Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

Greetings from warm and sunny Davie, Fla. I'm at the Dolphins facility and ready to roll for a bit. I do have a TV obligation at 4:20 p.m., but we can resume afterward if there's enough interest.

Lori (Port Allegany, PA)

First, condolences on the untimely loss of your former Buffalo News colleague, Tom Borrelli. Lot of talk about Trent Edwards' concussion as a possible reason for his current struggles, but not much has been said about the string of 3-4 defenses the Bills have faced in recent weeks. Even some veteran QBs -- yeah, I'm looking at you, Drew Bledsoe -- had problems against a 3-4, so perhaps it's not unreasonable to expect a younger one to be confused by it. Your thoughts?

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

Thanks, Lori. He was a good man, and I will miss him. So your question goes first.

Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

I agree that 3-4 defenses seem to be a problem. Having only three defensive linemen means one more defender possible in coverage on any given play. Without mentioning 3-4 defenses, Edwards did note after Monday night's loss he was having trouble picking receivers out of the crowd.

J.P. Buffalo

Would you have pulled Edwards against Browns (even for a series or two)?

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not sure because we don't really know how many reps Losman is getting during the week or how he has been behind the scenes. But I wouldn't have been surprised to see him warming up in the first quarter. It would have been justified.

Happy Guy

I am extremely glad you're back this week. Where were you last week?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

I covered the Thursday night game in Foxborough and had epic travel problems getting home on Friday. I was hoping to chat, but it was impossible.

Marco (Toronto, Ontario)

Who wins.. Patriots or Dolphins?? Will loser have a tough time making the playoffs?

Tim Graham

  (3:06 PM)

The loser will be on the outside and looking in, but only by a game. I'm going with the Dolphins on Sunday but not with conviction.

Ronnie Brown (Miami, Florida)

What are the chances that a significant new wrinkle is unveiled in the wildcat offense for our game against the Patriots? Do you think I'll ever be allowed to throw the ball again?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

The Dolphins certainly could up the ante against the Patriots and get even trickier than last time. Ted Ginn was a high school quarterback and ran a nice reverse 40 yards for a TD. Maybe something off that.

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Or something else they might be setting up: In recent games, with the Dolphins offense lined up, Pennington has slowly walked off the field before calling a timeout. The rest of the team stays in formation until the whistle. Maybe that's a setup for a direct snap to Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams to catch the defense sleeping.

Travis (KC Mo)

Tim, do you think that the cheifs have found a QB in Thigpen or what route do you think they should go to get a long term QB.

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

I like Thigpen a lot, and he should have a huge game against the Bills on Sunday. They won't have either CB Jabari Greer or S Donte Whitner.

Scott Norwood (Buffalo, NY)

Why would any Buffalo coach ever try a game-winning 47-yard field goal again? Wide right.... I know how Rian Lindell feels.

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

But there's no way he knows how you feel.

Matt Benedict (Buffalo NY)

What do you think about Barry Melrose being fired???!!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

Way too soon.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

How many picks is #4 gonna throw in Nashville?

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

Fewer than Trent Edwards.

Mason Elbert: Whittemore Iowa

hey tim, I'm a die hard dolphins fan and thought to myself yesterday, man could you imagine if we still had jason taylor...zach thomas??? where do you think miami sits if we still have the both of them healthy on our defense?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

The problem with Zach Thomas was that there were no guarantees because of his concussion problems. Plus, Bill Parcells prefers large linebackers. As for Jason Taylor, that was a self-fulfilling prophecy. His removal was needed after the saga both sides went through.

woody (boston, ma)

I loved coming here in the beginning of the season to see all the bills fan's gloating about Trent Edwards being the next Tom Brady and being the MVP. It really gave me laugh. Is his ceiling going to be a Chad Pennington type where he just manages games?

Tim Graham

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think anyone knows what will happen with Trent Edwards. He's in a crisis mode now. We need to see how he deals with it. As one Bills contact told me "He's going through a Steve Blass period."

Ralph (Buffalo)

You think I should fire Dick J. even though i gave him another 3 years earlier this season?

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

Is this the confirmation we've been looking for, Ralph? Nobody knows for sure what happened with that reported three-year contract extension agreement.

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

If it hasn't been signed, I suggest the Bills front office do like the Cleveland Indians a few years ago with Albert Belle's confiscated corked bat in the umpire's room: send a player through the rafters and repel through the ceiling tiles to retrieve the contract from Jauron's desk.

BILLS GUY

TRUE OR FALSE: DICK JAURON "SIGNED" A CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH THE BUFFALO BILLS?

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

I don't know. Probably.

Lori (Port Allegany, PA)

Thigpen was awful in a traditional offense early in the season, but has played lights-out since the Chiefs went to a spread. Could an NFL team have long-term success with it, or will defenses catch up too quickly once they get some film on it?

