Chat with Pat Yasinskas
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Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.
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Yasinskas Archive: Blog | Columns
Scott (frederick, MD)
I was wondering if there is a status update on Jonathan Stewart, and if he will play against the Raiders?
Pat Yasinskas (12:56 PM)
Should know more this afternoon. Panthers will release injury update this afternoon. My gut says it doesn't look good.
Noah (Lakeland, FL)
What's the latest with the status of Cadillac Williams? Any report of how he looked in pads on Tuesday and Wednesday?
Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)
Think the deadline for the decision is next Wednesday. I think the odds are leaning in favor of us seeing him this year.
Jeremy Baltimore, MD
As the Bucs and Panthers hit the easy parts off their schedule what will it take for them to truly emerge as one of the betters teams not only in the division but in the NFC south.
Pat Yasinskas (12:59 PM)
Still think the Panthers have a difficult last five games. That Dec. Monday night game with Tampa is shaping up to be huge. I don't think either of them is far off being one of the better teams in the league.
Adam (Charlotte, NC)
Hey Pat. Finally Delhomme is starting to get some credit! In the media and here at home. Why do you think our fans act as they do? It seems to me like this area is a melting pot for different fan bases. What I'm tring to say is I think our fanbase is Bi-Polar. If we're a contender then they happily cheer and root for our cats, but if we are struggling or behind they are very quick to point fingers. Do you notice this problem in other NFL Cities?
Pat Yasinskas (1:01 PM)
Charlotte's not unique in that way. I see it here in Tampa and I've seen it other places. Think it's just the nature of the NFL. As for Delhomme, I think his absence last year showed how valuable he is.
Sam (raleigh)
Who will back up D'Williams if Stewart cant go?? If its Goings and I assume that Hackett is healthy will they activate 5 WR's and let Hackett and Jarrett play or give the spot to someone else? or how does this work?
Pat Yasinskas (1:02 PM)
It'll be Goings. I doubt they'll go with 5 WRs. Knowing Fox, it'll be a defensive player.
Will J (Portland, OR)
Why do you suppose it's taking the NFL so long to determine what they want to do with the "water pill" culprits? If this had been any other substance, they would have made a decision by now.
Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)
Lots of legal issues involved in this one. When you have lawyers involved, it slows down everything.
Andrew (Winston-Salem, NC)
real quick Panthers or Bucs for division winner?
Pat Yasinskas (1:04 PM)
Whoever wins the Monday night game in Charlotte in December.
John (Woodstock, GA)
What are your thoughts on Matt Ryan's maturation? Did you or anyone see him having this kind of success this early? I sure didn't..
Pat Yasinskas (1:05 PM)
I thought he'd be good eventually, but nothing like this. And I don't think anybody really saw this. Credit to him and the coaching staff.
tom (boston)
Is Hollis Thomas going to play this weekend?
Pat Yasinskas (1:05 PM)
Think the chances are pretty good.
kent (n'awlins)
Pat - any lingering effects from London trip on the Saints? on you?
Pat Yasinskas (1:07 PM)
Could be. It was fun, but it was a grind. I'm sure the time off helped them recover, but there could still be a bit of a hangover. NFL didn't do them any favors with that schedule.
Steiny (NYC)
If I were to tell you in the beginning of the season that Roddy White would be this good thus far in the season would you believe me?
Pat Yasinskas (1:07 PM)
Not really. I just posted a lengthy column on Roddy White and his emergence. Check it out when you have a minute.
Jerry (Tampa)
Hey Pat, is rookie 2nd round pick Dexter Jackson in danger of being cut in Tampa? He has been benched for the last 2 games and his replacement Clifton Smith has done very good, returning a kick 97 yards for a TD last week. If he is cut what are the chances of him making it to the practice squad?
Pat Yasinskas (1:08 PM)
I doubt they would cut a second-round draft pick. They'll keep him around another year. Somebody would grab him if he were released. There's still potential there.
Steve ATL
Any Chance Meangelo Hall winds up a Saint?
Pat Yasinskas (1:09 PM)
Lots of people asking this question, so I'll answer you all here. I think they've got to at least strongly consider it. I mean, the guy has talent and their secondary hasn't been great. Price tag shouldn't be too high. I think it's worth a shot.
Jamal (HOTlanta)
hey, Pay. A quick question on how rosters work: 53 man squad but only 47 dress. Do the inactives still get game checks? How does it effect cap numbers?
Pat Yasinskas (1:10 PM)
They still get paid and they still count against the cap.
