Chris, GA

how is losing Sam Baker going to affect the Falcons running game?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:57 PM)

It's going to hurt in the long run. Weiner or Gandy can do a decent job in the short term, but I don't know that either can hold up in the long haul. I think you might see the Falcons run to the right side more often.

Charlotte, NC

Pat, I have enjoyed reading your columns from your time with the Charlotte Observer and now with ESPN. I'm a huge panthers fan. Personally I think the panthers defense this year is slightly better than the 03 team that went to the super bowl. The Pass coverage has been more than solid all year and the pass rush has produced steady pressure. We are 6-2 with some big wins...so why aren't we getting the national attention we deserve?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

I think the Panthers are getting a pretty good amount of attention and have been for much of the season. It might be a little quiet now because of the bye week. Then again, I know John Fox would prefer to fly under the radar.

Mike (New Orleans)

Pat: I'm perplexed. The Saints just cannot run the ball with any consistency. Even with Deuce McAllister, the team cannot generate more than 3 yards per carry. So I ask you - is this a personnel or a scheme issue? The Saints O-line is not the most bullish in the league. Would Payton be wise to implement a zone blocking scheme like in Denver? What else could be done to beef up this glaring weakness?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

Excellent point. But you can't change schemes in the middle of the season. I think they have to either bring in some more o-line help or look at adjusting schemes in the offseason. But that doesn't help things right now.

Jim - Tallahassee, FL

What do you think will happen with the Saints players (and others) under investigation for violating the NFL substance policy? I am biased but I don't think a player like Deuce would knowingly cheat. But are the NFL's hands tied on this making suspensions a foregone conclusion?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

Bottom line is, no matter if it was intentional or not, a player is responsible for what goes into his body. But it sure sounds like the players are going to fight this one as much as they can.

Mike (New Orleans)

What would it take for the Saints to scrap its D-coordinator and go for a completely new scheme next season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

If they go 8-8 or worse, someone's going to be the scapegoat and it's not going to be Payton. DC might be where they start.

Jeremy Greensboro, NC

Is it possible the Panthers will win the Superbowl this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

Possible, yes. But there are probably about 8-10 teams you can say that about.

tom (boston)

What is wrong with the Saints pass rush? Three first round picks and two of the highest paid DE's should be doing better than they are.

carlu n

In three years Matt Ryan will be the best QB in the NFL. This guy is the real deal and appear to be ahead of any rookie I've ever seen.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

Best rookie QB I've seen since Marino.

Jon ,San Clemente California

Hi Pat,The Panthers are playing well and short handed on offensive line after the bye week they should be healthy and with two easy games with oakland and detriot.what do you think of their chances of making the playoffs , getting a first round bye or even home field advantage ?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Excellent chance of making the playoffs. Decent chance of a bye or home field. NFC East continues to beat each other up and West and North aren't putting up any big records.

Patrick (Atlanta, GA)

Pat, have you heard any more rumblings on the punt returner situation for the Falcons? I've heard Douglas could get a shot, but nothing in the last couple of weeks. Jennings just isn't getting it done and is already on his third muffed punt of the year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

Think you could see a switch very soon.

Joshua dallas, tx

when will we see Reggie Bush again?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

They're not saying any target date, but I think he'll probably miss about two more games after the bye.

Justin: Rock Hill, SC

What do you think of the Panthers' wide recievers after Smith and Moose? Is DJ more of a number three than Hackett and who is the more valuable tight end?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

Looks like Jarrett's working his way into good graces. There is potential there. Has good size and good hands. I think you might see more of him in the second half of the season.

Alex, Charlotte NC

Pat, we all saw what happened with the Panther against the Bucs. Who do you think will win the next game between them, on MNF? It's starting to look like a NFC South championship match of sorts.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

Can't make a prediction this far out. But that game could very well decide the division.

