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Bill Williamson

  (2:00 PM)

Hey everyone let's get rolling.

Rick (Long Island, NY)

Bill, obviously the Bronco defense needs work, but still, how bout the recent drafts: Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, Dumervil, Clady, R.Harris,Royal,Kuper, soon Torain - not a bad haul, ay? If not this year, a Super Bowl run is coming soon...

Bill Williamson

  (2:02 PM)

Yes, it's been a good past few drafts for Denver. But notice the list. Other than Elvis Dumervil, it's been all success on the offensive side. Denver nees to draft itself a defense.

R.C. (Oceanside, CA)

Do you feel that a change in D.C.'s in San Diego is enough to turn around the Charger's defense? Every game I watch it looks like receivers are wide open all over the field. Will Rivera be able to change that or are the players just not good enough on San Diego's D?

Bill Williamson

  (2:04 PM)

I think it is an opportunity. Teddy Cottrell is a good football man, but ti wasn't working in San Diego. The Chargers just can't afford not to make the playoffs especially in this sad division. This move gives them a chance for a spark.

Ryan (Council Bluffs IA)

I heard a rumor that John Madden was returning to the Raiders, have you heard this and if so in what capacity?

Bill Williamson

  (2:06 PM)

I've heard fans talk about it. Not sure where that came from. I know Madden has been around the team al itlte bit recently because of the Gene Upshaw memorials and he still has Bay Area ties but I'm not sure what to make of that talk. it would be a surprise.

Rob ( NYC)

Bill.. How come its so hard for broncos to make it in the HoF ? East Coast Bias ? I know Denver has some guys coming up for nomination (sharpe) but some great players were passed (i.e Gradishar, Little) .. The number in Canton doesn't do the franchise justice..

Bill Williamson

  (2:08 PM)

That is a real sensitive issue for the Broncos. They are not happy with just having Elway and Zmmerman in Canton. Floyd Little, I've been told, is moving up the ladder through the senior committee and Shannon Sharpe should be a slam dunk in 2009.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

Is the AFC West decided the last week of the season? Broncos at Sparklers? If so, who you got?

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

The Broncos have had a lot of trouble in San Diego in recent years but let's see what happens in the next two months before calling that one.

Terrell Davis

Its a travisty that I am not in!!!

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

I agree. But be patient.

Gabriel(miami)

How many wins will it take to win the AFC west?

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

Sad, but her'es the prediciton: 8.Pathetic, isn't it?

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Bill, it's bad enough both the Browns and Broncos have short weeks next week, but Denver has to make the trip out there too. How do you think they'll play Thursday night?

Bill Williamson

  (2:12 PM)

It's depends on their health. Mike Shanahan likes the short week because he loves the payoff of having 10 days off afterward.

Matt Leinart/Brady Quinn

Should the Chef's trade for me?

Bill Williamson

  (2:12 PM)

I don't think it's a bad idea.

Adam (Jersey)

The Bucs are a different team on the road. Do you see KC putting up a fight, or is Thigpen going to be impossibly overmatched by Monte Kiffin?

Bill Williamson

  (2:14 PM)

I think Kiffin will go a good job preparing his team for the spread offense. Thigpen may have his work cut out for him but he will be comfortable running the no huddle and that's imporant.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Broncos spend the draft improving defense/defense/defense?

Bill Williamson

  (2:15 PM)

And then they should add a little more defense. Yes, Jay you get the picture.

Scott (Huntington Beach, CA)

where do you rank Brandon Marshall right now? and how do you think he will end up at the end of his career? He is in my opinion the best in the NFL at YAC.

Bill Williamson

  (2:17 PM)

I don't want to go crazy here but Marshall, if he can stay out of trouble, can be a hall of fame player. I really feel that way. He is that good. Having Jay Cutler throwing to him during his career won't hurt his numbers. Marshall is special.

Ryan (Littleton, CO)

Hey Bill love your blog, its always full of great info. Could you give us some insight as to why the Broncos would sign Chad Jackson. Seems like they had enough WR's already. And why did the Patriots get rid of him?

Bill Williamson

  (2:19 PM)

Thanks, Ryan. Jackson is a low-risk project. Denver liked him in college and the Broncos have a history of signing veterans who they liked in college. Don't expect him to play much early.

Brian (Boulder, CO)

What do you think is the biggest weakness of Denver's D or is it just the whole D is terrible?

Bill Williamson

  (2:20 PM)

The whole deal stinks right now, Brian.

Ryan (San Diego)

The Chargers will get back to the wade phillips style defense and will win the west easily!

Bill Williamson

  (2:20 PM)

You heard it here first. Good luck, Ryan.

Brian (Philadelphia, PA)

I know it was the reader question, but do you think the Chiefs should trade LJ?

Bill Williamson

  (2:21 PM)

They will have a hard time. My prediction is he gets cut after the season

Bob

Who does Denver look forward to next year at rb?

Bill Williamson

  (2:22 PM)

They wll give Ryan Torain the chance.

