RAY GORDON reid gaines fl 32611

QUESTION TO ESPN NFL MIKE SANDO AT 12.05 PM RAY HI MIKE TITANS OR DA BEARS

Mike Sando

  (11:59 AM)

Hard to pick against the Titans right now.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

should the Cards give Warner a new deal after the season? he's been playing like a Pro Bowler, but giving an injury-prone 38 year old QB a big deal scares me. Any chance that some sort of cap-friendly deal can be reached?

Mike Sando

  (11:59 AM)

Yes, the Cardinals should keep Warner. But they must structure the deal to protect themselves from what you are talking about. They can't give him a Tony Romo deal or a Marc Bulger deal. They need to give him something shorter-term and incentive-based.

Chris (Brooklyn)

Hey Sando-- Kind of a quiet week for the NFC West, huh? I want to talk about offensive line-- it's one of the topics that doesn't get a lot of press. Specifically, can you speak to your "all-division" picks and what makes each of them great? I was surprised and pleased to see that Levi Brown made your list. How is he developing? Is the pro bowl in his future one day?

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

Nothing necessarily makes any of those O-line choices great. It's tough naming an all-division offensive line for the NFC West. Walter Jones and Reggie Wells make a good combination on the left side. There's little to choose from on the rest of the line. Niners' right side is a mess. Cardinals' right side is inconsistent. Seattle's right side is just OK. Rams' right side is not very good.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

What will the Niners do about their QB situation after this year? A first-round pick always pleases the fans, but this team is a mess and has needs just about everywhere. Hill/O'Sullivan, free agent, or high draft pick?

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

I look for the 49ers to draft a quarterback and try to land a veteran who can get them through for a season or two if need be. They most likely will not go into 2009 camp expecting a rookie draft pick to start at that position.

Bill (Bremerton, WA)

The release of DeAngelo Hall yesterday was surprising from a football standpoint, but it seems almost like a predictable move when considering the ownership of the Oakland Raiders. Question is, have you heard much about where he might decide to play the rest of the season? Would the contract he signed with Oakland be in effect (prorated of course) for the next team he decides to sign with?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Hall's contract only matters to his next team if that team claims him off waivers. I'm not expecting anyone to make a claim. Once Hall clears waivers, his contract with the Raiders evaporates. Any team would then be free to sign him. I do not know where he'll wind up.

steve (issaquah, wa)

Mike, Thanks for taking the time today to chat with us! I am still watching all the Hawks games but with the way the season has gone thinking about the draft and next year...what do you think they will do in the draft? I know they like to take defensive players from big schools so I think they may target Taylor Mays but they really need a WR and a back up QB...what do you think they will do? thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

I don't think they go WR early. You're probably right about a lineman being the focus. I think they need to target both lines, safety and receiver.

Luis (SB, CA)

Sando, shouldn't the 9ers keep building inside out? I think with Singletary taking over and having the likes of Willis and Clemens on the D, they should really focus on building that Defense a la Baltimore and Chicago. Would you agree?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

They need to identify their long-term schematic philosophies on both sides of the ball. If they want to be a 3-4 team, get a nose tackle. Either way, I think they need help at all three levels of the defense. Safety would be the focus in the secondary. The LB needs depend somewhat on the scheme choice. And they need more impact players up front on defense either way. They also need help on the offensive line.

Doug (Yelm, WA)

If the Seahawks season continues to go into freefall, is there a chance Mora won't be the head coach next year?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

I do not see that as an option right now.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ)

Hello Mike, I love how insightful your blogs are. I agree with you about the Niners drafting a QB. Do you see Bradford as the best choice? If Bradford doesn't come out, do they wait a year and try to draft him or do they go another route in the 09 draft?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

Thanks, Rich. I wish I were more insightful about college prospects, but I have to rely on others for that aspect of the analysis. I just don't have time to stay engaged with the college game during the NFL season. I'll have a better idea on that stuff once we get closer to the combine.

kc oakland

Enter Sandman... how do you see Hill doing on MNF -- he's been given a decent amount of prep time unlike Quinn

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

The Cardinals will give up a big play in the passing game every so often. Overall, however, I think this is a tough situation for Hill. The Cardinals are tough at home. Their defensive front should dominate the one-on-one matchups. Frank Gore must carry the 49ers in that game, I think.