Ryan (Napa, CA)

Pat, what was your overall impression of the game in England and the desire or lack thereof to watch football? Ignoring the players/coaches descrepencies for it, do you see the league continuing their outreach?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

The league's going to continue it no matter what. Overall, I think the game was a success and it was fun to be over there. But I know the players and coaches don't like it. It's a grind to play any road game, but it's 1,000 times tougher when you have to go to a foreign country. I know the league has talked about having each team play one international game each season at some point. I think that's too much. I think one international game a year is enough with teams taking turns.

Joel (Charlotte, NC)

Pat, you've been involved with covering the Panthers & Bucs for quite some time now. Would you consider their Monday Night game in a few weeks to be the biggest game ever played between the Panthers & Bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

Mmmm, tough to say that right now. Have to wait and see what happens in the meantime, but it sure could turn out that way.

Sharell (Raleigh, NC)

Starting to doubt Michael Turner. Don't good RBs know how to run against good run defenses? Would very much like to see more from Norwood.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Turner's fine. Just needs more help from o-line and rest of offense against good teams. But I would like to see Norwood get a few more carries.

Paul (Detroit)

Do you think that Rod Marinelli will last the whole season in Detroit, or will they mercifully fire him?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

He'll go after the season.

Ryan (Napa, CA)

Will Jon Gruden open the playbook more this week after being so conservative last week in Dallas? P.S. fire Jeramy Stevens.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

I hope so. Think you'll see a bigger role for Galloway this week.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Do you think Deuce will eventually be suspended before Reggie comes back? If so, who will get the majority of the carries Pierre or Stecker?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

Not sure -- I think they'll try to drag out the appeal as long as possible. If he does go out before Reggie is back, I think Stecker and Thomas would pretty much split the carries. They don't see much difference between the two.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

What Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff have done for the Falcons has been nothing short of remarkable. How long until the Falcons are legitimate playoff/Super Bowl contenders? With some help on the DL, OL, and defensive backfield, I can see it happening within the 2-3 years if they can keep their core players.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

They could be there next year. I think they're only another offseason away from having a roster like they really want.

Sam (raleigh)

I heard they offered peppers a contract that would make him one of the highest paid D-lineman in the league. Why hasnt he accepted yet and do you think he will be a panther next year?? I'm sure they would tag if he doesnt right?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

Maybe he wants to test the market. From his (and his agent's) view point, that's not a bad idea. They can't tag him at this point because they've tagged Gross.

Dan Orlovski

I brought the mighty UCONN Huskies football program to national notoriety and now I will rebuild the Lions now that I have a few games under my belt. Your thoughts on that?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

This is an NFC South chat, Dan.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Do you think the Black Hole and that Raiders defense affects Matt Ryan on Sunday?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

No, he's won in Lambeau and played all right in Philly. Those were a lot more challenging than Oakland.

Joel (Spartanburg, SC)

Pat, who do the panthers keep this offseason - Gamble, Gross, Peppers, or all three?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

I'm guessing here and going to say Gamble and Gross stay.

Joe (Jax, FL)

When do you think cadilace will be back in the Bucs lineup?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

Personally, I'd hold him out until next year. But it's looking more and more like they might bring him back this year. I just hope they don't rush him because of injuries elsewhere in the back field.

AJ (Lynchburg)

PSU question. What will you do if PSU goes undefeated and gets snubbed in national game. And what is the deal with Connor on the panthers? Is he just not what most PSU alum thought he was?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

Connor's hurt and on the injured reserve list. Panthers liked him before he got hurt and thought he'd play a role this year.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

If you were starting a team tomorrow, who would be your QB,RB and WR out of the entire NFL?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

It would depend on circumstances and how you wanted to build. But, just generically, I'd say Payton Manning, LT and Fitzgerald.

Eric (Raleigh, NC)

Pat, So you think the Panthers will not re-sign Peppers? That seems crazy to me.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Yes, but did you ever think it might not be their choice?