Matt (Raleigh, NC)
Do you believe that the Panthers are the second best team in the NFC, especially if they beat the Bucs on MNF?
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
Yeah, I voted them No. 3 behind Giants and Titans in this week's power rankings.
MJ (Boston)
Pat - I was hoping the Raiders would keep Hall for another week, this way Steve Smith could torch him one last time...
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
That may be part of the reason they let him go when they did. Seriously.
Daniel Tampa
How bout Antonio Bryant comback poy?
Pat Yasinskas (1:12 PM)
Strong candidate. He's had a heck of a year for a guy who didn't play last season. Think about where Bucs would be right now without him.
Steiny (NYC)
I just read your story on White. He seems like a great guy and it is good to see him succeeding in the NFL.
Pat Yasinskas (1:12 PM)
Talking to him and people within Falcons, it sounds like he's really grown up in the past two years and is focused on the game now.
Dion Inverness,FL
Pat, you mentioned the Caddy could be seen this year. Does he seem to be healthy enough?
Pat Yasinskas (1:14 PM)
Hard to tell because his workouts weren't open to media. Bucs are raving about his progress. But I worry that the other injuries at RB are forcing them to bring him back too soon.
Robert (Deep South)
Hey Pat! Look everyone talking about Abraham and this D but might I mention that 8 of his sacks came from KC, Det, and Oak.. who are very bad teams and terrible at the QB spot? The Saints boast one of the nfls best O lines .. only giving up 7 sacks to 400 attps?
Pat Yasinskas (1:16 PM)
Valid points on Abraham, but would you rather he not have those eight sacks? It'll be tougher against Saints. They protect Brees well, plus their offense is designed for lots of quick plays and he doesn't take many deep drops.
Jay (SC)
Which game are you going to be covering this weekend?
Pat Yasinskas (1:16 PM)
I'll be in Atlanta for Falcons/Saints.
Wally (LA)
Hey Pat, I am not sold on any of the teams in the south right now. Carolina plays horrible on the road ad have 4 tough road games left. Tampa bay is about as inconsistent as you can get. Atlanta can't beat anyone in the South and New Orleans can't put their best roster on the field at any point in time. Have you seen anything to help clear up this talented but jumbled mess?
Pat Yasinskas (1:18 PM)
I've seen Carolina and Tampa Bay look great at times. Also, Falcons looked good at times. Saints have had issues, but also have lots of talent. Good thing we have almost half a season left. Somebody's going to step up.
Paul ( Phoenix)
Pat, Scouts Inc mid season awards for Comeback player of the year did not even have Delhomme as an honorable mention, how rediculous is that??
Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
Delhomme would get my vote.
Wes (Albany, ny)
PY, I agree gettin rid of Hall could have plenty to do with Smith....but isn't it realistically possible that Carolina beats oakland without throwing a single pass???
Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
Oh yeah, entirely possible.
kent (n'awlins)
I'm a Ragin' Cajun fan, but have to give props to your Penn State Nittany Lions before you sign out!
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
You're a good man. Thanks.
Matt
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest, how hard was Steve Smith laughing when news came that DeAngelo Hall got cut?
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
Probably about a 47.
Joel (Charlotte, NC)
Pat do you think Carolina takes care of business the next two weeksagainst the Raiders and the Lions or do you think there is a chance for a slip-up before Atlanta (Which Looks to be a big game now)?
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
I think they can win them both, even if they're not on top of their game.
Ryan (Napa, CA)
What's hampering Galloway? He doesn't seem to be part of the offense right now.
Pat Yasinskas (1:21 PM)
Old and in Gruden's doghouse.
Dion Inverness,FL
How is Askew doing...is he going to be back after the bye? Is it me or does he make our TB's running game better?
Pat Yasinskas (1:21 PM)
Yeah, he makes it a lot better. But doesn't sound like you'll see him anytime soon.
Robert (Deep South)
Comeback poy Jake Delhome...MVP Drew Brees...Rookie of the year Matt Ryan.. all fron nfc south.. possible?
Pat Yasinskas (1:21 PM)
Yes on all.
Wally (LA)
Bryant is a nice Comeback POY candidate, but how can the award NOT go to Jonathan Vilma. He leads the NFC in tackles halfway through the season, and might very well lead the NFL when the season is over.
Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)
Very nice season and I know he had the knee injury, but I'm not sure that the "story" is as much of a "comeback" as Delhomme or Bryant.
