Nizar ( Emerson, NJ )

Hey Mike. Who do like to win this matchup between the Giants and Ravens ? Why?

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

Giants. Tough to pick against them. At some point I'm expecting the Ravens' rookie QB to hit a wall. It's been a long wait, though.

Mike Singletary

I will approve this chat by mooning it.

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

Thanks, Coach. Please be assured there was nothing personal in my questioning of your tactics. I will ask you to remain clothed during the chat, however.

Brandon

What chances do you think the titans have of going undefeated, who do see coming out of the afc east,do you think the lions will go winless

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

I never thought New England would do it last season, but the Pats did manage to go 16-0. I would think the Titans might hit a rough spot or two. How does 14-2 sound?

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mike, do you think it would be in the Seahawks best interest to sit Branch and Hasslebeck out for the rest of the season? There's almost no way they'll make the playoffs at this point.

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Only if those guys are at undue risk for aggravating those injuries. Otherwise, I think it's important to build some momentum if possible.

ray gordon reid charlottesville va 22902

question TO MIKE SAndo AT 12.05 RAY HI M8KE AFC EAST TONIGHT JETS OR PATRIOTS

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

I'll take the Patriots.

Mike Martz

Mike, it's not my fault, ya know? I'm just a coach. I'm not supposed to, you know, watch the game and know where the ball is and what play to call, right?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

That was definitely a tough situation at the end of the game. Bet the 49ers will be more prepared next time, from QB to head coach to coordinator.

Jon (Seattle, WA)

What are the chances the niners go after a guy like Kirk Morrison next year to line him up next to Willis and move Spikes back outside?

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

I know of no specific plans along those lines but I would expect the 49ers to try free agency in upgrading at LB. They gave a few hundred grand in a bonus to Dontarrious Thomas last offseason, to no avail.

BO (Philly)

Do you see the 9ers keeping Alex Smith next year?

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

I think the chances have gone from almost nil to decent now that Mike Nolan is gone. But I think we might need a near-full staff changeover for Smith to fit into their plans realistically.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mike, for as much as I want to blast Singletary for the 49ers play last weekend, I find it hard to do so. For one this is his first stint (2nd game), and I'm sure most head coaches would've had problems. I mean the guy takes the helm mid-season, no time to work out kinks in the pre-season, like most head coaches.

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

I was generally impressed with how the 49ers played under Singletary on Monday night. Their philosophical shift on offense makes sense. I have a feeling they'll take out some frustrations on the Rams on Sunday.

Chris ( Tempe, AZ)

With the Panthers and the 49ers both trying to shutout the Cards running game in hopes of Warner having an off game, how do you see the Seahawks game planning the Cards offense?

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

Seattle's front four has a chance to win some individual matchups to get pressure on Warner. Warner has six picks and 10 sacks in his last two games at Qwest Field. Look for Rocky Bernard and Brandon Mebane to get inside pressure. Warner is doing a great job getting the ball out anyway. But Trufant had three picks in the last meeting at Qwest. Seattle will have to trust its front to get pressure and trust its corners to play aggressively. I do think Seattle can pressure Warner with Peterson and those inside guys.

Were they serious?

Ok, I can give the coaches the benefit of the doubt on where the ball was positioned. I can stretch a bit more and not totally blame them for running the ball on the last play. But why..why..why would it not be Gore carrying the ball on that play? You dance with the one that brought ya!

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I noticed Gore had come out of the game a couple plays earlier. He was shaken up. He did not run very well on the second-down play. I wondered if he was full strength. That was the only thing that came to mind.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Apparently the Haslett honeymoon is over in St. Louis. What do you expect from the Rams down the stretch? Will Jackson be shut down?

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

I never expected Jackson to miss this much time. The Rams haven't handled adversity well at all the last two weeks. They did much better that way in Haslett's first two games but the last two games are troubling that way. I don't think Jackson will be shut down in terms of resting for the remainder of the season.

Ryan (Chandler, AZ)

Mike, I would like to talk about the 49ers coaching choices for next year if you don't mind...Wouldn't Marty Schotenheimer be a good choice of coach considering he is an established coach and knows the 3-4 and likes a power running game. What do you think are the possibilities of this?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

Yes, I think that type of hiring would be very good for the 49ers. They would become more competitive right away. They would have an identity matching their personnel. Having an established coach would lend credibility. Best-case scenario, though, I think they get a HC who calls the offensive plays and lends stability to that side of the ball.

Mike

In the Flem File article--I think it was--here on ESPN.com, he questioned why the heck the Rams kicked a field goal down 40-0 rather than go for it and try to extend the drive. I tend to agree. Why do coaches chicken out like this? Is a 40-0 loss really worse than 40-3?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

I can't speak for Haslett in this case but in general I do think coaches try to avoid the shutout.

