Buzzmaster

  (1:02 PM)

We've got Kidder!

Keith Kidd

  (1:05 PM)

It's great to be here talking ball here with the Nation. We have a great bunch of rivalry games this Sunday. It starts off tonight with the Jets and Patriots! Let's get rolling with your NFL questions!

Ed (Boston)

Will the wet and windy conditions tonight give either team an advantage? Who ya got?

Keith Kidd

  (1:06 PM)

I think it will favor Brett Favre a little bit in this because he's played in these types of conditions. Obviously it will be interesting to see how Cassell adapts. Gameplans will be downsized and somewhat simplified and it will be a physical battle in the trenches. I hate to say a cliche here but the team that doesn't turn the ball over tonight will be ina good spot to win this game.

Jon (Atl)

Falcons...playoffs?

Keith Kidd

  (1:07 PM)

They're in the thick of the race. They'll beat the Broncos on Sunday. You have to love the way Matt Ryan is playing right now. Tom Dimitroff has yet to have a full complete season and offseason. This team is only going to get better.

Big Jeremy (Portland)

Were you responsible for finding Tom Brady?

Keith Kidd

  (1:08 PM)

Honestly, I wish I was. But I was in Cleveland at the time. We thought that Spergon Wynn fit our offense better because of his bigtime arm. But if he had been taken by Cleveland, you probably wouldn't have heard of him either.

lt john evans - istanbul, turkey

how much can Ty Law bring to the game tonite?

Keith Kidd

  (1:09 PM)

I expect him to play a role, within the structured design of their defense. Put him up tight in a press position and be very physical. Try to disrupt the timing of the Patriots passing game. Watch Jabar Gaffney in this game tonight. He'll get a lot of one on one opportunities.

John (Phoenix)

What's the funniest practical joke you've ever done with one of your rattlesnakes? Oh sorry, wrong chat... Hey Keith, your thoughts on the Chiefs 2 point try? I know people say you've got to roll with that momentum, but doesn't the momentum from marching down the field give you the confidence to do so again in OT, rathere than the confidence to convert 3 yards on a do or die play?

Keith Kidd

  (1:10 PM)

I loved Herman Edwards' call at the end of that game. Either you'll be 2-7 or 1-8, what's the big deal? There are some other decisions during that game that I thought he could have been more aggressive. But it's a young team that it still playing hard. You have to be impressed with Tyler Thigpen right now. I'm interested to see how Larry Johnson does against that the Saints defense.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, as a former member of the organization and now as a member of Scouts Inc. how would you go about fixing the Browns? I think the core is there but need some tweaking. Where would you start and how far away are they from being a contender year in and year out?

Keith Kidd

  (1:11 PM)

You're not going to like my answer to this. I would keep things in place. This team was way overrated when the season started and is still a couple of years away. I have a strange feeling there will be a lot of changeover there. I don't think you build a program every three to four years. You build on stability. But the NFL is about winning.

John (Miami)

Why does Joey Porter get no love in the DPOY talks? The guy has 12 sacks and could very well hit around 20 by seasons end. His impact on the Dolphins has been HUGE, yet...no love.

Keith Kidd

  (1:12 PM)

Porter gets love. I think what hurts him is he's very flamboyant and he's not afraid to say what's on his mind. But from a player's standpoint, he's very dynamic in his ability to rush the passer and he's good at it. He's having a great year. I think we're going to talk about him even more as the Dolphins continue to stay in this AFC East race.

Mark (Boston)

Is this the most important game of the season for the Jets/Favre?

Keith Kidd

  (1:13 PM)

Absolutely. Everything the Jets did in the offseason has put them in a position to close the gap on the New England Patriots. If they're ever going to beat them, now is the time to do it without Tom Brady.

Lloyd, Oakland, CA

Keith, I'd like to start calling plays for the Raiders. I think Al should be open to the idea.

Kyle (OH)

Five years ago did the Rams underestimate Warner's skills, and in turn overestimate Bulger's ability to lead a team? In retrospect, the Rams made a poor QB decision, which is not surprising since this is the same franchise that couldn't decide between Bob Waterfield/Norm Van Brocklin, James Harris/Ron Jaworski...etc, etc.

Keith Kidd

  (1:15 PM)

Not only have the Rams made poor decisions about the QB position, they've made poor decisions on everything. If a team ever needed a plan it's the Rams, much like the Lions and the Raiders.

Scott (MD)

Will Detroit win a game?

Keith Kidd

  (1:15 PM)

No. By going with Daunte Culpepper after having him only for a week is all you need to know about the Lions. This is a team with no plan whatsoever.

