steve (seattle, wa)

Mike, Sorry this is a long question...I may be a little biased but this year has been a fluke for the Seahawks and I do not think they will be this bad again next year, if they get this high of a pick shouldn't they have to take an OT over a WR? I hear they need a WR and Michael Crabtree would be a good fit but next year they have Burleson coming back, Branch, Carlson leads the team in recepections and they can still resign Robinson and Engram thats not a bad receiving corp and WR's can be found throughout the draft and franchise OT are hard to find. WR's taken in the first round also have a high percentage of being busts so wouldn't it be smarter to take an OT? or is Michael Crabtree going to be the next Calvin Johnson? thanks

Mike Sando

  (12:02 PM)

Yes, I would go OT over WR. Walter Jones probably has 2-3 years left if he wants to play that long. The team has invested in Sean Locklear, but improving that position would make sense, particularly given that most offensive linemen drafted early tend to start for quite a while, even if they don't become great players. Receivers are much more hit and miss. Teams have done OK taking WRs among the top three overall picks but it's still a high-risk position in the first round.

Chris (Brooklyn)

Hey Sando-- Question about NFL 2009-- has the inter-division schedule (ie this year NFC West plays AFC East/NFC East) been finalized? If so, who will the NFC west play next year?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Should be NFC North and AFC South.

Carl (Cedar Rapids)

Regarding Cardinals offensive line, what should their upgrade priority be? Also, are the running game woes on the O-line or something else? Thx!

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

I think the line is part of it. The team has also adopted a passing mentality, for obvious reasons. So the identity is in the passing game. They are not plugging away at the running game. I would look to upgrade at center and right guard. And I would always keep an eye out for a left tackle.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

The Cards are all but assured a home playoff game - but now that begs the question, can they actually win one? They're likely to be paired against one of the following: TB/Car/Was/Dal - who would they match up the best against?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

I think they would beat the Redskins at home in a rematch. I actually think the Cardinals would beat most teams in the wild-card round given that the game would be at UPS.

John (Lexington, KY)

Mike, do you think that the Tennessee Ttans are serious contenders for the Super Bowl or are they just going to lose in the first round?

Mike Sando

  (12:06 PM)

Yes, I do think they are serious contenders. They'll be playing at home, which always helps.

Bill (Bremerton, WA)

Out of all the games on this weeks docket, the Arizona - New York game looks like one of the best. I read your piece earlier breaking down the game, and it left me with a few observations. The New York Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions, but I don't see how many people see them as unbeatable. Looking at their previous games, none of them stands out as one of those 'landmark' victories. They lost to a sub-par Cleveland team, almost lost to Cincinnati, and did not have a convincing victory over anyone else in their division. This is one game that could be one of those landmark victories for either team, depending on who pulls it off. My question is, do the Cardinals have the personnel and game plan to shut down the Giant offense? Both of these teams have huge amounts of firepower a la Manning and Warner, but the key for the game just might be how many carries Brandon Jacobs gets, and how worn down he gets the Cardinal defense.

Mike Sando

  (12:07 PM)

I don't think the Cardinals necessarily have the personnel to shut down the Giants' running game, but they have the offense to keep the Arizona defense off the field. This is also one of those games where Arizona clearly has the most to gain.

Dave (NYC)

Mike always a pleasure. Regarding the Cards - Giants this weekend. Can the Cards protect Warner and will they need to Play James since he is their best blocker in the back field? To me if they can limit the amount of times that the Giants can get to Warner then the Cards can win or come close. I dont see anyone stopping the WR's for the Cards and I can't see the Cards stopping the run of the Giants.

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

I think Warner can protect Warner by getting rid of the ball. That's what he's been doing so far. Remember, though: Dallas pounded Warner pretty good. I think the Giants have the personnel to do the same thing, so Warner will have to be at his best in getting rid of the ball. Trent Dilfer told me he thinks JJ Arrington is very good in pass protection. Tag Ribary thought the young RBs struggled in that area. I'm not sure the defense worries about the run game as much when James is parked in the backfield.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Sando: When the season began, did you think the Giants-Cardinals matchup this week would be the big topic of discussion?

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Not necessarily. I figured the Redskins-Seahawks game might be more intriguing given Zorn's return to Seattle. I thought the Cardinals would contend in the division, but I thought they were probably a year away from winning it.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

You need to convert a 4th and long - who do you throw the pass to: Boldin, Fitzgerald or Plax? (I left off Justin Gage since he's the obvious answer)

Mike Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Fitzgerald. He catches everything.

Brian (Austin, Tx.)

Mike, given what you've seen from the Niners this year what position do you see them focusing on in the draft - OL, NT, DT, WR, QB or LB? Who would be the best impact player for them considering where they'll be picking - 3-10?