Dave (AZ)

What are realistic expectations for Hasselback this weekend? He didnt exactly look that good prior to his injury against the Giants. While never a running QB, his mobility in keeping plays alive has been one of his better qualities -- is that gone for the time being?

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

I would not expect a great deal from Hasselbeck in this game. He is capable of good things but you're right, he wasn't completing even half his passes before the injury. I question his ability to take a hit at this point. Hasselbeck helps the most in that he can manage the game at the line of scrimmage. His ability to change plays -- particularly to get into running plays against certain blitzes -- can be an asset.

Randy (St. Paul)

I think Monday night proved that Marshal Faulk, Kurt Warner, Tory Holt, and Isaac Bruce is what made the greatest show on turf run, and not Mike Martz.

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

They did it together, but no question, every coach is as good as his players to a certain extent. Some coaches are more willing than others to change their scheme to meet their personnel. I don't think Martz is all that willing.

Mike (Boca Raton)

why has nobody called out singletary for effectively throwing martz under the bus for the (admittedly) horrible play call. a head coach needs to take responsibility for all play calls, regardless of how good or bad...poor job by singletary on that one.

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

I would almost guarantee that Singletary intended no such thing. He lacks experience in answering questions "from a team standpoint" (to borrow a Nolanism). Singletary is still learning how to filter himself. Clearly, he had no idea what type of fallout would ensue from him initial postgame news conference. He had a better idea after this second game, but he's a work in progress that way. I just do not question his intent. I think his motives are pure.

Chris (Brooklyn)

What's up Sando-- In the event that the Cards win the division and play a wild card team in the playoffs, who represents a good match-up for AZ? Bad match-ups? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the Redskins, Eagles, Coyboys, Panthers, Bucs, and Falcons.

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

I'll bet the Cardinals would like another shot at the Panthers. In general, I the Cardinals should hope to face lower-scoring teams.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Do you get paid extra for having to cover this awful division?

Mike Sando

  (12:22 PM)

No way. I love it, regardless of how the teams are doing.

Paul (Albany, OR)

How is it that some of these franchises stay competitive for years and years, while others (my Rams) have a three years stretch of quality blipped in between TWENTY of awfulness. Any real hope?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

The Rams have done a poor job drafting for the offensive line. They have also gotten old. An aging team that drafts poorly is going to struggle.

Dave (NYC)

Mike always a pleasure to chat with you.I am a loyal Cards fan and I watched the last part of the SF game over and over and there was no reason that the 49ers could not have spiked that ball once the clock started.Very poorly managed by the whole team.On another note the game this weekend what do you see instore for Warner and the dynamic 3 of Q,Fitz and Breaston?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

I see Warner having a much better showing against Seattle than what he's had in the past. It's a big test for the Cardinals. They blew it at the Jets. They recovered against the Panthers but could not finish. Now is their chance to "exorcise demons" (as Whisenhunt put it). I would expect Warner to have a pretty good day.

Ruben (Highland, Ca)

Mike, Do you think the incentive given to Haslett (winning 6 games & become head coach) has hurt the Rams for the future? I know the NFL has voided that provision, but Haslett has an underperforming OL and 2 highly regarded rookies on ever Sunday's inactive list. This team must get younger and any experience in the lost season should help. What do you think?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

An interesting point. They are playing the young guys at receiver. At what point do you bench starting offensive linemen? If I'm the Rams, I would want to see someone else play right tackle. Alex Barron does not look like the long-term answer there. The team doesn't really have promising candidates at center, though.

Half Moon Bay, CA

It seems like the 49ers have good position players on offense and defense, why can't they win games?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

They change quarterbacks and offensive coordinators too frequently. They haven't matched scheme to personnel very well this season, until recently. Those would be a couple reasons.

Chris (Brooklyn)

I do want to point out-- I'm loving that the win over the niners put the Cardinals back into the "same old cardinals" category. I think the success of this team increases when reminded of the past and breaking a mold. I'm very anxious to see the Giants Cards game in 2 weeks. I think the Giants will win, but the Cards will make it a very good game and surprise some people.

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

The victory makes it easier for Whisenhunt and the staff to be harder on the players in trying to correct mistakes. I also think it's good for the Cardinals when people doubt them. This team has to keep working and keep proving itself.

Jeff (Herndon, VA)

How many more years do you think Tory Holt has in the tank?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

I would question whether he'll be back with the Rams in 2009. And I wonder if there would be much of a market for him anywhere in 2010. Time catches up to the best of them.

Randy (St. Paul)

I still don't get how St. Louis is in the NFC West. Shouldn't they swap positions with Oakland?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

In theory, yes. But the owners didn't want to break up long-standing rivalries. The Raiders' rivalries with the Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs trumped geography.