Don Atlanta

Why do you think there has there been such a dramatic shift in the balance of power from the AFC to the NFC this season?

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Off the top of my head, QB injuries are one thing. Brady is out. Manning missed camp time. And then the Colts' injuries on the offensive line have hurt everyone, Manning included. Meanwhile, the Giants have validated their Super Bowl performance. Eli Manning is playing at a high level most weeks, sustaining what he showed late last season.

David - Scottsdale, AZ

How do you think Martz will deal with Singletary taking a much more hands on approach with the offense after Nolan leaving him alone? How will the SF offense change?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I would watch the 49ers' run-pass tendencies on first and second down. I noticed in the second half of the Seattle game in Week 8 that Martz called run plays for Gore more frequently than in previous games. As for how Martz and Singletary will coexist, Martz doesn't have much choice in that one. Singletary is the boss. The philosophies do not fit, though, and that is a concern for the long term.

steve (issaquah, wa)

Mike, During last years draft I heard Donnie Avery was the biggest reach of the entire draft and he is having a good year so far...did they know something we didn't or did they get lucky, is he having the biggest impact of any rookie in the NFC West so far? thanks!

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

It's a credit to the Rams and Avery that Avery is doing this well. The "reach" criticisms seemed fair based on how raw Avery seemed to be. Also, quite a few "speed" receivers have never panned out. I give credit to Al Saunders for being flexible enough within the offense to tailor routes for Avery. Saunders has simplified some things and Avery is responding. I do think the Rams need to have a running game for Avery to sustain that big-play production against most teams.

steve (issaquah, wa)

Mike, A friend says Kurt Warner is better than Brett Favre, but both have won Superbowls and MVP's, what do you think? Kurt Warner has played 100 games and has 44 300 yard games the highest percentage in history.

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

Brett Favre has had a better career. Kurt Warner, at his best, might have been better. That's how I would look at it. They've run different systems, though. Look at the list of players with the most 300-yard games and you won't see a lot of West Coast quarterbacks. Favre might light up the league throwing to Fitzgerald and Boldin in that type of system.

Bryan-MA

Why isn't there much talk about what the Pats are doing? They share a lead in the improving AFC East, and they're going it with a career backup QB, and a 3rd string,FA rookie RB. What other team could pull this off?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Not sure. The Patriots have set the standard so high. It's not news unless that team is 2-0 after one game.

Dan - San Jose

NO QB! If the 49ers take another high 1st round QB, this cycle of losing will continue for them. They need to shore up the O and D Lines, and then find a Trent Edwards-type in the middle rounds. Shaun Hill can already be the veteran, game-manager for the next couple of seasons.

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

The Alex Smith situation burned the 49ers. For that reason. I do not expect them to take a QB at the top of the draft. If they do go that route, they probably won't throw the QB onto the field right away. They would not want to do so, anyway.

Liam (Houston)

Looking at the Niners schedule, I don't see them doing much better than 4-12. That won't cut it for Singletary. Who do you see as HC candidates? Is Carol realistic? Offensive or defensive minded?

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

If the team makes a change for next season, I think we need to ask ourselves how the organization can head off the problems that doomed them under Mike Nolan. Turnover at offensive coordinator was huge. Mishandling of the QB was huge. If I'm the 49ers, I go for an offensive-minded head coach who calls the plays. That way it's not such a big deal if the offensive coordinator leaves to become a head coach, the way McCarthy and Turner did. I would also want a head coach with some credibility in the league. The guy I'm describing sounds a lot like Mike Holmgren, I know, but that wasn't the intention.

Ken (Scottsdale, AZ)

I keep hearing that Arizona can't keep Boldin. Please, from a cap standpoint tell me why? By the way, he's still under contract. Don't really know of too many teams that let pro bowl players go who are under cap friendly contracts.

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

Boldin has three years remaining on his deal. He isn't going anywhere unless the Cardinals decide to move him. If I'm the Cardinals, I approach Boldin quietly after the season. If the team wins a playoff game, I think it's easier to justify re-doing his deal in the context of all Boldin means to the organization. Boldin is a terrific mentor and example for younger players. I think Boldin is one of the reasons Fitzgerald works hard at his craft, and why Steve Breaston has improved so quickly. Keeping Boldin has to be a priority.