Mike Sando

  (12:12 PM)

I see them first needing to identify their philosophy on that side of the ball. If they are a 3-4 team, the try to find a NT type if one exists. I think just about every team should look at the OL, and the 49ers are definitely in that category. They need to take the best tackle available. If that tackle is suited for the left side, consider putting Staley back on the right. If that tackle is a prototypical right-side guy, play him there. As far as specific players, I don't have the answers there. Too busy covering the division to focus on college players at this stage of the year.

Brian (Seattle, Wa)

Mike, I heard an interview with Leroy Hill and he said Holmgren has become "predictable", is Mora going to solve their problems?

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

I think Mora will generate some excitement. Holmgren has been in Seattle for a long time. Sometimes it's just time for another guy to give it a try. Certainly I think it's important to realign the coach and front office a little bit. Having Mora take over accomplishes that. But I don't think he'll fix everything. We still have to find out what kind of head coach he can be.

Will J (Portland, OR)

How long will Warner be Arizona's QB, and what are they to do with Leinart?

Mike Sando

  (12:14 PM)

I think the Cardinals have to keep Warner for next season at least. They can keep Leinart next year as well, but after that they may need to make a decision on him. I would be looking to develop Leinart for 2010.

Johnny (FLA)

I'm sick and tired of hearing "the Giants haven't played anybody". It's easy to look back after the Giants have steamrolled through the league and say that. I remember hearing a month ago that "we'll know more about the Giants after they play @Pitt, vs Dal, @Phi, vs Bal". You know what? The G-men plowed right through that schedule, and weren't really tested in any of the 4 games. Who do they need to play to prove their elite status? They beat Pittsburgh on the road - and the Steelers have arguably been the NFL's 3rd best team this season. The Jets dropped 56 on the Cards, I expect a double digit Giants victory this weekend.

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

I agree with you. A team can only beat its opponents. The Giants have done that and they have done it convincingly in most cases. Nuff said.

Jerry Eastwood (Haslett, MI )

Do you see the 49ers releasing Vernon Davis at the end of the season?

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

That would surprise me a great deal. I think they need to find ways to use his talents.

Mike (az)

Don't we have a rough idea of what kind of head coach mora is? Its not that i dont believe in second chances buts its also not like he is some great mystery...

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

I want to see how he manages players. The knock on him in Atlanta was that he was buddy-buddy with the guys. Holmgren has been much more distant that way. I'll be interested in seeing what kind of coach Mora becomes defensively when he has a good quarterback on the other side of the ball (assuming Hasselbeck fits that criteria next season).

Jerry Eastwood (Haslett, MI )

Hey Mike, do you believe the Chargers will keep Norv Turner next season?

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

The team owner said they would. That seems like a pretty good source. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/nov/19/chargers-spanos-ridiculous-turner-return/?chargers

Jerry (Texas)

Mike, give all the problems the 49ers have had with the O-line at the beginning of the season, can you contribute that to a non-mobile QB in o'Sullivan, I mean he couldnt move for his life. Now that they have a more mobile QB in Hill, the O-Line has looked much better allowing only a couple sacks in the last 2 games?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

I put some of it on the scheme and overall style of the offense for the first half of the season. I blame JTO for holding the ball too long (possibly at the urging of Martz). And then I do think the 49ers' offensive line is set up to run the ball, not pass protect for long stretches.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Sando: It looks to me like the Vikes are a Head Coach and a QB away from being a very good team. Is there a better choice than Childress out there for the HC job and can they fill the QB hole via the 2009 draft? Thanks for your time.

Mike Sando

  (12:20 PM)

The head coach and quarterback are fairly important variables, I'd say. They aren't likely to find a rookie quarterback to lead them to greatness in 2009.

Ryan (Spokane, WA)

Mike- Do you see the Seahawks targeting WR Michael Crabtree in April? I know it's a ways away, but they need help at WR in a big way.

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

I have no idea how early he will be drafted, or whether Seattle will target him.

Dave (NYC)

Do you think that this game may be personal with Warner being the way the Giants treated him and the position the Cards are in? I know Warner is a veteran and won't show it but one can't help to think this.

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

Yeah, I think it adds a dimension for him. That would be human nature.

Jerry Eastwood (Haslett, MI )

Mike, remember the Ravens owner said Bill Bellick would return next season and he ended getting fired. So you really can't trust the team president.

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

As I recall, the story out of Baltimore quoted a Ravens source as saying Billick would be back. The owner later said he changed his mind. In this case, the owner went on the record. That said, things do change, and if the Chargers go in the tank, all bets are off.

Dave (NYC)

What is your feel on the game this weekend? Cards-Giants!

