Bill Williamson

  (2:02 PM)

Hi folks, let's get rolling.

Derek (Cincinnati OH)

Hey Bill, when can DeAngelo Hall be signed by another team? Any idea where he might be headed? The Dolphins could use some talent at CB.

Bill Williamson

  (2:03 PM)

We will know if hall si claimed by another team by about 4:30 ET today. if he isn't claimed, he is free to sign anywhere. I hear the Patriots, Giants and Cowboys could be interested

Machine Gun Matt

Will Al Davis ever fire Rob Ryan? Ryan is an Al Davis favorite, but since he has been our Def. Cord. our average defensive ranking is 22. And its only that low because of one freak season where our offense was so bad, teams could play ball control in the 1st quarter.

Bill Williamson

  (2:04 PM)

If the defnese doesn't improve the rest of the season and a new coach is brought in, I could see a change happening, sure.

Jonathan (Aurora,CO)

Young and Scheffler still probable for tonight?

Bill Williamson

  (2:05 PM)

They are listed as questionable. But Shanahan said Wednesday that they will both try to play.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Why are the Raiders going to start Chris Johnson instead of Stanford Routt in place of Deangelo Hall?

Bill Williamson

  (2:06 PM)

Yes, that"s the plan.

ron

who will play at RB for the broncos

Bill Williamson

  (2:06 PM)

Ryan Torain and Selvin Young.

Doug (Billings Montana)

With Slowik using turnstyles and roadcones as defenders, and the offense being unable to produce like they were in the first four games, and injuries mounting, just how long until Shanahan and company hit the panic button?

Bill Williamson

  (2:07 PM)

Probably tonight if they lose. This is a biggie for Denver.

Karl Paymah, Dre' Bly (Denver)

Hey Bill, we're gonna give you all the cushion you need to run this chat. What's good for you? 10 yards? 20 yards? We want to keep all the action in front of us.

Bill Williamson

  (2:08 PM)

Clever, guys, clever. I better take the 20 yards.

Jim (austin TX)

Can the saints beat the falcons. The falcons look good.

Bill Williamson

  (2:09 PM)

I like the Saints. I've sen them twice this year and that offense is the goods.

Almar (San Jose,CA)

Did Al Davis recieve advice from his future GM or little helper on getting rid of D-Hall?

Bill Williamson

  (2:10 PM)

Does he ever take any advice?

Ryan (San Diego)

When the Broncos lose tonight you can stick a fork in them and pencil in a 7-9 record max this season. Chargers take the division with ease

Bill Williamson

  (2:12 PM)

Yoy may be right. But nothing has come easy for San Diego this season. That team just has to worry about themselves and start playing better. Simple as that.

Tom (Simi Valley, CA)

Bill - do you think we should wait and see what happens tonight before we put Ryan Torain in Denver's Ring of Fame?

Bill Williamson

  (2:13 PM)

That's probably the sane thing to do, yes.

Al Davis

Bill Williamson must go down...and he must go down hard.

Bill Williamson

  (2:14 PM)

I'm the least of your problems, Al.

Josh, Portland, OR

Is Cutler now "cursed" since he said he had a stronger arm than John Elway? Their offense has gone in the tank since then.

Bill Williamson

  (2:15 PM)

Interesing point, Josh. He hasn't been the same since, has he?

Andy (Millersburg, PA)

Hey Bill as a Dre Bly critic is it possible or even plausible that Denver makes a run at D Hall to replace Bly? I mean Hall is what he is but Bly is awful.

Bill Williamson

  (2:16 PM)

I don't know that yet. But it could be plausible. Hall is a younger Bly. I'm not reporting this. So don't take it wrong, but it wouldn't shock me.

John (Miami)

Do you think Shannahan smacked Paymeh at all for calling Camarillo an "Average Joe" after he allowed 11 Catches and over 100 yards while covering him? Seems like it was the most undeserved smack talk ever.

Bill Williamson

  (2:18 PM)

Yes, it was a tad strange to hear him say that. Really, it was a rip on himself and he didn't even realzie it. He let an "averge Joe" catch 11 balls. Nice work.

Ryan (San Diego)

Or have the Broncos been struck by instant karma after having been given the crucial game by Ed Hochuli? Ever heard the saying that the ball never lies?

Bill Williamson

  (2:19 PM)

I believe in karma.

Mike (Silverdale, WA)

bill, I got both jamal lewis and Ryan Torain on my fantasy team. Why I don't know. Which one so I start??

Bill Williamson

  (2:20 PM)

The one who is playing Denver's run defense.