Sharell (Raleigh, NC)

I think Falcon fans have been hard on Jamaal Anderson. He could have made a difference in Philly last week. Any word on if he will play on Sunday?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Still up in the air. We should have today's injury report after 4 p.m.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

so you would pass on Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Ryan Torain?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

Maybe not Marshall.

Jay (SC)

What is the Saints biggest offseason need? I think it is a ball hawking free safety and another defensive tackle.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

Yes on both of those. Throw in a free safety and a pure pass rushing DE. On offense, it might be time to get a power runner.

Daniel Tampa

How long is Jermaine Phillips going to be out?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

I'm hearing about a month.

Brian

Top to bottom is the NFC South the best division in football? Or does the NFC East still have that distinction in your mind?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

Very close. But I think the South is way better than anybody thought at the start of the season.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

How is Gaines Adams working out for the Bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

Pretty well. He's emerging as a very good all-around player.

Terry (Charlotte)

Jon beason won NFC defensive player of the Month for October. Do you think he will be better than Morgan? or was morgan in his prime better than Beason will ever be?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

I respect the heck out of Dan Morgan. When he was healthy, he was great. But we all know he wasn't healthy very often. Beason is great. In fact, you could say Beason already is what Morgan would have been without the injuries.

Mike (St. Pete)

Does the NFC South get 2 teams in the playoffs? Which teams if they do?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

Yes, Carolina and Tampa.

Daniel Tampa

If Garcia loses some more games down the stretch and Greise is healthy, will Gruden make a switch?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Yes, but if they lose some games, you could also see McCown.

Dave (Middletown, CT)

Will Shockey have a productive game before the end of the season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Shockey's already had some productive games.

Jake (Duluth MN)

Should the Bucs bring back John Lynch?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

Not a chance. Besides, there's no way Lynch would want to play for Gruden again.

Brian (Lakeland)

Everyone can continue to write off the Saints... They are not out of it by a long shot..

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

No, they're obviously not out of it. But they've got to come out of the bye very strong and have a big second half. Got to be a lot more consistent in a lot of ways than they have been. But there is plenty of talent there.

Kev (NYC)

Can you please explain to me how the NFC South is close to the East? ATL just lost to PHI, and TB just lose the Dallas...Wash & NY would beat any team in the South right now and Carolina is the only legit team in my eyes. Every team in the East is over .500...

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

I'll throw this one out there for the NFC South fans.

Joel (Charlotte, NC)

How real is the prospect of football going back to not having a salary cap? I think everyone in the NFC South would stand to lose under that scenario because none of the teams are exactly "big market." Would the NFL risk having football turn into baseball where there are pretty much the same contenders year after year. I'm sure teams like the Cowboys & Redskins wouldn't mind, but I fail to see how it is good for football overall. Football has grown to be the national past time because every fan for every team has a certain amount of hope each year. What are your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

It's the last thing the NFL wants. But the negotiations are far apart and it's possible that could happen. Scary.

Jonathon (Hamden CT)

how much of a setback was the loss to Dallas for Tampa?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Doesn't kill them and the rest of the schedule ain't bad. They'd better find some offense, though.

Tim (Boise)

Is it possible for one of the Pirate ship cannons in Tampa to actually shoot someone? seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Great question.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

If the Saints can get a disruptive force at DT next year through the draft of FA, would he, Ellis, Smith, Grant, and McCray comprise the best DL in the NFL?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. I'd like to see Smith and Grant consistently produce sacks before we say something like that.

Wes (Atlanta)

Pat, do the Falcons have a legit shot at both OROY and DROY with Ryan and Lofton? I liked the Lofton pick, but had no idea he would be this good this early. Dimitroff really knows his stuff.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

Yes, it's very possible. Give Dimitroff credit, but also give some to Smith and his staff for putting Lofton in position to succeed right away.

Kev (NYC)

You're biased towards the NFC South and can't give your own explanation to how it's close to the NFC East...What's your job title?

Dennis (Boston)

Speaking of John Lynch, do you think he can help the Pats depleated secondary?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

Better chance of that than him coming back to Bucs.