Jon (Atl)

During your time in New England, did you see skills in Thomas Dimitroff that foretold the success he is having in Atlanta as a first time GM?

Keith Kidd

  (1:16 PM)

Tom is one of the smartest guys I've had the privilege to work with. He's a great listener. He understands football, has a plan and knows what it takes to win. The best trait he has is that he's a uniter and not a divider. Great people skills.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, Come on. Stability? Were talking about Browns fans, here! You thinking simply coaching changes or front office changes as well? Who would be some candidates?

Keith Kidd

  (1:17 PM)

Dan, I'm only going to throw one name out there that would please the Cleveland fan base and that's Bill Cowher.

Terrence (NYC)

KEY MATCHUP TONIGHT THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT: Nick Mangold vs. Vince Wilfork- Mangold has been a very solid center since his rookie year, but WIlfork has fed him his lunch each time they played. If the Jets are ready to turn the corner, Nick needs to stand up and punch Vince in the teeth a little today.

Keith Kidd

  (1:18 PM)

Great call, Terrence. You know what, let's throw the other matchup in there, Dan Koppen and Kris Jenkins. Two outstanding nose tackles and two good centers. In every 3-4 defense it starts with nose tackles.

Brad(NM)

Why is a guy in Buffalo asking about how to fix the Browns?...He needs to ask how to fix his hometeam. My beloved Bills have gone from best to worst in the East in just a few weeks. How do they get back on the winning track?

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Who ya got between the Bears and Packers?

Keith Kidd

  (1:19 PM)

I want to take the Packers in this game, because the Bears inability to play pass defense. But Nick Barnett is a huge loss to the Packers defense. I like the Pack in a close one.

Mona (VA)

I keep hearing that Portis is out on Sunday, if so can the skins win?

Keith Kidd

  (1:20 PM)

Portis is 50-50. Regardless, I like the Cowboys in this game.

Christian B Seattle,WA

How many playoff teams will the NFC South produce?

Keith Kidd

  (1:21 PM)

I think they will produce as many as two. Carolina, Tampa and Atlanta are all in the thick of it.

mark, sarasota,fl

hey keith, i don't know whats going on w/all the kool aid drinkers. the Pats are an 18-1 team w/ the weakest schedule in the league the combined record of the teams they beat is 21-35 and some of the pundits are actually talking about what are the Pats going to do w/ Brady if Cassel wins the superbowl?

Keith Kidd

  (1:22 PM)

It's Tom Brady's team in the future. Cassel is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season so the Patriots have to decide if they want to bring him back. If the money's not right, he'll be playing somewhere else. Teams are so desperate for QBs in this league.

John (Miami)

The Dolphins GM said recently that they really feel they "hit" on Chad Henne at QB. With Chad Pennington playing as well as he has been, do you see the Phins extending his contract and keeping Henne on the bench a few more years or do you think they will play the youngster sooner rather than later?

Keith Kidd

  (1:23 PM)

The best offseason move so far was the Dolphins being able to acquire Chad Pennington once he was released. That's the best thing to happen. What Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan have been able to accomplish is amazing.

Matt (SF)

Although there is a long list of reasons the niners completely blew it on Monday, doesn't Martz' claim that they couldn't hear the refs' announcement over the crowd noise, and that the ref never went over to tell them the call as is common practice, deserve some attention? I mean, you've got to believe that they might have done something different if they had been aware where the ball was being placed.

Keith Kidd

  (1:24 PM)

The San Francisco 49ers completely dropped the ball in the last minute of that game. End of story.

Keith Kidd

  (1:24 PM)

Get your nominations in for the Matt Millen Award!

Scott (MD)

Who was a bigger steal? Jenkins or Rodgers

Keith Kidd

  (1:25 PM)

I'm going with Jenkins right now because of the New York Jets ability to stop the run. They are so much better with him. Even though Rodgers has had a great year, the Browns defense has not been that good. But I would take both of them

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Mike Peterson for the Matt Millen Award!

Christian B Seattle,WA

The young Atlanta secondary seemed to make some real strides against a formidable New Orleans passing attack; was that a fluke?

Keith Kidd

  (1:26 PM)

It wasn't a fluke, because John Abraham has been unbelieveable in his ability to create pressure. When you create pressure, it takes stress off the back end. They have bought completely into Mike Smith's systems. This defense plays hard every down.

Younger (Los Angeles, CA)

Prediction on tonights game?

Keith Kidd

  (1:27 PM)

I like the Jets 16, Patriots 13. I think the Jets will find a way to win this game.

Ed (Boston)

The soon to be released Jeremy Shockey for the Millen Award with honorable mention to Mike Martz.