Rob (Fayetteville, NC)
Can I get one guy from each NFC South team that you think for sure will make the Pro Bowl?
Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)
Only one? ...Brees, Beason, Michael Turner, Jeff Faine.
Fullbright (Leesville)
Why doesn't the NFC south get much credit on ESPN? It seems like the only two divisions in football are the NFC/AFC east.
Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)
What are we doing right now?
Steiny (NYC)
With Matt Ryan playing this well, when Michael Vick gets out of jail do you think the Falcons are going to want him back?
Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)
No way. He'll end up in that new United Football League.
MJ (Boston)
I remember you saying awhile back how over-rated Hall was...do these GM,scouts, presidents, do their homework when signing guys to 70 million dollar deals. In 2006 Hall got scorched...I think he gave up 5 balls of over 40 yards...thats' horrible...he always had an excuse too...
Pat Yasinskas (1:26 PM)
Obviously, the Raiders didn't do their homework.
Mike (ATL)
Pat, Do you think that the Falcons can make the playoffs?
Pat Yasinskas (1:26 PM)
Yes, it's very possible. But they're going to have to win some division games to get there.
Jay (Louisville)
Pat, When can we expect to see Jeremy Shockey start to make a difference in the Saints offense?
Pat Yasinskas (1:27 PM)
Perhaps this week. The bye might have helped him get healthy. I think he can have a big impact once healthy. Same with Colston. But we'll see if they're ready now.
Jerry (Tampa)
Think fast Pat, odds on Barrett Rudd making the pro bowl this year.
Pat Yasinskas (1:28 PM)
He's had a season worth of it so far. But that doesn't mean it'll happen. Lots of big name LBs in the NFC and that could work against him. Not saying that's fair, but it's true.
Wes (Albany, ny)
to MF in Boston: Yes, Scouts, GM's and everyone else with a single ounce of football in their brains do plenty of scouting. Unfortunately, Al Davis does not fall under any of these categories
Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
Good point.
Matt (Raleigh, NC)
Any chance we see two NFC South teams in the playoffs?
Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
Yes, good chance. Think there'll be one wild card from the South and one from the East.
Joe (New Orleans)
What is going on the Deuce and the rest of the players who tested positive for banned substances? Can we expect to suspensions from this?
Pat Yasinskas (1:30 PM)
Legal issues being sorted through and could take a while. I think there's at least a chance there might not be suspensions.
tom (boston)
How big of an impact will Charles Grant's absence have on the Saints ability to pressure Ryan? They did resign Hollis, though, so that should somewhat make up for it.
Pat Yasinskas (1:30 PM)
Actually, I think Bobby McCray might make the pass rush better. That's his specialty. But he could be a liability against the run.
Wally (LA)
Pat, can you give us Saints Fans a game that Carolina can lose so we can have our destiny back in our own hands. I suppose its to much to hope Oakland or Deroit can get the job done.
Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)
Yep, probably too much to ask for. Carolina's sked gets a lot tougher in the last five games, though.
John (CA)
Not one Reggie question yet? Percent chance he plays this week? Zero? How about next week? 60%? THX
Pat Yasinskas (1:32 PM)
I say zero this week, 75-percent next week.
Wally (LA)
Charles Grant is a big blow. BUT Bobby McCray and Hollis Thomas is a better starting two combined then Charles Grant and Brian Young. This won't hurt the Saints as much as it seems.
Pat Yasinskas (1:32 PM)
Agreed.
Dion Inverness,FL
Last question..considering they do make Caddy active, do you think we see EG as fullback until Askew is healthy enough to play?
Pat Yasinskas (1:33 PM)
Only if Cadillac's somewhere close to 100 percent and I don't think you'll see that right away. Can't see him coming right in and handling 15-20 carries.
Jay (SC)
The Saints should turn Hall into a free safety.
Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)
Not a bad idea. Might be better than what they've got.
Matt (Raleigh, NC)
I know it's only half way through but how good is the trade to get Otah looking as of this moment in your eyes?
Pat Yasinskas (1:35 PM)
Good. If he hadn't gotten injured, I'd say very good or great. But he should be back now. Risky move for Fox and Hurney at the time, but it's working out well.
Wally (LA)
If the Saints get wins on the road the next 2 weeks in Atlanta and in KC do you think the Healthy 6-4 Saints team is a favorite to make the playoffs in some capacity?
Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)
Not sure I'd use the word favorite, but definitely a contender. They've got enough talent that they could click at any time and get hot. Not saying it will happen, but it's possible.