Mike (Homer Glen)

Did you hear Brandon Marshalls comments on the Broncos cornerbacks saying that the reason they give up so many passing yards is because they give too much of a cussion. I've noticed this for a while; Do you think Marshall is right in calling out his teammates (mainly Dre Bly)?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

I don't know the specifics or the context, but the coordinator could be determining depth of cushion. Players play the scheme.

Andrew (Phoenix, AZ)

Hey Mike. Assuming the Cardinals make the playoffs, who would you predict they might face in the first round? And how good would their chances be? The Cards seem like they can hang with anybody at home.

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

I would like the Cardinals' chances in a home game. The wild-card team could be from the NFC East or NFC South. That will not be an easy matchup for the Cardinals. The more I think about that type of matchup, the more I think the visiting team might prevail. Either way, getting to the playoffs would represent a significant step forward for the organization.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Love Thursday Night Football Hate the fact you can't watch it without dish or directv Isn't there anyway that ESPN could purchase rights and air these games?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

I've started a collection cup around the office here. If you have several million dollars, feel free to chip in. I do have NFL Network via DirecTV so I'll be watching.

Will J (Portland, OR)

I know this isn't your conference expertise, but what's your opinion on the Anderson/Quinn move?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

It's unfortunate for Anderson and possibly not fair given all the dropped passes. However, the team is not meeting expectations and the team does need to have a feeling going into 2009 as to what Quinn might be able to accomplish.

Craig (England)

Mike - How do you find the time to do all the spreadsheets. They are a brilliant way of keeping up with the Cards from overseas. Do you think Adrian Wilson has a chance at the Pro Bowl this year.

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

Thanks, Craig. I chart games in real time, so if I'm at a game, the breakdowns are done when the game ends. The other games do take time. I'll often break them down late at night. I've got 2-3 on the DVR from earlier this season that I'd like to get to at some point this week. I'm not traveling until Monday so I've got a chance this week. Glad you like them. Adrian Wilson always has a shot at the Pro Bowl. Truthfully, though, I haven't broken down that position in the NFC yet.

Aaron (Redmond, WA)

Do you still think Greg Knapp will rejoin Mora in Seattle next year? If so, should Seahawk fans be concerned about how much Oaklands offense has struggled lately?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

That has been the feeling. I haven't heard anything to make me think Knapp wouldn't be a leading candidate. I also wouldn't read anything into anything involving coaches in Oakland. Too many other things going on around the periphery there. The QB makes the coordinator in a lot of cases.

Ryan (San Diego)

Ryan Leaf burned the Chargers but they took Rivers a few years later

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

True. Something to keep in mind when watching the 49ers. I wouldn't rule out a QB early but I think the organization will try to avoid rushing the QB ahead of schedule.

Mike (Homer Glen, IL)

I'm a huge Denver Broncos fan, but I must admit Philip Rivers is having an MVP caliber year. Do you think San Diego will turn their play around to win the division and have philip rivers win the MVP?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

I do think the Chargers will probably prevail in that division, but I question whether their record will be good enough for Rivers to get the MVP. He's in the mix, though.

Andrew (Phoenix, AZ)

Thanks Mike. Im curious who you think are locks right now from the Cardinals to make the pro bowl?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin. Darnell Dockett should get strong consideration. Karlos Dansby should get consideration. Adrian Wilson should get consideration.

Jeb (San Fran)

What is your thoughts on the Monday night game? Can San Fran stop the Cardinals O at all?

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

The 49ers do know the Cardinals well enough to put together a good plan. I just think the Cardinals are too good offensively.

Matt (WI)

I see Hasselbeck is slated to return in Week 11. Do you see him being effective at all the rest of the way?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

I'll believe it when I see it. Mike Holmgren thought Hasselbeck would return a couple weeks ago. I don't see any reason to assume Hasselbeck will hit the timetable this time. And I do not think he'll hit the ground running at peak efficiency. I don't see him being entirely comfortable.

Luis (Sacramento, CA)

Any change the 9ers play Rachal at all this week? we did pass up on desean jackson for this kid y hasnt he been playing?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

I've been reading a lot of stories about Rachal and how Singletary is embracing him. But do you really throw a rookie onto the field against Darnell Dockett and friends.