Luis (SB, CA)

Mike, I'll be at the 49er/Rams game this weekend. Could I have picked a worse match-up? With Jackson likley out, this game should be anti-fun. Gimme something to look forward to

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Watch Justin Smith. He was outstanding in the Monday night game. Great effort and great results. The Cardinals had their hands full with him. You should also watch Jason HIll to see if he can build on Monday night. For the Rams, watch Chris Long and Donnie Avery. I'm curious if the Rams can get Avery deep against the 49ers' safeties.

Carlos(LA,CA)

Mike, Do you like the young players on OL. Rachal, Baas, and Staley?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

I don't dislike them but when you look at those guys, you don't necessarily see Pro Bowls in their futures. I would exclude Rachal from that comment, though. I haven't seen enough of him.

Dave (NYC)

In regards to the Monday night game for the Cards, everyone is saying same old Cards.I would like to point out that the Cards did have two interceptions returned for TD's that were called back.Those don't get called back and we have a totally different perspective. They need to cut down on the penalties.

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

The penalty aspect does look like the same old Cardinals. But the offense is scoring enough points to win most games anyway.

Paul (Albany, OR)

Mike, you bring up a great point about the offensive line for the Rams. Then I look and it is not as if they have not drafted lineman, (see 1st round pick Alex Barron for example), but that they are not selecting quality linemen or good depth at that position. When do the scouting departments and front office folks get pink slips for bad drafts as opposed to the head coaches who have lesser talent?

Mike Sando

  (12:36 PM)

Well, Billy Devaney is relatively new in that front office. I wouldn't hold him responsible for past failures. His 2008 draft looks pretty good. Teams need to hit on OL in the middle rounds every so often.

Carlos (LA,CA)

Mike, Which team has a better future San Fran or Okland? Thanks.

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Probably the 49ers.

Craig (England)

Mike - Do you know what's up with Gabe Watson. Last year he was the most important and impressive part of the Cards' run D and this year he is seemingly stuck behind the average Bryan Robinson. Is it that he is taking a while to get back to his best following his off-season injury or have the Cards' soured on him. Also, if the Cards can't agree a deal with Kurt this off-season, what do you think the chances are that they franchise him.

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

That is a great question and one that has slipped through the cracks a little bit. I'll try to find out. I just don't see him on the field very much. The injury is presumably a factor there.

Scott (MD)

What are the 49ers doing for their right tackle? and do you think Chilio will get more playing time, considering how dominated the inside line was

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

They're paying a lot of money to Jonas Jennings, who is not a factor, and waiting for Barry Sims to get healthy. If I'm the 49ers, I consider drafting the best OT available and then determining whether to move Staley back to RT (based on whether the best OT available projects to left or right).

Dave (NYC)

If the Cards win which I feel they will they would have basically sealed the division. They are also in line for fighting for a 1st round bye. Do you see them finishing right behind the Giants for best record? I know they play each other next week so that will be tought considering the Giants have the 2nd ranked pass def. Warner may owe them a little from his stint with them. Your take.

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

The schedule gets tougher in the second half. I've been seeing a likely 10-6 record. Would be a little surprised if they went better than 11-5. So, no, I don't necessarily see the Cardinals finishing that strong.

Tyler Laguna Beach ,CA

Mike, as always you are the constant professional..so thank you for all your inside knowledge.....what do you think Sing has to do to stay head coach? and if he is head coach who would be a good OC for the niners future? Tyler

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

You sure now how to get your question answered. Thanks much. The 49ers need to finish strong by winning a few games. Singletary needs to show command of the team and grow into the role, becoming more adept at managing games, managing the media and managing everything else associated with the job. The team needs to feel good about its QB situation, probably. And then Singletary probably needs some outside help. If there isn't a better candidate available, that helps him.

Jason (Pitt)

When the Steelers initially spurned Grimm and never even considered Whisenhunt, I thought they were making a mistake. At this point, I believe the hiring of Tomlin was the right hire, however, I don't think you can say enough about the toughness and stability both Whisenhunt and Grimm have brought to Arizona.

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Yeah, both franchises won with that one. The Cardinals got a highly motivated Grimm (not that there is any other kind, but he certainly had reason to have a chip on his shoulder after getting passed over at the last minute in Pittsburgh). Whisenhunt reminds me of Cowher in his willingness to take calculated risks.

rams fan

will haslett coach there next year? personally i hope not , and hope we could land someone like bill cohwer or one more run of dick vermeil but i think i am dreaming there. Your thoughts?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

A complete cultural overhaul probably looms unless the Rams unexpectedly rally.

Wayne (Chicago)

Who wins the game between the 49ers and Rams? Is Steven Jackson playing?

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

I lean toward the 49ers. They are better than the Rams and they were so close at Arizona. I think it's a tossup on Jackson playing. I'd be surprised if he had a big game.