Almar (San Jose,CA)

Due to the lack of quality on both sides of the ball with all teams, Does anyone run away with this AFC West crown??

Bill Williamson

  (2:22 PM)

No team has run away with ir yet. I don't see that changing in the second half.

Norv Turner

If my team fails to make the playoffs this year ....am I fired??

Bill Williamson

  (2:23 PM)

I wouldn't buy a sea-side home if that's the case, coach.

Bill Williamson

  (2:23 PM)

I wouldn't buy a sea-side home if that's the case, coach.

Joe (Las Vegas, NV)

Who is the best linemen to come of this year's draft, Clady or Long?

Bill Williamson

  (2:24 PM)

Not sure but Clady is a lot closer to Long than many folks thought prior to the draft. If the draft was held today, Clady would be a top five pick. Denver got him at No. 12.

shane (colorado)

If LJ gets cut in the off season what chance do you think of him signing the Broncos?

Bill Williamson

  (2:25 PM)

Only if Torain doens't pan out.

Derek - Lincoln

What is this I hear the Raiders might cut Ronald Curry after the season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:26 PM)

I could see it. He isn't playing much and when a veteran gets his playing titme cut, it is usually not a good sign heading to the future.

Ryan Torain

How many times is Shannahan feeding me the rock this Sunday?

Bill Williamson

  (2:26 PM)

Just a guess: 6-10.

Michael Crabtree

How perfect a fit would I be in Oakland for JaMarcus Russell to throw to?

Bill Williamson

  (2:26 PM)

Couldn't be more perfect.

Ted

Should the Broncos bring in a big name Defensive Coordinator after this season is over.

Bill Williamson

  (2:28 PM)

Who? Someone like Jim Bates?

Robert - Vegas

If SD beats KC and then goes on the road and beats PIT (I know - fat chance), do you think that provides momentum in addition to 3 home games in row? DEN still has to travel east (3) times...every other week until they meet SD for the season finale...

Bill Williamson

  (2:28 PM)

You're on to something, Mr. Vegas. San Dieog has an easier slate down the road.

Almar (San Jose,CA)

I know this is an NFL blog, but going according to your predictions for the AFC West, the 8-2 San Jose Sharks have already won the division...

Bill Williamson

  (2:29 PM)

Congrats to them.

Bob, AZ

Shannon Sharpe will not make the HoF in 2009. No TE has ever made the HoF in their first try. Plus he has ticked off a few people in the media. He'll get in for sure not in 2009.

Bill Williamson

  (2:30 PM)

Interesting prediction, Bob. No offense, but I say he gets in. He changed the game.

Greg (St Louis)

What do you think will happen with Kiffin and his greviance? Can the NFL do anything if Al loses but still won't pay?

Bill Williamson

  (2:31 PM)

It will be a long haul. If Kiffin wins and the Raiders don't pay, I could see the NFL getting involved.

Ryan (Phoenix, AZ)

Do you think that Broncos have any regrets trading Clinton Portis away?

Bill Williamson

  (2:32 PM)

No, the tailback is a dime of a dozen position for them and Bailey has been tremendous as a Bronco.

Mark

Hockey season started. Didn't notice

Bill Williamson

  (2:32 PM)

Me either to tell the truth.

Vinnie (NYC)

What do you think Rivera will bring to the Chargers defense?

Bill Williamson

  (2:33 PM)

More aggression. More fire.

Jon - Denver

I think keeping Slowik on would be advantageous but any possibility Gregg Robinson returns?

Bill Williamson

  (2:33 PM)

I think Solwik should be kept, too. He's a good football coach. They need more players not more coaches.

Anthony: (NY City, NY)

I tend to think that D. Bowe would be a monster if he had a QB that can be accurate and throw to him. He's been consistently good w/o a stable QB in the Chiefs offense. While B. Marshall has had a stable Cutler in that offense.

Bill Williamson

  (2:35 PM)

I'm with you. Bowe has been excellent despite all the issues at quarterback. He will be a good player for many years to come.

Bob (Colorado Springs)

What are the chances the Broncos go after Albert Haynsworth during the offseason?

Bill Williamson

  (2:36 PM)

He'd be a good answer and Denver could want to spend a little money after laying off this offseason.

Tyler (USMC Camp Lejeune)

With KC's qb situation, what do you think is the best decision? Keep Thigpen or get a vet/rookie next year and who?

Bill Williamson

  (2:37 PM)

Too early to tell. I need to see more of Thigpen.I liked him Sunday.Thanks for the service, Tyler.

Tom - Parker, Co

What game you gonna be at this week and what do you expect?

Bill Williamson

  (2:37 PM)

Staying in Denver. I Expect the Wildcat to give Denver fits.

Jason (Denver, CO)

Hey BW - Do you think "Denver's Turnover Extravaganza" has been fixed on the offense?

Bill Williamson

  (2:38 PM)

If not, Denver will have no chance to win any game.

James (Denver)

Is D.J. Williams the best defensive player right now in the AFC West with Bailey out?