Ross (Chicago)

Bill, I realize Bowlen will never fire Shanny but if he were to leave. Do you think Cowher would be in play?

Bill Williamson

  (2:22 PM)

When there is a change after a long time, owners often go the other direction. So perhaps a new coach in Denver wouldn't be so powerful. Make sense?

Mike: Kansas City MO

Bill, Cyystal ball time. It's Feburary 1 2009, who is the GM and head coach of the Chiefs.

Bill Williamson

  (2:23 PM)

Just a guess: Bill Cowher and Bill Cowher.

Tom (L.A.)

Is it karma, or "things even out"? Denver got the SD call and the N.O. non-offsides call, then got hosed on some pass interference calls against Jax and totally burned on that bogus Marshall P.I. against Miami. I say the calls evened out.

Bill Williamson

  (2:23 PM)

Things definitely even out in the NFL.

Ganan (San Diego, Ca)

Why is everyone so high on Ryan Torrain? He hasn't proved anything and had just 1 yard last week in his only game. Is this just wishful thinking for Denver fans?

devin whitmore lake michigan

bill will culpepper stared for the lions this week

Bill Williamson

  (2:24 PM)

Think so.

Bill Williamson

  (2:25 PM)

Hey Ganan, not sure what happened to your question. But Shanahan started the Torain train by comparing him to Terrell Davis during camp.

Randy (Grove, OK)

Can the Chiefs continue to have success in the offense they are currently running? Is Tyler Thigpen really the QB to lead them in this rebuilding project?

Bill Williamson

  (2:26 PM)

He could be. I think he is best suited for the no huddle.

Randy (Grove, OK)

What's your take on how Glenn Dorsey is playing this season. There has been some talk in the KC media about him being a "bust." But, the same guy said that about Dwayne Bowe early last season.

Bill Williamson

  (2:28 PM)

Way too early to call him a bust. He is very talented. Every team loved him. But he has been slow to get going. I'm a bit surprised he has started slow. But he's not a bust yet.

Wayne (Oakland)

How long before Asoumougha gets out of Oakland? I can't see him signing a long term deal here now but can the team afford to franchise him again?

Bill Williamson

  (2:29 PM)

They will fanchise him again.

Doug, Colorado Springs

Bill, does it seem to you that the Broncocs are OK with just being OK? It seems to me that a loss gets me down more than the players or coaches.

Bill Williamson

  (2:30 PM)

I think these guys care. They put too much time in each week not to care.

Spencer: (NJ)

What are Brandon Marshall's numbers for tonights game?

Bill Williamson

  (2:32 PM)

I have a feeling he will be a major part of the game plan.

Sean ( Indiana)

Hey Bill... When Shawne Merriman's contract expires in San Diego (2009) do you think the Bolts will resign him. Is he a priority for them? Thanks

Bill Williamson

  (2:32 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if he left.

Anthony (NYC)

Bill what grade would you give to rookie CB Brandon Flowers, from the little bit that I've seen of him he seems to be doing well.

Bill Williamson

  (2:33 PM)

He's been very good. The Chiefs are thrilled with him.

Wayne (Kansas City)

Bill, Herm said that LJ would play this week after he comes off of suspension and is ready. Is this only because Kolby Smith is out now? Seems like they had written him off before this and were ready to move on without him. What are the odds he is on the team in 2009?

Bill Williamson

  (2:35 PM)

Expect Johnson to play Nov. 16 against the Saints. Carl Peterson said last week that he could return for that game. That was before Smith was hurt. As for 2009, no, I think he's gone.

Derek Anderson (on the bench)

Aren't I getting hosed here? I mean, if Braylon didn't have stone hands I'd be the one starting tonight. Instead Brady gets to play against that lousy defense and it will make him look better.

Bill Williamson

  (2:36 PM)

You have a point, Derek.

Mark (Boston)

Who has been the biggest disappointment thus far, Cowboys, Colts, or Bengals?

Bill Williamson

  (2:37 PM)

Chargers.

Larry (Pasco, WA)

Bill, why wouldn't you be surprised if Merriman left? Kevin Accee at the San Diego Tribune says he is gone after his contract is over in 2009. Why would the Chargers not want to sign him to a long-term deal? Can you explain?

Bill Williamson

  (2:37 PM)

I agree with Acee. I don't think he will be back in 2010.

Ryan (San Diego)

What is your gut feeling? Will Scheffler play tonight?

Bill Williamson

  (2:38 PM)

Yes.

John (Watertown, NY)

If the Raiders do franchise Asoumgha, do think there's a chance he doesn't report next year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:39 PM)

He'd at least miss the offseason again. But guys always play. Pkus, he's a good, smart guy.

