day. Jim Haslett sounded optimistic that Jackson would play. He thought Jackson would get some work in practice. It never happened. Jackson missed the New England game and now they're saying he might not be ready again. Sorry to say, Jackson might not be carrying your fantasy team for the short term.

David (D.C.)

Lots of questions about offensive coordinators today. How is it that Washington has found success running their offense this year despite changing OC's so often?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Jim Zorn's work with the quarterback, Campbell, would probably be the No. 1 thing. He has done a great job. And then retaining Bugel to coach the offensive line has helped a great deal. Bugel is a very good coach.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

So what happens next year in Cleveland with Anderson and Quinn? Could you see Seattle, SF or AZ moving in for one of those QB's if one's available?

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

I could see Seattle addressing the QB situation in the draft. The Seahawks had some interest in Henne. With Holmgren leaving, the organization could be more inclined to draft a potential Hasselbeck successor. Also, Hasselbeck's injury situation means Seattle needs to at least think along those lines. Seneca Wallace can be OK in the short term if healthy, though.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

Seattle has a long-term QB solution in Charlie Frye so what is there to worry about?? (insert laughter here from a Browns fan who cringed at Frye's performance)

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Seattle considered replacing Frye during the summer. The Seahawks had some interest in Chris Simms. But Frye played well enough in camp to win the No. 3 job.

Chuck (Meriden, CT)

How come Minor only had 4 carries in Jackson's absence? I was expecting more of an impact from him.

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Antonio Pittman's return from injury gave the team its preferred option after Jackson.

Tom (MO)

What is the Rams precedent of needs? CB, OT, C, CB, OLB?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

OL and then DB, including safety.

Eric (Sioux City)

How long will Kearney be out? Do you think Baraka will be a solid wave DE?

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

Seattle can't replace what Kerney offers in the pass rush. Baraka Atkins isn't going to be a factor that way.

Kurt (Seattle)

RB is the easiest position to fill; that said, should the Hawks consider taking a game-breaker like Beanie or Knowshon in the 1st?

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

I would not look to go the RB route in the first round. I would look at the DL again, possibly OL and then I would consider an impact secondary player. The Seahawks' current personnel group has found better players on defense than offense. So if the chances of getting good return increase by going defense early, then I would recommend going defense.

Jeff (St. Louis)

I agree with your Rams needs, which is why I am agree they are winning. I think Andre Smith is going to be a once in a generation OT and want the Rams to get him.

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

Clearly the Rams need to think about life without Orlando Pace. They could stand to upgrade at most positions on the line.

alex (tempe, az)

I think the rams can catch the cards.. Am i crazy??

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

You are not crazy, but I do think Arizona has the better team. A Rams victory in Week 9 would open some eyes, though.

Eric (Sioux City)

Aside from Pace, would you agree that th Rams best olineman hasn't played the last season, Mark Setterstrom.

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

I haven't seen enough of Setterstrom to know the answer there, but there isn't a lot to choose from beyond Pace. Jacob Bell was considered a strong addition but he has missed time and I haven't seen great play from him yet.

Paul (Albany, OR)

I see that Roy Scheuning from O State has not been active much for the Rams this season as a guard. Is he not picking up the trade as quickly as hoped? Can he work his way into the starting offensive line next year? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

They weren't expecting him to contribute as a rookie. Greco was a guy they thought would have a better chance, but even he wasn't expected to be needed in 2008.

Chris (Brooklyn)

If Arizona beat the Rams this week, is the division race over?

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

Close to it. I just don't see evidence of a Seattle rally at this point. The Cardinals' could be vulnerable if Warner takes too many shots or the defense continues giving up big plays late in games. But a victory in St. Louis might generate a standing 8-count for the rest of the division.

Randy (PA)

With all the talent the Cardinals have, do you think it's unbelievable that Leinart hasn't atleast shown he's headed toward being a capable QB. I think the media said Matt Ryan was not near as good of a first round pick as in years past. So was this justly said, or just the media being ignorant, and not really watching games and just coloring by numbers.

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Leinart has been through a coaching change and he has missed time with injury. I'll reserve judgment for the short term.

Mike (Oakland)

Mike, if you've already won a ring (i.e. Colts), then you aren't supposed to be in any 'window-closing' type discussion. Teams like SD & Seattle, like Phoenix & Dallas in the NBA, missed their opportunity without a title. Focus on those losers, not a team that actually won...

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Someone else raised that thought. I didn't see it that way, but I do understand the thinking. I looked at it this way: A team can win multiple titles while it's window is open.

Mike (MO)

When will the Rams stop looking for track guys to play CB and draft a guy with smarts. Tye Hill, Jon Wade, and the Penn St. rookie will never be anything but fast.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

That's what they said about Donnie Avery at receiver.

Eric (Sioux City)

Most successfull running teams are now using two backs. The Cards should draft the best available back in the 3rd to compliment Hightower. History shows this round has good RB value.

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

That makes some sense. It's clear Edgerrin James isn't a big part of their plans for next season.

Jeff (AZ)

How are your Sonics doing? Have the Rams scouts been vindicated for making D.Avery the 1st WR drafted last April?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Sonics? Never heard of 'em. As for Avery, yes. That's why I listed Billy Devaney on the list of people whose stock is rising in the NFC West.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

With your point earlier that Warner is getting older, do you have any info on how Leinart is looking in practice or how he is handling being out of the spotlight?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

Leinart told the Arizona Republic this week that he's catching his breath while out of the spotlight. He wants to play, obviously. I don't have much feel beyond that. Backups don't get meaningful regular-season reps in most cases, so Leinart wont' have a chance to prove himself in practice.

Displaced Cards Fan

I live in NY now and haven't seen my Cardinals play this year. Are they running a 4-3 or 3-4? Different sites say different schemes. thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

Clancy Pendergast, their DC, calls it a hybrid. I consider it a 3-4 in name.

Jay in Louisville

Sando, what do you think the future will hold for Deon Branch? If he ever comes back from injury, will he be playing for a roster spot next year, or do you thinkk he is safe, especially since they gave up a first rounder to acquire him?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

I would think he'll be OK for a roster spot next season, but he needs to produce. He can't keep missing seasons.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY TODAY AND JOINING THE CONVERSATION.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE NFC WEST BLOG.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

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