Russell (DC)
How is it possible that Matt Ryan may not win rookie of the year?
Pat Yasinskas (1:37 PM)
He's pretty much already won it.
Helen (Austin)
How is the Falcons' D even somewhat respectable this year, beyond the line?
Pat Yasinskas (1:38 PM)
Linebackers. Curtis Lofton and Michael Boley are playing very well. Secondary is playing over its talent level, but I attribute that to coaching more than anything.
Jt (Massachusets)
Any thoughts on the new kicker and punter for the Saints?
Pat Yasinskas (1:39 PM)
Like they could have a new kicker and punter again next week.
Steiny (NYC)
There have been reports that the Oakland Raiders would be interested in having Michael Vick be there QB. Personally I think that the NFL needs some good role models, and this guy is anything but. The NFL needs more Clinton Portis' of the world.
Pat Yasinskas (1:39 PM)
If any NFL team is going to take him, Raiders would be my guess.
UT
Who is playing as the best quarterback so far this season in your opinion?
Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)
Brees.
Lamar (NC)
Is it a stretch to say at this point the winner of the Giants-Panthers game will get homefield throughout?
Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)
Yes, I can't believe I'm saying this, but don't rule out the Cardinals completely. Not that I'm sold on them, but the road out of the West is a lot easier.
Andrew, Winston Salem NC
How big of an impact will getting Kalil and Otah make for the Panthers in terms of rushing, pass protection, and the all important false start penalties that we saw early in the season?
Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)
Long term, very positive impact. But first game back from injury, they might have a little rust.
Vic (kailua, HI)
How would you rate Michael Turner's production so far? He does great against weak teams and seems to struggle against tough defenses.
Pat Yasinskas (1:43 PM)
That's not necessarily all about Turner. More about the offensive line and the rest of the team. It's not uncommon for an RB to be good against bad teams and vice versa.
Jeff (Los Angeles)
With Road games against NYG, Green Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta, and Tampa Bay and Denver coming into town. Carolina could come crashing back down to earth after a home heavy and easy first half. should Carolina fans be worried?
Pat Yasinskas (1:44 PM)
Worried is too strong. Concerned, maybe a bit. It is a tough sked. But if they get to 8-2 with momentum behind them, they should be able to win a good share of the last six.
Leo (Atlanta)
You think D. Hall and Joe Horn are regretting wanting out of Atlanta?
Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)
Probably. But I don't think the Falcons have many regrets.
Merv (So Cal)
Ryan already won ROY? At least mention Chris Johnson. Jeeeeeez.
Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)
There, Chris Johnson is mentioned.
Vic (Kailua, HI)
Back in '04, I bought a box of Upper Deck SPX football cards and got Roddy White as my rookie/auto/jersey card. Had no idea who he was at the time.
Pat Yasinskas (1:46 PM)
Hope you've held on to it.
SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)
I wouldn't say Matt Ryan's pretty juc won it already. Matt Forte already has almost 1000 yard combined rushing and receiving and 6 TD's. There's some cold and windy days ahead where rushing will be the main focus come this winter.
Pat Yasinskas (1:47 PM)
Ryan's a QB and that means a lot in voting on those kinds of things.
Samuel (Yorba Linda, CA)
I can't trust anything you say because you have the Titans ranked 2nd. Explain
Pat Yasinskas (1:48 PM)
I have the defending Super Bowl champions ranked first and the Titans second.
kent (n'awlins)
I wish I had the confidence in my team, even when it is playing great, that some of these guys have at the half way point in the season! Every week is a new drama in New Orleans.... at least the cocktails are good and inexpensive!
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
At least it's never dull.
Eric (nashville
What do you think the chance is that Jake Delhomme wins comeback player of the year?
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
Very good.
Tim (Cocoa, Fl)
Which team in the nfc south has the best O line?
Pat Yasinskas (1:50 PM)
Good question. I'm planning to do a blog item on that topic next week and let you guys argue it out.
Leo (Atlanta)
Is the pickup of Jason Elam being ignored? He's been huge for the Falcons
Pat Yasinskas (1:52 PM)
Nah, but it has perhaps been overshadowed by the Matt Ryan/Michael Turner frenzy, which is understandable.
Gary Raleigh NC
Pat, With Stewart being hampered by the heel injury, if he can't go for a while which hopefully isn't the case, do you see the Panthers using Goings with Williams or finding another back to pair with Williams?