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

My early feel was that the Giants would win this game. I can see scenarios whereby Arizona would prevail, but I'm still thinking the Giants have the better team. I'll take the Giants and watch to see if the Cardinals can prove me wrong.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

Let's say the Cardinals clinch the NFC West and get to a point where they can no longer get the #1 or #2 seed in the NFC. Do you put Warner on the bench to keep him healthy and put Leinart out there?

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Not for multiple weeks. I think it's important to keep momentum. Maybe you rest him late in games if the situation is right, but I don't think Ken Whisenhunt can send the we're-coasting message to his team at this stage of the Cardinals' development. They need to go all out, all the time.

sean (seattle, wa)

Mike, Are you going to watch the Apple Cup this weekend? At least a Wa team will get a win.

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

No. I have no interest in the game.

Tom (Seattle)

How have Kelly Jennings and Josh Wilson been playing for Seattle?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

It's hard to say any corners are playing well after the most recent opponent put up 395 yards passing. But I think they finished that game quite well. Wilson projects as a long-term starter. Jennings doesn't have the size to match up as the third corner on the inside, but I think he can be part of the mix.

Todd (WA)

Any chance the Hawks cut Kearney. I know he was great last year, but he's old. I think Jackson and Atkins would be decent with Tapp coming in on passing downs.

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

Unlikely. The salary-cap ramifications would seem to be prohibitive. They paid a premium for him and I think they need to get deeper into the contract. Also, Kerney has played well when he's been healthy.

Edwin ( Puerto Rico)

is Kurt Warner the MVP?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

He would get my vote right now. He's completing 70 percent of his passes for a team winning 70 percent of its games.

Mark Olympia WA

Hey, a lot of people are talking about the Cards-Giants. However, I am wondering how you feel about the Hawks-Skins game this weekend. The skins have been such a rollercoaster team this season and the Hawks in my mind seem to have the right mindset to maybe get Jason Campbell out of his groove? Do you think this game may become closer than a lot of people are projecting?

Mike Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Seems to me a lot of people are suggesting Seattle might win this game. I'm thinking Matt Hasselbeck will have more time to throw this week, so I give the Seahawks a decent chance. But the Redskins have the better team and I think Jim Zorn will have his guys ready.

Jeff (Rams)

Is any team's future more bleak than the Rams'? A half decade of horrible drafts has caught up to them. Long, Carriker, and Avery are their only young talent. Embarrassing.

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

The Raiders' situation doesn't appear particularly hopeful. In theory, the Rams have the QB, RB, WR and TE to win. They need to bolster the OL and the back seven on defense, and they need to get bigger in the middle of the defense up front.

John (Boston)

Hey Mike, This weeks power rankings have the Jets ranked #6 isnt this a little generous?

Mike Sando

  (12:33 PM)

I got to a point in the rankings where the thinking went this way: The Jets have done enough to hover around the top 10. If you're going to put them that high, then you put them ahead of Arizona because they put up 56 points on the Cardinals. That's how the Jets climbed the ladder in my own rankings.

John (MIami)

Take out the wildcat plays, The Dolphins racked up over 300 yards against the Pats last time they played them. We physically dominated them. They are all banged up and we are 100% healthy. Why does everyone pick the Pats this weekend?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

Probably on the theory (which could be flawed) that it's tough to sweep a division opponent. I know this: It's a lot easier to sweep a division opponent when you've got that first meeting in the bank. People are looking at the Patriots and saying Belichick will have 'em ready this time.

John (Boston)

So if the Jets beat the Titans this week does that make them top 3 material?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

Probably. I haven't felt great about putting Carolina that high, so I wouldn't have a problem moving someone else into that spot if the team proved deserving.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mike, why do you suppose the Cardinals aren't granting Edgerrin's request for a release? They aren't using him, what's he had 3 carries total in the last 3 games?

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

What if they released him and then lost Hightower to a season-ending injury? And what if James signed with the Patriots, then rushed for 100 yards and two TDs against the Cardinals to prevent Arizona from clinching home-field advantage. Then you'd want to fire Rod Graves and Ken Whisenhunt. You don't cut good players, in my view.

TP (MO)

Please tell me Alex Barron's contract is up after this year. How would Jordan Gross look for the Rams?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

Barron is under contract through 2009. Just about any established RT would look good for the Rams based on what they have right now.

Josh (Seaford DE

Is the niners secondary capable of a few more years or do we need to start drafting now? The secondary has more starts than any other secondary in the league (according to the fox announcers last sunday).

Mike Sando

  (12:38 PM)

Well, they did have pretty good numbers in the secondary, but those numbers are a little down now. I think they definitely need to get younger at safety and right corner. They need more speed at safety.

john (cincinnati)

mike, should hines ward be worried about a bengals lb smashing him in the ear hole for his shot on rivers?

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Not particularly. How much do you think the NFL would fine a Bengals player for blatantly seeking retribution? It would have to come during the normal flow of the game.