Carlos (Reno, NV)

In recent years many have described the 49ers Wide Receivers as bellow average. After Monday nights game I am very optimistic. Josh Morgan has looked good and it seems as though Jason Hill has developed nicely. Can either one of these guys develop into a number one or will they have to draft a guy like Crabtree?

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

Morgan might have a chance, but teams are having a hard time developing true No. 1 receivers. Arizona has two of them, but the rest of the division has zero.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Speaking of Tomlin, it sure is awesome when you see coaches get fired up when they're players make huge hits. Not to take anything away from the Dungy's and Belichick's, but guys like Tomlin, Gruden, etc. are just a joy to play for.

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

Did you see Singletary jumping up and down with that look of unbridled glee on his face after a TD?

Kyle (OH)

Bulger looks DONE. Should the Rams look at Stafford in the draft, and then address o-line issues later on?

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

I do not know enough about the college QBs to talk about one over the other, but if I'm the Rams, yes, I draft a quarterback with an eye toward getting him ready sooner rather than later, just in case.

David (Scottsdale)

Assuming AZ finishes the deal in the West, shouldnt Whisenhunt get serious coach of the year consideration? Not only for reviving a long dead franchise, but showing the ability to go from a ground first Pitt offensive background to a pass happy AZ offense -- we have seen many, many coaches who never leave their philosophical comfort zone and lose games because of it.

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

Yes, but we have to remember that the Cardinals were 8-8 last season. The Dolphins were 1-15. If the Dolphins go to the playoffs or even finish 9-7, it's tough to ignore that type of turnaround.

Paul (Augusta)

Speaking of Bulger how would a Ram's fans outlook be different today if Matt Ryan were wearing a Rams uni.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

I think Rams fans would have more hope, but it's tough to know whether Ryan would be doing as well on another team.

Jason (Pitt)

How much of a schematic change do you see coming from the Seahawks when Mora Jr. takes over? I know he's a defensive guy, so he already has his imprint there, but do you see them veering away from the West Coast offense, and trying to employ something different?

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

Good questions. I think they stick with the WCO, keeping continuity in mind, but the offense becomes more diversified. We'll see more power running. Holmgren has been pretty true to the Walsh offense. I see some tweaks coming. On defense, look for Mora to take firm control. I expect him to hire a new coordinator, standard practice when a new head coach takes over, and I expect the defense to become more aggressive.

Andrew (albany, ny)

You can't fault Martz and Singletary for the loss. They put the players in a position to win the game. All the players have to do is execute, what they're paid to do. Where's the accountability from the players in the locker room? It's not singletary's fault his o-line could man up get and get 2 yards!

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

On the other hand, they ran a FB dive from just inside the 2.5-yard line. That usually isn't a 3-yard play.

Raul (Phoenix, AZ)

Is Edgerin James a free agent at the end of the year? If so, any chance he signs with the colts? If he's not a free agent will anyone trade for him?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

2009 is the final year of his deal. Look for the Cardinals to release him after the season. After that, it's anyone's guess where he winds up.

Jason (NYC)

Mike, What are the chances the Niners do the smart thing and take a QB early in the draft, then sign a veteran to pilot the ship for a year or two to get him ready?

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

That is the tentative plan. I say tentative because the coaching staff could change and the 49ers can't predict the future. But in terms of theory, that would be what they have in mind.

Geoff (Philly)

I think Singletary did a great job on MNF, yea the play caling at the end was bad but think about it... If Nolan was the Hc I bet the 9ers would have got crushed that game because they would have been in the "Big Sub" package all day, hightower would have run all over them, and JTO would have fumbled thrice, and thrown 5 INT's. I hope MS comes back to coach next year.

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

No question, the offensive approach seemed saner. Zero sacks reflected that. Hill did a better job getting the ball out. This approach makes more sense.

Greg (Arizona)

Is it possible that not only are Fitz & Boldin the best WR duo, but also the 2 best WRs in the NFL?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Who would start in a two-WR offense if Fitzgerald, Boldin and Moss were on the same team?

Dan (Portland, OR)

If Mike Holmgren had a change of heart and wanted to return for one more year and coach the Seahawks, would he be welcomed back?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Nope. The team has decided to move on.

Amir (the badlands)

What do you think of the emergence of the Dolphins?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

It showed the Dolphins underachieved in a big way last season. It shows the impact a veteran QB can have when he avoids mistakes.

Morgan (Atlanta)

Has the window of opportunity closed on the current Seahawks roster?

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

Tell me if Matt Hasselbeck comes back strong and I'll give you an answer. Windows don't slam shut the way they once did. Get a QB playing well and you can compete.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

And with that, we end the NFC West chat for today. Thanks for dropping by. Hope to see you on the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

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