Liam (Houston)

I think all 49er fans would love to see Holmgren come back. People are saying Shanahan has been in 1 place too long. Who would you rather have, Holmgren or Shanahan?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Shanahan probably has more gas in the tank at this point. The thing I would want to avoid would be putting the head coach in charge of all personnel.

Dave (NYC)

Always a pleasure Mike. The Cards seemed to have found a running game last week even though I am not sold on it as of yet. Do you see Hightower becoming a dominant force in the league and also if this running game does workout do you see the Cards changing their style of offense? I hope not!

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Thanks, Dave. I don't see Hightower becoming a dominant force, but I see him being productive. The Cardinals are still going to throw the ball a lot. I wouldn't expect the philosophy to change unless the personnel changes at quarterback. For the future, I would keep building the offensive line.

Jerry (Texas)

Forgot Holmgren or Shanahan, I want Bill Cower in SAn Fran!!!

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

That would work.

jesse az

the reason that the pats are doing so well is the easy schedule, not because the backup QB is doing so well. the schedule makes it easy for the afc least to have good records... look who they beat--NO ONE. every team that they played that had an spec of talent they lost to. Agree or disagree?

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

Yeah, I tend to agree with that. They did beat the Jets on the road. Otherwise, the schedule has helped them out a great deal.

Chris ( Tempe, AZ)

With the possibility of Hightower staying the starter, what do you think Edges' chances of playing for the Cards next year are? If Edge is traded or dropped how much does it help the cap situation and resigning other key players?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

I see the Cardinals releasing James after the season. James has a $5 million salary next season. Cutting him clears that $5 million. Cap space shouldn't be a problem for the Cardinals, with or without James.

John (Miami)

Dolphins Vs Seahawks I hear a lot of players on the phins saying the Seahawks are better then their record says they are...do you agree? Can the see the hawks creating problems for the Phins?

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

It's hard to be worse that 2-6. The Seahawks are potentially a lot better than their record, but at this point in the season, the record defines them more than the potential defines them. I'd be surprised if Seattle won in Miami.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

I loved Warner in St Louis. It was sad to see him just play so poorly after looking like the best QB in the league. It was also great to see him play well again in AZ. He went from a Qb that looked like he should retire to a stud again. How do you account for this?

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Sometimes quarterbacks get hit too much and they lose their edge. I think it's happened to Marc Bulger. Warner recovered from it. He's back.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Is Edge done from ever being an elite back or does he just need a change in scenery?

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

I don't think he's been a truly elite back. He has been a productive back. I think he can still be a productive back, but teams aren't going to be lining up to sign him as the featured guy, in my view.

Chris (STL)

Where does Leinart end up eventually? Will he ever get another shot in ARI or will he have to go elsewhere? Do you think he still has a chance at being good, or is he a total bust?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Yes, I think he has a chance to develop into a good player. The Cardinals would need to make a decision on him before the 2010 season. That happens only if something happens to Warner, most likely.

Jeff (Philly)

The Steelers are getting plenty of credit for their play so far this season. But what most people arent mentioning is that they've been crushed by injuries. O line, D line, Secondary, 1st and 2nd string running backs, punter, long snapper, tight end, QB. Do you agree that they've dealt with major injuries extremely well?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Yes. The Steelers must have the right mentality. They are a tough team.

Rick (NY)

The Edge defintley was an elite back his first couple seasons in Indy in my opinion.

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

Fair enough. That's a while ago.

Deric (Twin Falls, ID)

I know it's a long shot, but if Seattle can beat Miami this week, then actually pull of the win with Matt back next week against the Cards, what do you think the chances are they could come back and take the division?

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

The chances would be decent IF those things happened. The Cardinals play the Giants (home) and Eagles (road) after that Seattle game. Arizona could be 6-6 at that point if Seattle found a way to win in Week 11.

Sarah (Denver)

I really like Marc Bulger, but how long can he possibly last behind that offensive line? I see him out of the league in the next 2-3 years if the Rams fail to heavily invest in the offensive line.

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

We're already seeing signs that the hits have gotten to Bulger. I think he needs a full season of a strong ground game and better protection to get his confidence back.