Dan (Apalachin, NY

Mike, what are the 3 keys to Arizona winning against the giants on sunday ?

Mike Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Win the turnover battle, win time of possession and remember how to tackle.

Mark WA

Do you think Shaun Alexander will make a comeback at all or do you think he is washed up?

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

He looks pretty clean to me. I don't think he has a long-term future in the league.

allan

Is Seattle O line fixable in 1 draft or is this a 3 year project.

Mike Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Definitely fixable. First, they need Chris Spencer to make it through a full offseason of practices. They can probably get a couple more years from Walter Jones. Getting Sean Locklear healthy and back on track would help. And then drafting a tackle, guard or both would help.

Mark (Boston)

was the Eagles tie the nail in the coffin on their playoff hopes?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

No, they can always win in a second overtime.

junior (mississippi)

was letting pac man jones back in the NFL a good move by the comm.? he already has came back once, why again? does send a message to the players no matter what you do, if you a good player i let you come back?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

I don't see this ending well for Jones, the Cowboys or the league.

Jay (Indianapolis, In)

Mike, I have a question how in the world did McNabb for the Eagles not know the rules and how or Why didn't Andy Reid do anything that is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.

Mike Sando

  (12:45 PM)

It was baffling to me as well. That's a rule most of us have known out of course. No excuse.

Sam (Seattle)

Any opinion on who Mora's coordinators maybe and who will remain on from Holmgren's staff, if any?

Mike Sando

  (12:46 PM)

We've all heard Greg Knapp on offense. On defense, I would keep an eye on Jim Haslett depending on what happens to him in St. Louis. And then I would think they should try to keep some continuity on the offensive staff. Saving a spot for Gil Haskell would make some sense. Keith Gilbertson is a good assistant coach, too. Mike Solari and Mike DeBord will be back to coach the offensive line.

Matt (Olympia)

I'm not a big fan of the 'Tie Game'. As a fan I want a clear cut winner. I think it makes things easier for everyone to just have a winner or looser. What are your feelings about the tie game rule?

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

I don't think it's practical to have a game that could, in theory, go on forever. Perhaps in the second overtime you do something along the lines of what they do in college.

Scott (Miami)

Who is the biggest surprise team this year?

Mike Sando

  (12:49 PM)

Atlanta on the positive side. Jacksonville and Seattle on the negative side.

James (Atlanta)

As an avid Falcon's fan, I would recommend that Seahawk's fans boycott if Knapp gets the job. I understand that they're friends, but come on! That was the most predictable, boring, and ineffective offense that I've seen. Incapable of a play over 5 yards without Vick.

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

It's OK to judge Knapp based on what he was or was not able to do with Michael Vick. However, I would not apply that judgment to what he might do in Seattle. Vick was a special case.

Jeff (KS)

Will the Rams consider throwing serious cash at Haynesworth to help expedite Long's and Carriker's progress.

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

He would change that Rams defense overnight. Not sure the Titans will let him get away, though.

Paul (Albany, OR)

Haslett to Seattle? As not good as the Rams have been these last couple of season on defense and then with the showing of him as head coach, I say run Jim run. That may actually speed up the improvement of the Rams.

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Yeah, and the Rams' struggles probably would not weigh in his favor. Just a name to consider.

Steiny (NYC)

Edge HOF?

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

I don't think so. I wouldn't consider him to be a particularly dynamic back.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Note: This next answer was in response to a question about whether Cards fans should be concerned over the unsettled contract status of several players. My answer: Let's see how the Cardinals finish this season and then how they respond. Part of their stance has been that the team really hasn't won anything, so why pay top dollar to so many players? If the Cardinals win a playoff game, then I think it's time to pay some of these guys.

Seattle Fans

Why would you hire an offensive coordinator from a crummy offensive team like the Raiders and a defensive coordinator from a terrible team like the Rams?!?! This looks like a terrible coaching staff!

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

I would not necessarily hire them, but we all know Knapp has ties to Mora.

Samuri Mike (49ers)

Will they bring me back as HC?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Probably not, but it depends how the 49ers finish. I think ownership would love to see Singletary succeed. But if the team loses most of its remaining games, that becomes harder to do.

rerun (su)

kurt warner, three time MVP. HOF?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Yeah, I would put him in the HOF discussion with a third MVP. The numbers will be there. The SB ring will be there. The individual honors will be there.

John (Boston)

Do you think the reason why OT rules have not changed in so long is because OT is usually decided with in 15 min?

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

Yeah, it's just not an issue very often.

Mark (Boston)

Are you surprised at all that R. Moss has been able to keep his complaining to a minimum about not getting the ball down field?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

Not particularly. I think Moss respects the organization and his head coach enough to take the high road. Also, he surely must understand things changed when Tom Brady's season ended.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY TODAY. Hope to see you at the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

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