John (MA)

Is tonights game more important for Matt Cassel or Brett Favre?

Keith Kidd

  (1:27 PM)

Without a doubt Favre. This is the reason the Jets gave up what they gave up to go get him, this game. In order to close the gap with the Patriots, that is what they had to do. Everything they did in the offseason was to beat the Patriots.

BO (philly)

Mike Martz for the Matt Millen award!

Scott (MD)

Al Davis is the obvious one for the Matt Millen Award

Mike (Los A)

Any insight into Houstons defense struggles??? they have invested several draft picks on that side of the ball

Keith Kidd

  (1:29 PM)

The biggest concern is the back end. Mario Williams is a beast. DeMeco Ryan is a great player. This team and the way they utilize their personnel doesn't fit their system.

Matt Millen (Irrelevantville)

Mike Martz deserves my award! I hired him when noone else will and he's still an idiot!!

Ben (Atlanta)

I'll admit to having a nice chuckle watching Drew Brees dress down Jeremy Shockey during their beating at the hands of the Falcons on Sunday. Given Shockey's history, the Saints had to know better - didn't they?

Keith Kidd

  (1:30 PM)

Remember Ben, Sean Payton had Jeremy Shockey in New York. He knew all about him. If things aren't going right for Jeremy Shockey, he's not a very happy camper.

Steve (nyc)

Dick Jauron for Millen award for making it 10 consecutive losses to the Pats

Doug Goodale - Sioux Falls, SD

Hi Keith - What is up with the SD Chargers? Everyone has been able to run against the Cheifs except them. How can they possibly make a run for the playoffs, if they can not run the ball. Where does the problem lye in their running game.

Keith Kidd

  (1:31 PM)

I saw a little bit of a difference last week against the Chiefs. This will be a big test against the Steelers.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

What is your upset special this week?

Keith Kidd

  (1:32 PM)

Call me crazy, but I like the Seahawks over the Cardinals. The Cardinals didn't play well Monday night, coming off a short week. The Seahawks have Hasselback back.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Bills or Browns? Which struggling team will turn it around on Monday night and why?

Keith Kidd

  (1:33 PM)

Go listen to my Monday Night preview show. We talk all about that game. It's at the PodCenter. You get my prediction there.

Ok, you asked for it

Keith, you're crazy.

Brad (PA)

Are the Eagles underachieving or were they just a little overrated to begin the year in your opinion? I can't help but think if not for Andy Reid's mismanagement of end of games and poor execution on the field, this team could be 7-2.

Keith Kidd

  (1:34 PM)

Since Andy Reid has taken over there, they've always been a team that hasn't handled the clock very well. This team got manhandled Sunday night, even though the score was closer. That surprised me.

Mark (Boston)

Dont Mess with Keith, He is the MAN!!!

Mike (Toledo)

Whats up KK? In regards to the Browns; I agree that the Browns have a good core. Offensive and defensive line are pretty good. I like Quinn. In my mind all they need an outside and inside LB, another good corner (love Wright) and probably a third down WR. Thats not too bad. Also wouldn't you agree that losing Jerivicous for the year hurt the Browns more than people think, in particular DA? Last year all DA did was through to Joe J on third down.

Keith Kidd

  (1:36 PM)

Yes to a point. I just think that when it's all said and done, when you watch this team on tape, it has not been very good. I think a lot of it has to do with the tougher schedule they're playing. A lot has to do with not having a big time WR that can catch it consistently. Lewis doesn't look as explosive as he's been and they haven't got the consistent play from Anderson. Their RT Kevin Shaffer continues to play poorly. They have underachieved this year. They do have some talent.

Anthony (NYC)

Millen Award goes to the Niners Coaching Staff for that terrible finish on Monday Night. The same way that players need to finish a game, the coaching staff has to do the same.

TK (brooklyn)

Keith, why hasnt Marshawn Lynch been receiving more carries this season? Poor OL, emergence of Fred Jackson, or playing from behind to often?

Keith Kidd

  (1:37 PM)

Poor offensive line. When I watch Lynch, he's going to be a great player in the NFL. Defenses have tried to take away Lee Evans and other receivers have not stepped up. It has not been Lynch's problem.

R. Goodell (NYC)

Ray Anderson for the Matt Millen award. That dude is fine-crazy!

Justin (Kansas City)

Vikings or Bucs? The Vikes are on a roll, but continually put themselves in bad positions with bad special teams and turnovers. Can they pull it off this week?

Keith Kidd

  (1:38 PM)

I think Minnesota will have a lot of problems. I don't like the way Gus Frerotte is playing right now. He's making too many mistakes. And how about how bad the special teams are playing right now.