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

Matt Cassel nearly won the game Thursday night out of a spread. I think it can work. Sometimes it's a necessity when you can't run the ball, which was the case against the Jets and for the Chiefs without Larry Johnson.

Miss Mandy (foxboro, MA)

Tim, your chats make my day. So answer this question. If each team in the division had a "weakest link" what would it be?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

Buffalo is the only team headed in the wrong direction.

Everyone (Buffalo)

When will the curse be gone!!???!?

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

When it stops snowing in February.

Bobby April(Buffalo)

I want an oppurtunity to be a Headcoach! I am an assistant HC now! I can get it done!

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

Ted Cotrell wanted the same thing once.

Jesse(Pittsburgh)

If you could predict right now, what does your AFC playoff picture look like?

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

Broncos, Colts, Titans, Jets, Steelers and either the Patriots or Dolphins

John(Buffalo)

Do the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead on Sunday?

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

I like their chances.

Adam (Burlington, Ontario)

Can you explain why teams don't line up an extra linebacker on Pennington when he lines up as a WR in the wildcat and pound him. I can't imagine they would use the formation so often if Pennington was being thrown to the ground every time.

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

I actually wrote about that when the Wildcat was revealed and people ripped me for suggesting it. You absolutely can do that, but It's too risky to take a defender and put him on the outside like that. You're removing him from the play. But Pennington said this week he has been getting beaten up by defensive backs on some Wildcat plays.

DJ Cuse

Why are the Fins not palying Ernest Wilford? They have no big time receivers and he seems to be a perfect fit?

Tim Graham

  (3:23 PM)

That's what they thought when they signed him. The Dolphins have been coy about why Wilford isn't playing, but I think they're just not the type of organization to publicly chastise a player. I get the impression he's just not good enough.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Do the Buffalo Bills need new ownership (i.e. the group led by Jim Kelly) before they can become competitive again?

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

Be careful about that. The next owner likely will move the team. The Kelly ownership group looks like a pipe dream right now. Ted Rogers is one of the richest men in the world and his money is in broadcasting. So many potential suitors for any team (e.g. the Rams) have lost a good chunk of their fortunes in the recent economic slide. Rogers will be hard to outbid.

Brady fan (CT)

Best guess where is matt cassell playing next year, NE or elsewhere? Top 3 teams that will try to get him?

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

Hard to say which teams will be looking at Cassel with so many games to play. He could bomb out in the next month. Plus, much will depend on how teams think they can improve in the draft. But Cassel probably will be elsewhere next year. The Patriots can't afford to keep him.

woody (boston,ma)

I love strategy you talked about in defending the wildcat. if an offense tries to exploit a defenses' weakness then I see no fault in a defense attacking the weakpoint of an offense (i.e. pennington at WR). I would lineup my fastest reserve D-lineman and pound him and see how long the dolphins stayed in that formation.

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

Nobody has tried it yet, but there's nothing in the rules against what you propose.

John(Buffalo)

Take a Wild guess on this! If the Bills fall to 7-9 or 6-10! Do you think the Bills will can Dick Jauron?

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

Depends on what became of that reported contract extension. But it probably has been signed.

Steve, NY

Its funny how you're blasting Edwards now considering how high you were on him earlier in the year.

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

Why is that funny? Things change over time. I also picked the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl and the Dolphins to finish in last place in the AFC East. Big deal.

answer some Jets titans questions

what are your thoughts on this game. I think the Jets can move the ball on the titans. more then anyone wants to say..

Tim Graham

  (3:31 PM)

I spoke with Floyd Reese about this today. His comments will be in a preview that will be posted at 4 p.m. He noted that the things the Titans do best, the Jets do a little better (run defense, sacks, running the ball with Thomas Jones lately). Plus the Jets have dangerous receivers.

yunier

do you think the dolphins go after chad johnson,if bengals trade him or released him?

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

We're already past the trade deadline, so that's out until 2009. And it sounds like Marvin Lewis still is willing to patch things up.

Ed (Boston)

The Jets run the ball better than Tennessee??? Huh?

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

That's what Reese said, but he emphasized lately. Thomas Jones has been great. Check the game logs. He's having a big season.

Jeremy (Miami)

I am afraid of what Randy Moss is capable of doing Sunday. It seems like everyone has wrote him off this year or something but he did put together the best WR season ever just last year. How big of an impact will Randall have sunday?

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

I'm sure the Dolphins will double him up and force Cassel to throw at Wes Welker all day, which has been the normal defensive approach since Cassel has been the quarterback.

Bob

T.V. obligation at 4:20 huh...I'm sure that's not all you will be doing at that time..

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

I might catch a peek at Judge Judy or Maury.