Kev (NYC)

NFC South fans will answer the question with extreme bias...and the NFC SOuth *expert* can't give his reasoning...Hmm, do they pay you?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

Go back and read the last month of the blog if you want a detailed explanation. Or, if you want a short one, look at the standings. I'm not saying the South is better than the East. But I'm saying the South is the only division close to the East.

Kev (NYC)

Your own rankings this week. For the NFC East teams: 1,5, 6, 9....NFC South: 3, 15, 10, 22...I'm just saying...based on yuor own rankings, that doesn't seem close.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

Closer than anybody else.

Eric (Raleigh, NC)

Pat, If Peppers won't re-sign wouldn't they at least franchise and trade him? If so what could they hope for in return?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

Can't franchise him. Gross has the franchise tag.

Kev's Evil Twin

Happy Halloween, I have an axe to grind, I can't admit any other division is good besides the NFC East.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

The NFC South might not be really close to the East talent-wise, but whoever comes out of the East would have a hard time beating a South team in the playoffs, even with a bye week. Whoever survives in that brutal division is going to be very beaten and bruised come playoff time.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

Entirely possible.

Dan (Toronto, Ontario)

Big Tampa Fan here, We have had a Championship caliber defence for 10 years, but at what point do we just take our lumps and go after a young guy at the QB position? Id like to see Gruden mentor a yound guy like Chase Daniel. Reminds me a lot like Drew Brees. With his accuracy, I think he can be really successful with Gruden coaching him, regardless of his height. Thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:44 PM)

Problem is I don't see them having the patience to do that.

Sam (raleigh, nc)

how long do you think the one-two punch of Williams and Stewart last until one of them gets fustrated?? Or do you think this will be a long lasting marrige? I hope your wrong about Peppers, this Defence needs him to be out there regardless of stats.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Actually, I think it's a combination that can work for a long time.

Eric (Raleigh, NC)

Can't the franchise tag be reused if they re-sign Gross to a long term deal before next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

Yes, but who knows if that will happen.

David (NH)

Hey Kev, I'll give you the Giants, who are playing as good as anyone right now. But the Redskins have been reeling somewhat of late, Dallas is Dallas ie the most overhyped franchise on the planet. Yes they beat Tampa but that was in Dallas and a must win for Dallas, I doubt they would do it again. And don't even bring up the Phily over ATL game which Philly most likely won on a botched call and a bad rule. The Panthers can hang with anyone in the league right now, as well as the Saints even being the one of injured teams this year who are going to be even scarier once they are all healthy. Atlanta is young and improving, and Tampa's defense keeps them in games every week. And don't discount the fact that every game between NFC East and NFC South this year have all been close games and all were home games for NFC east teams. If those games are in the south, I bet you see different results. Overall the talent of the 2 divisions, with Giants as the clear top team is pretty equal all things considered.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

Last post on this subject. David, thanks for detailing the NFC South's case so strongly.

pete rockville, MD

Do you think the saints will regret Sean Payton's long term deal, was it a bit premature? Thanks!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

I think you've got to question it already.

Dion (Tampa, FL)

Pat, do you think Tampa ends up with Alex Smith or another young QB after this year, or do they end up keeping the aging wonders they have?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

I think they get rid of the aging wonders they have ...and, then, they'll probably go out and get another aging wonder.

Dan (Toronto, Ontario)

Peppers to Tampa. Matching him and Gaines together could be a lethal combo, plus we do have loads of money to drop on someone. Reciever may be the smarter position to acquire, but having two studs on the ends in a Cover 2 can create havoc for years to come

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Monte Kiffin could have some fun in that scenario.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

I haven't heard a thing about Sedrick Ellis all year - is he injured, ineffective or both?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

He was injured for a bit, but is back now. Hasn't been spectacular by any means, but has been decent.

NL (philly)

THIS VICTORY PARADE IS CRAZY!!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Just wait until Penn State wins the national title.