Luis (SB, CA)

Keith, what MUST the cowboys do to win this game, which seems to be like a playoff game? If you ask me, the return of Newman and Kyle Kosier are BIGGER than Romo return.

Keith Kidd

  (1:39 PM)

Romo has got to play a clean game. They need to get the running game going behind an OL that is not playing very well. And they need to get TO going. Defensively, they need to stop on third down and create turnovers.

Scott (MD)

Any info on the newly acquired Hall by the Skins

Keith Kidd

  (1:40 PM)

If he's in the game on Sunday night, the Cowboys should attack, attack, attack him. If you watch the tape of him in Oakland, he was horrible. Hopefully the change of scenery will help him. He's too talented to play like he did in Oakland.

Toast

My other name is DeAngelo Hall.

Justin (Kansas City)

The Vikings special teams definately deserves the Millen Award.

Jack (MA)

Will that loss of Thomas be the straw that broke the camels back for New England, or will they manage without yet another key player?

Keith Kidd

  (1:41 PM)

No, it won't be the straw that broke the camel's back because we all know the PAtriots find guys to replace the injured guys. But it will effect their ability to rush the passer.

Keith Kidd

  (1:41 PM)

The way the 49ers managed that game in the final minutes is well deserving of the Matt Millen Award. They're your winner!

Jon (NYC)

Keith, I've got three backs with good matchups, but I don't know if I can trust any of them. Pick two: Slaton, Hightower, Lynch?

Keith Kidd

  (1:42 PM)

Lynch for sure on Monday night. He's my x-factor...ooops, listen to my preview to get the rest. The other two, draw out of a hat.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Who is more to blame? Mike Martz, the OC, or Mike Singletary because he is the head coach?

Keith Kidd

  (1:43 PM)

Mike Singletary, he's the head coach.

49ers (San Fransisco)

Its the only thing we will win in a while

Keith Kidd

  (1:43 PM)

Don't worry, 49ers fans, much like the Lions and Raiders.

Keith Kidd

  (1:44 PM)

Not a good year to be living in the Bay Area to be watching the Raiders and 49ers.

Edwin(Puerto Rico, PR)

are culpeppers decision to sign with lions a good one?

Keith Kidd

  (1:45 PM)

I didn't think it was. The Lions are so far away that I can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel. But it gives him the best position to play right now. He'll be the starter for the rest of the year. But a lot of things could change in the offseason.

Chilly (Winter Park)

Kidder, why no love for my team? Seems every question about any aspect of my team is met with piss and vinegar?

Keith Kidd

  (1:46 PM)

Chilly gets the early nomination for the Millen Award for next week.

John(Buffalo,NY)

Keith, I think the Bills are in trouble on Monday night? They are having problems playing vs the 3-4 defense! Especially the Belichick/Parcells 3-4 schemes. They had trouble with Miamis 3-4(Parcells/Sparano),the Jets(Mangini),Patriots(Belichick), and now they play the Browns(Crennell). I think the Bills are in trouble unless they find the answer to beating that defensive scheme? What do you think?

Keith Kidd

  (1:47 PM)

Based on what I saw last week, obviously injuries have played a huge factor. They can't stop the run, they can't creat pressure. They're not running the ball themselves. And Trent Edwards has not played with consistency. I would tell you some more, but you can hear it all on my Monday Night preview on the PodCenter.

Michael Robinson (San Fran)

Why'd they give the ball to me? Everyone knows Penn State runningbacks never do anything in the NFL!

A1 (Jimmyville)

If al Davis hired Matt Millen what would you rename the award?

Keith Kidd

  (1:47 PM)

We'd put it up to a vote to the 'Nation.

Chris (Barnegat, NJ)

What is your take on the Giants-Ravens match up this weekend? Does the Giants D have Flacco for lunch?

Keith Kidd

  (1:48 PM)

Defense, defense, defense. This should be a great game to watch, based on how both defenses will attack those offenses. This will be a very physical game. I'm looking forward to seeing how Rex Ryan attacks this Giants offense.

Roger (Nashville)

Keith, do you think Bo Scaife deserves to be mentioned as one of the better TE in the league? He's strong blocker and he's been the Titans' most reliable receiver for the past couple of seasons. But he doesn't seem to get much recognition...

Keith Kidd

  (1:49 PM)

I wouldn't say one of the better TEs, but I would say he's extremely effective in the way he can get open in the passing game. I just don't have a strong enough feel for him as a blocker. But I'll take a look at him and we'll revisit this next week.