Ritchie (Omaha)

Bill, assuming Thigpen proves he can be successful, what area do you think the Chiefs should focus on fixing first - an aging and ineffective right side of the offensive line or a pass rush that has only 4 sacks this season?

Bill Williamson

  (2:40 PM)

Depends on who is available in the first round.

Jim (Louisville, KY)

Bill what impact, if any, do you think Rivera will have on the Chargers D? Can I hope to see the Bears D from a few years about or the opposite?

Bill Williamson

  (2:43 PM)

I think it will improve. Expect a more fiery defense Sunday against the Chiefs.

Ryan (Washington)

Bill - you and i both know that when Brandon Marshall is involved there isn't a more dangerous and physical receiver in the game. Since his first 3 weeks it seems they have been shying away from him early and spreading the ball more. I don't care who you ask - the ball needs to be in his hands. No?

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

Totally agree. They need to force the issue and get him the ball. He's a game changer.

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

Totally agree. They need to force the issue and get him the ball. He's a game changer.

RS (CO)

Bill, what helps the broncos more? A giant DT to stuff the middle, or a playmaking safety?

Bill Williamson

  (2:45 PM)

The DT. That's where all defenses begin.

Mark (Boston)

How has there been such a large shift in power of the last season or so in the NFL? Injuries? Coaching? Age?

Bill Williamson

  (2:46 PM)

Age and injuries.

Joe (Columbia, MD)

Any chance the winner of the AFC West finishes 8-8?

Bill Williamson

  (2:46 PM)

I think there's a chance the winner goes 7-9.

John (Watertown, NY)

Seeing as how the Raiders apparently love those top 5 picks, who do you see them going after next year? I know they need a lot of help with WR and OL, and apparently the secondary.

Bill Williamson

  (2:47 PM)

I could see Crabtree wearing SIlver and Black.

Erick (Denver)

Bill, What is the one key for Denver to win tonight?

Bill Williamson

  (2:47 PM)

No turnovers.

Edwin (Puerto Rico, PR)

you thinks that a AFC Team woul represent in the superbowl?..

Bill Williamson

  (2:48 PM)

I like the Steelers.

Joe (Tulsa)

Thigpen, edwards or pennington. Who do you like better this week?

Bill Williamson

  (2:50 PM)

Edwards.

ray gordon reid tallahassee fla 323o6

QUESTION BILL WILLIAMSON AT 2.55 PM ray HI BILL GIANTS EAGLES OR SUNDAY

Bill Williamson

  (2:51 PM)

Giants.

LT (Los Angeles)

who is coaching the Raiders next year?

Bill Williamson

  (2:51 PM)

Jim Harbaugh, perhaps.

David, Bloomington, MN

B-Dub and Ryan in Washington, forcing the ball is not the solution...remember the Randy Ratio in MN? And Randy is the best in the game...but shows that the ball cannot be forced to 1 person all the time.

Bill Williamson

  (2:53 PM)

I was there for the Randy Ratio. It was a mess. But Marshall needs the ball. He is better than most of the cornerbacks he plays. Give him a chance to make a play.

Dan(San Diego)

Bill-Why do you think the Chargers will let Merriman walk?

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

Injuries and cost.

Craig (Meadville, PA)

How big to the Steelers playoff/superbowl chances is Big Ben's shoulder injury?

Bill Williamson

  (2:54 PM)

Pretty big.

Jim (Louisville, KY)

Why would anyone be dumb enough to accept the Raiders job with everything that has happened over the past 5-6 seasons?

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

You make a good point. But there are only 32 of these things. They are hard to pass up if the opportunity comes. But Ken Whisenhunt and Sean Payotn said no thanks to Oakland and they are much better off for it.

Jason

Hey what have you heard about the Raiders looking at the coach from Stanford?

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

Yes. I think there is something to it.

Anthony (Richmond,VA)

Who will win the NFC North? Bears or Green Bay?

Bill Williamson

  (2:58 PM)

Packers.

brian (columbus)

Do you think Chudzinski has the guts to let Quinn throw deep on the first series?

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

Why not? Get it out of the way early. If it worked, the palce woujdl go nbuts. if not, it would still put Denver's defnese on notice that Quinn is going

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

Why not? Get it out of the way early. If it worked, the palce woujdl go nbuts. if not, it would still put Denver's defnese on notice that Quinn is going

Bill Williamson

  (3:00 PM)

be aggresive.

Bill Williamson

  (3:01 PM)

Hey folks, fun hour as always Enjoy the game tonight and the games this weekend. Talk to you next week.