Adam ( Columbia)

How troubling is the Bucs loss to a very weak coyboys team. I know that it was in Dallas and the Boys were desperate, but don't you think that the Bucs should have been able to score more than 9 and beat them?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

You've got to score more than nine points to win any game. But Dallas was desperate and at home, as you point out, and that's significant.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Will Meachem emerge as a top-notch receiver in the near future? I know the guy has been a disappointment, but he was great in college, and if the light comes on he and Brees could be a deadly combo for years.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

Might be a stretch. He just doesn't look comfortable out there. Maybe the light will come on, but I haven't seen too many signs of that.

Kev (NYC)

Who's your SuperBowl pick at this point?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

At the start of the season, I think I picked Seattle and Indy, so I don't know that I'm the guy to ask.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

What will Tampa do this week differently offensively? The defense was fine besides for the penalties at the end of the first half.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Hopefully, throw the ball DOWN FIELD.

Joey Galloway

Should I start on anybody's fant. team anytime the rest of the year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Not looking too good.

Adam ( Columbia)

Pat, What is your reasoning behind Peppers not wanting to stay in Carolina. I keep hearing you say this and was just wondering what your reason for thinking it is.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

Let me be clear, I'm not saying it's going to happen that way. I'm just saying it could because I think people need to realize it's not automatic he stays in Carolina. He's this close to free agency and I think that means there's a pretty good chance he's going to explore his options. From his point of view, that makes sense. Obviously, the Panthers would like to get it done now, but they're not the only ones involved here.

Mike (San Diego)

Pat, what are you hearing about USD's former QB, Josh Johnson? Does he have a chance to stick with Tampa? Stellar collegiate career, albeit in Division II...or whatever they call it now.

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:00 PM)

I don't think he's the answer. He's a project. Gruden can't afford to give him a chance. He'll keep bringing in vets who can play right away.

Tom Benson (Saints HQ)

do i have a clue about the NFL? I gave a coach an extension after 1 game this year and he was barely more than a .500 coach so far here.

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:00 PM)

Having second thoughts, Tom?

Jay (Middletown, CT)

How did this guy Dr. James Andrews become the voice of God when it comes to sports injuries? I see Patrick Kearney is now going to see him about his shoulder.

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:01 PM)

I honestly don't know, but he's been the doctor of choice for NFL players for a long time.

Jay (SC)

What happened to Cory Boyd with the Bucs? They picked him in the 6th or 7th round I believe but i haven't seen anything about it. Is he even on the team?

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:02 PM)

I don't have my roster handy, but I know he's not on the active roster. Pretty sure they either cut him or put him on I.R. Bucs fans, can you help me out?

Duane (Houston)

Pat, how soon will we hear from the Commissioners office pertaining to the "Water Pill" boys?

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:03 PM)

It's dragging out and may continue to do so. That's what happens when you get the lawyers involved. Couple more questions because I'm already over the time limit.

Adam ( Columbia SC)

Pat, what are your thoughts on Deangelo williams so far this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:04 PM)

Think he's really come into his own and been a lot better than in first two years. I think the way they're using him in tandem with Stewart is perfect.

tom (boston)

Any chance Gary Gibbs gets the axe this week, like the chargers did to their defensive coordinator?

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:04 PM)

No, they would have done it already if they were going to do it. After the season could be a different story.

Justin: Rock Hill, SC

Hey me again. What do you think of the Panthers chance of resigning Peppers and Gamble this offseason. Losing either would be bad especially Peppers

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:06 PM)

They're gonna try like heck to sign them both ...and Gross, too. But it's going to be difficult to keep all three.

Dan (Toronto, Ontario)

Boyd was placed on IR then bought out/cut. 6th rounds picks that cause trouble don't last

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:07 PM)

Thanks for the help, Dan. All right, I'm way over my time limit. Thanks for coming by. As always, I enjoyed it. See you next Friday.