Jon (Mad-town)

Matt Millen Award goes to Lovie Smith for denying that there is nothing wrong with the team's defensive scheme. It wasn't just Kerry Collins, or Matt Ryan, it was also Brian Griese throwing 68 passes w/out being sacked! Clearly there's something wrong Lovie!

Jeff (MD)

Did you see Baltimore's Gaither hand it to Mario Williams?

Jon (Atl)

Curtis Lofton seems to be turning into an excellent piece in the middle of Atlanta's defense, but Michael Boley has been quieter this year after looking like one of the top up-and-coming backers in the league last year. Any insight on why?

Keith Kidd

  (1:51 PM)

You have to give Curtis Lofton a lot of props in the way he's played. I've not been impressed with how Boley's played either. I think this is something deeper with the team not signing him to a long term deal. He hasn't played like he played a year ago.

Jon (Mad-town)

Why does Nathan Vasher start over Corey Graham? He can't play man coverage or tackle while Graham does both quite well.

Keith Kidd

  (1:52 PM)

That's a great point. Corey Graham is a better fit in their scheme right now. He's playing more physical Nathan Vasher might have something wrong with him from a medical standpoint. If the Bears could somehow generate an effective pass rush, that would take some heat off the back end.

Dilly (Parts Known)

If Davis hired Millen they would have to hire Martz to coach so you could have the 3 stooges.

Bryan (CT)

Keith, do you think AJ Hawk will be a solid MLB for the Packers with Barnett out?

Keith Kidd

  (1:54 PM)

Nick Barnett is going to be a huge loss, from the standpoint of how they play their coverage schemes. I think AJ Hawk will be fine. The biggest deal with this is they're moving two players to replace one. They ask the Mike LB to do so much from a coverage standpoint.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

The universe would explode if Davis hired Millen

Jonathan (New York, NY)

Why doesn't Antonio Peirce get more respect. The guy is simply in the middle of every big defensive play the Giants make.

Keith Kidd

  (1:55 PM)

I don't know what kind of respect you mean. From football people that watch and study the game, give him respect. He's a great player.

Jay (Tampa)

Keith who has the bigger game Sunday? Adrian Peterson or the Bucs defense

Keith Kidd

  (1:56 PM)

That's a great one. Tough call. How can you go against Adrian Peterson. But without a doubt the Bucs defense will be focused in on stopping him. You can bet the house that they'll force Frerotte to beat them through the air, which I don't think he can.

Al Davis (NFL Films)

All of you people being critical...you must go down and you must go down hard.

Luis (SB, CA)

Here's a doozy. How about Roger Goodell for Matt Millen award for flip flopping on player fines

John (Watertown, NY)

If Al hired Millen, you could rename the award to the Matt Millen Award, but Only After Al Davis Approves It Award!

jim(NYC)

realistic expectations for jets for rest of 08?

Keith Kidd

  (1:58 PM)

If they can beat the Patriots tonight, then they're the team to beat. This is a huge game. The winner puts them in a position to win the division. But the Jets still have to go to Tennessee and that's not going to be easy. This is a huge game.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Does Bill Parcells deserve ALL of the credit in Miami? Is his departure from Dallas the reason why they are doing so poorly?

Keith Kidd

  (1:58 PM)

Bill Parcells is one of the best football men in the NFL. He has a program and a plan that works and he knows how to execute that plan. You have to give Sparano a lot of credit for the job he has done. He knows how to execute.

Matt Millen (updating resume)

You people seem to have forgotten the fact that I played for Al. It's a perfect match, and a return to the era of Pride & Poise and The Commitment to Excellence.

Will J (Portland, OR)

How many times can one get the Matt Millen award? Being the day it is, Al Davis could set the Guinness record for awards received in one season.

Matt (New York)

Chase Blackburn makes the pro bowl for the Giants for Special Teams? What do you think?

Keith Kidd

  (2:00 PM)

He's always been a great core special teams player and he'll be in consideration at the end of the season when they talk about guys. But I just don't know if he's well known yet.

Mike (Toledo)

KK, I hate to ask you a fantasy question but I have quite the decision to make; I have the following RB's, pick 3: Slaton @ indy, Jacobs vs Bmore, Barber @ Washington, Chris Johnson @ jville and Thomas jones @ NE? Who do I go with Kidder?

Keith Kidd

  (2:01 PM)

I'd go with Chris Johnson for sure. Barber and maybe Jones against the Patriots.

Keith Kidd

  (2:02 PM)

Have a great and safe weekend. Enjoy the games. We'll be back next week, chatting from Bristol at 4 p.m. ET. Make sure you check out the Monday Night preview show on PodCenter.