Pat Yasinskas (1:52 PM)
Too late to find another back. They'd use Goings as the backup, but probably give Williams more carries than usual.
Kevin (California)
Do you think the Falcons will be the Browns of last year? As in have a much better year than the year before and then getting close to playoffs and in return getting multiple nationally aired games.
Pat Yasinskas (1:54 PM)
Falcons will definitely get some national games next year. Ryan and Turner alone make them attractive to audiences. Plus, Atlanta's a big market. Networks probably would love for Falcons to be good for a long time.
Ryan (Napa, CA)
Pat, you are the man for chatting with us NFC South fans for so long. Love the dedication. GO OAKLAND (the only time i'll ever say that)!!! Is there any validity to the Gruden to Tennessee rumors?
Pat Yasinskas (1:55 PM)
I don't think Gruden's going anywhere. He's still got a long contract and has a good team. I think he likes working with Bruce Allen and an ownership that's hands off.
Russell (DC)
Whats the best division in football?
Pat Yasinskas (1:56 PM)
NFC East is No. 1 and NFC South No. 2.
Tom (Atlanta)
How good can Atlanta's offense be. The last couple of weeks we've seen new wrinkles from Mularkey, as well as the emergence of Michael Jenkins when the opposing defense focuses on Roddy White. I have a feeling Matt Ryan is on the cusp of thrusting himself into the MVP race. Not that he'll win, or should, but he'll be in the discussion.
Pat Yasinskas (1:57 PM)
Atlanta's offense can be very good. But let's not rush the MVP thing. Settle for Rookie of the Year?
Vic (Kailua, HI)
Better division: NFC South or AFC East?
Pat Yasinskas (1:58 PM)
Well, I cover the South, so I'll say the South. But top to bottom, I think I'd say that even if I didn't cover the South.
Jason (Orlando)
What kind of game do you expect from Deuce this weekend?
Pat Yasinskas (1:59 PM)
Wouldn't be surprised with a strong game by Deuce. Atlanta's defense is going to be focused on the pass. I see Deuce getting 15 to 18 carries and (just a guess) about 75 yards. Couple more questions before I have to run.
JT FL.
where will hall go
Pat Yasinskas (2:00 PM)
Maybe Dallas, maybe New Orleans. I've even heard New England mentioned.
Vic (Kailua, HI)
There are a handful of QBs that will be available in this year's draft. Which one is Gruden salivating over? Over/Under: 1.5 QBs drafted by Gruden
Pat Yasinskas (2:02 PM)
You know, I think it would be hard for the Bucs and Gruden to draft a QB first round. I think there's a better chance they end up bringing in another free agent with experience. I mean, they're probably in the playoffs or close to it this year. You draft a rookie QB and you probably take a step back. And Matt Ryan's the exception to that rule.
Samuel (Yorba Linda, CA)
The rankings are for this year only. I personally had the Giants on top to start the season, and will have all superbowl champs #1 to start. However once you lose a game to a team especially like the Browns, you have to drop below a team that has no losses. What can the Titans do to even improve their position?
Pat Yasinskas (2:03 PM)
It's not the BCS or the AP college rankings. These don't mean anything. They're just for fun. Titans keep winning and they've got my No. 1 vote once the Giants lose another. All right, two more questions.
ARB (Hoboken, NJ)
Rank the following in terms of targets from Brees for the rest of the year: Colston, Moore, Henderson. The WR situation in NO seems so dynamic!
Pat Yasinskas (2:04 PM)
1. Colston, 2. Moore 3. Henderson. I think Colston's ready (after the bye) to get back to where he should be.
Jason, PA
PY, Sorry I have been busy the past few weeks and couldn't catch the chat. How worried are you about our Nittany Lions being undefeated and still not getting into the BCS title game? I'm a VERY big LSU and Ok State fan this week. NO WAY Tech should have jumped in front of us. Also since this the NFC South chat does my Gaines Adams make the prow bolw if he hits 10 sacks this year? Go Bucs, Go Nittany Lions!!!
Pat Yasinskas (2:06 PM)
Worried. Reminds me of what, '94 with the Kerry Collins team? Could end up not playing in title game.
Tom (Atlanta)
OK, I admit it. I got a little ahead of myself with the Ryan for MVP talk. But hey, it got my question answered. Yay sensationalism!!!!
Pat Yasinskas (2:07 PM)
Understandable. Lots of excitement in Atlanta. Looking forward to my trip there. Got to go start packing, so this is the last question. Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Really enjoyed it. See you next week.
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