Sam A., Phoenix, AZ

What do you think about the possibility of the Cardinals signing DeAngelo Hall? How would this move help the Cards' secondary and defense overall? Any chances the Cards could contend for the NFC title??

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic said he didn't expect that type of move. I tend to agree. Might be hard to work in that type of personality to the locker room at this stage. Although with Adrian Wilson there, any defensive back probably needs to stay in line.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Is Chris Spencer looking like a bust? There's nothing I've seen from this guy that makes me thing he's the long-term answer at center.

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

You can see good things from Spencer if you look at certain plays. What I don't see is a player with a great feel for the game. Lots of things happen quickly in that area of the field. The center needs to anticipate well. He needs to react quickly and instinctively when things break down around him.

Nick ( Pikeville, NC)

If the Panthers keep there winning way do u think they are good enough to beat the strong nfc east teams in the playoffs?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

I would favor the Giants against the Panthers. I would give the Panthers a shot against any of the other NFC East teams in a playoff game, particularly given that the game could be in Carolina.

Robret (Latrobe, PA)

How has Rolle been performing at safety? Is the 3-4 defense here to stay in AZ?

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

My sense is that Rolle has done pretty well. He's not perfect but I haven't seen him exposed as a huge weakness consistently. The 3-4 defense is not there to stay. They're a hybrid. They go back and forth.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Covering the NFC West, has it been frustrating having to cover a division with so many injuries and so much poor play? It honestly seems like the teams in the NFC W have had enough injuries to match the rest of the NFL

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

I absolutely love this job no matter what happens on the field. My only frustration is that there aren't more hours in the day.

Taylor Mays (South Central)

Mike, I'm a safety not a lineman!

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

Did someone say otherwise?

Raul (St. George, UT)

Is Torry Holt with the Rams next year? It looks as though this will be Donnie Avery's team next year and you can already hear Holt complaining. Even when Issac Bruce was their Holt was the primary target. How high of a draft pick could they get for Holt?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Holt has a fat salary next season in the final year of his deal. I think you could be onto something there.

Tim (Denver)

Is S-Jax good to go this weekend?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Not necessarily. I'd be wary from a fantasy standpoint if that's where you're headed with this.

Sarah (Denver)

How much does Leonard Little have left in the tank? I'd hate to see a pretty bad defense get even worse with his decline.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

I don't think he can hold up physically as an every-down player or a most-downs player. He looks like a situational pass rusher at this stage, and a very effective one when healthy.

steve (issaquah, wa)

Mike, I know Jim Mora took his name out of the University of Washington head coaching spot but is there a chance he leaves the Seahawks and takes thats job? thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

No.

Lucas (Las Vegas, NV)

Do you expect the 49ers to be competitive this Monday against the Cardinals? They're coming off the bye week and the Cardinals don't have JTO to spot them points.

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

I see the Cardinals pulling away the longer the game goes.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mike, is there any possibility San Francisco drafts another quarterback?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Yes. I expect the 49ers to draft one at some point. But I think they'll make an effort to not rush a young quarterback ahead of schedule.

Kev (NYC)

Can you you be the first cool blogger to give us a prediction of Eagles/Giants?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Giants.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Willis' stats have gone down dramatically. I have a hard time believing that this is a sophomore slump; rather, I think that it shows what a force he is because OCs have to completely change their game to account for him. Agree/disagree?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

I think that is overstating his impact. None of the returning players on that defense is playing as well as he played last season. I can't explain why. The 49ers can't explain why. But that seems to be the case.

Bruce (Buffalo, NV)

If the 49ers select a QB in the early rounds, do they still try to bring back Alex Smith?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

I think that would be up to Smith and Smith's agent. The 49ers wouldn't have a problem bringing him back under the right circumstances.

Joseph (Boston, MA)

Can Arizona's defense help them advance should they reach the playoffs?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

At home, perhaps. I just see that defense allowing too many big plays. Consistency is the problem there.

Russ (MD)

I don't hear Michael Robinson's name mentioned much anymore. Have they finally settled on a position for him, and if so, how's he doing?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

They've worked him in at fullback in the two-back personnel groups. I don't know if they have a position for him long term. We don't know what offense they'll run long term, either.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

THANKS FOR JOINING ME TODAY.

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

Hope to see you on the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (1:00 PM)

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