Bill Williamson

  (2:39 PM)

God quesiton. He's up there with Nnamdi Asomugha, Thomas Howard, Kirk Morrison, Antonio Cromartie, Luis Castillo and Derrick Johnson.

Quincy (Missoula, MT)

If you were the GM of Denver, what would be your first move to fix the mess that is their Defense this off-season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:40 PM)

Get the best defensive lineman available.

M (McLean, VA)

Now that the dust has settled, who is the winner in Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey trade?

Bill Williamson

  (2:41 PM)

You don't want to hear this and I usually don't believe this answer but in this case it's the truth: Both teams won.

Almar (San Jose,CA)

aww, thought you would be coming to Raider Land, you may be starting a winning streak here at home...

Bill Williamson

  (2:42 PM)

They're on their own this weekend, Almar.

Derek - Lincoln

How close is this Raiders offense to clicking on a consistent basis? Do they need better WR's or more?

Bill Williamson

  (2:43 PM)

I think it is aways away. They need to get Darren McFadden healthy.

Todd (San Fran)

How much of the Chargers defensive woes tied to not having Merriman?

Bill Williamson

  (2:44 PM)

It looks like a whole lot, doens't it. The Chargers haven't had a sack or an interception in nine quarters. They have zero pass rush.

Jack Boston

Do you think Denver will get better in the second half or should is next year more realistic?

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

It's their job to get better. This team is in first place no matter how bad things are. They have to try to win now.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

Cromartie?? That guy is getting roasted out there. He goes for the pick on every play and leaves the receivers wide open.

Bill Williamson

  (2:46 PM)

Ryan, what do you think about Cromartie being moved to safety and then putting Cason or Gordon in the lineup. I'm usually not into those type of changes, but that could be interesting.

Scott (Huntington Beach, CA)

Hey Bill, I'll be at the Denver game this weekend. Maybe we'll witness a Denver win?

Bill Williamson

  (2:47 PM)

Maybe, maybe not. Enjoy the city, though. it is supposed to be a great wekeend.

Mikael (Los Angeles)

If you we're starting a franchise and could only select AFC West players, what one player would you build your defense and offense around?

Bill Williamson

  (2:49 PM)

Awesome question.offense: Culter (only because he's a little younger than Rivers, Chargers' fans).Defense: Nnamdi Asomugha.Again, great quesiton, Mikael

Jason (Denver, CO)

Looking forward to the draft next year, in your opinion, what are the needs for each AFC West team?

Bill Williamson

  (2:51 PM)

Just do to three needs for each. Den: DE,S, DTKC: QB,LB, OLOAK: WR, OL, SSD: LB, DL, SGood question, James

Justin (Tucumcari, NM)

who do you think will win in the Packers @ Titans game

Bill Williamson

  (2:51 PM)

Titans.

Clinton (Indianapolis)

You didn't notice hockey started because you're too fat to stay up on skates. I bet you noticed Wendy's slighted modified the Dollar Menu.

Bill Williamson

  (2:52 PM)

That's a little brutal, Clinton. Why are you so angry, dude?

Robert - Vegas

Yea but Bill, Cromartie would have to be able to tackle (to be a FS) which he hasn't done well this season and he spent the offseason with Deon Sanders, who was known to be the weakest tackling CB in the league - nix the Crom to FS idea...

Bill Williamson

  (2:53 PM)

Good point, sir.

Adam (San Diego, CA)

Would you think San Diego could be a realistic landing spot for Bill Cowher?

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

I see Cowher going to a team where he will have full control. He wouldn't have full control with A.J. Smith in San Diego.

Jim: Ocean Springs

Bill, would a four game player suspension extend into the playoffs if started with less than four regular seson games left?

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

Yes, that's the way I understand it, Jim.

Ross (Chicago)

Who has a better man tan, Shanny or Sparanno?

Bill Williamson

  (2:55 PM)

Shanahan is a hall of famer.

Jake (VA Beach)

Not AFC West - but wouldn't a Boldin for Plax deal make sense for everyone?

Bill Williamson

  (2:56 PM)

Sure, why not.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

I think San Diego's biggest problem is that they play as individuals on defense. They only care about personal stats and do some LAME celebration after every single tackle, sack, interception.

Bill Williamson

  (2:57 PM)

You're not happy with these guys, are you, Ryan?

ken (PuertoRico)

Where do you see my main man Tony G. ending up if the GIANTS don't want him...We hill go to the BILLS?

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

I say the Bills, Packers or Eagles.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

I'm a Bronco fan! :)

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

That make sense, then.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Is Pittman ok to start this week?

Bill Williamson

  (2:59 PM)

I think so, but his ribs are pretty sore and that could open the door for more carries by Torain.

Tim (El Cajon, CA)

How much you wanna bet the Chargers loose THIS week.

Bill Williamson

  (2:59 PM)

SInce they don't play I'd bet a lot they don't lose.

Tim (California Viking)

Cowher in Minnesota would make more sense.

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

Could be.

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

Hey thanks for a great hour everyone. It was fun.