Ed (Boston)

Doesn't Lendale White lead the league in rushing TDs?

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

Yes. What's his per-carry average?

Andrew (Ohio)

Couldn't Pennington just run out of bounds immediately if the other team puts a linebacker or d-linemen out there and he serves no purpose on the play.

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

Yes. And that's essentially what he has been doing.

John (Columbus, OH)

To Ed in Boston: Thomas Jones leads the AFC in rushing (854 yds/9 TD's). AND as a team, the Jets avg. 4.4 ypc to to the Titans 4.0 ypc.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

When the Lions get the #1 pick do you think they have the guts to draft another wide receiver (Michael Crabtree)?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

That would take a lot of nerve. But Crabtree is a special player.

Steiny (NYC)

Mike Nugent or Jay Feely this week?

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

Jay Feely. It will be difficult for Eric Mangini to put Mike Nugent back in the lineup with all the huge kicks Feely has made this year.

Dale (Trail)

Isn't what the Titans are best at are keeping the other team from scoring and creating turnovers?

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

The Titans have 20 takeaways. The Jets have 19.

Tom Petty (Out There)

Loved your quote about the Bills in the Power Rankings but I got one for the Jets, even the losers get luck sometimes. Is this team for real?

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

I think they are for real. Any team that can stop the run like that can go a long ways.

Jeremy (Tallahassee 850)

Brett Favre v. Kerry Collins in 2008? What?

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

We're only one year removed from Favre-Testaverde.

Andrew (Ohio)

With the weak schedule the phins have left couldn't they reach 10 wins easily? They barely lost to the Jets, and have beaten both the Pats and Bills, and the out of conference opponents are awful. If they win 10 games, how could Sporano not be Coach of the year?

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

Nothing with the Dolphins comes easily, as evidenced by two-point wins at home over the Seahawks and Raiders. But 10 victories are attainable.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Every comment you've made suggests that the Jets are a better team than the Titans - are you catering to your audience or are you that misguided?

Tim Graham

  (3:44 PM)

All I did was mention what Floyd Reese said. I haven't picked a winner for that game.

Jeremy (Davie)

Did you ever try out La Spada's Subs like I told you weeks ago?

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

I haven't. But I've been meaning to. I will stop there on my home tonight. I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner ...

Mark Citrone (Natick, MA)

Are there more delusional fans than Buffalo? After four weeks, you had people asking if their third-string long snapper would make the Pro Bowl.

Tim Graham

  (3:46 PM)

Delusional? They were 4-0 and then 5-1. Respected pundits across the country were picking them for a first-round bye. Some were predicting Super Bowl. Nobody is more realistic than Bills fans. Based on comments I've received since Monday night, they know they're toast.

Chioke Hassan Baltimore,Md

Dear Tim I think the Eagles vs Bengals game should be played on Next Monday Night to break the tie from last sunday. Could you see the league doing that?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

Maybe they can do a punt, pass and kick competition at halftime.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Say the Patriots somehow win the Super Bowl this year: is there a QB controversy in New England for next year? And would Tom Brady's legacy be at all tarnished?

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

I don't think there will be a QB controversy. Brady will be the starter, but they will have to part with Cassel.

Brad(NM)

You gotta admit Jauron's been the best coach in Buffalo since Levy left. I think their problem lies within having a new OC calling too conservative of a game. That Browns game was a must win..and to SETTLE on a long FG instead of taking at least one shot at another first down, or heaven forbid a TD, shows how scared Schonert is to let Edwards do anything. This entire season Edwards has been better in the 4th quarter than any other quarter. Also I don't think it can be concussion related, seeing as how he abused the Chargers his first game back from it.

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

The list of coaches since Levy isn't exactly stellar.

Jeff Ford (Newton, MA)

Massachusetts recently passed a law that decriminalizes marijuana. Is this the only possible explanation for people asking about trading Brady?

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

I think there's a lot of mystery around Brady. There are no guarantees he'll be ready for the start of next season. I think it's OK to wonder about his future.

Jesse (Boise, ID)

True or False: Buffalo Bills fans are the more tortured fan base in the NFL

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

It's always a toss up between the Bills and Browns. I guess it comes down to whether it's worse to get to the Super Bowl and lose or never get there at all.

Wolverine

Who gets the most credit for Miami's turnaround this year - parcells, sparano, or pennington? And was Jake Long worth the overall #1 pick?

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

Without Parcells in place, the Dolphins don't get Sparano or Pennington .. and probably draft a defensive back.

Jeff (Miami, FL0

Would 1-15 to 10-6 and a division title be the greatest turnaround in NFL history?

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

The Colts had a 10-game turnaround in 1999.

Jim (Rochester)

Had the Bills won on Monday. Would you have picked them for playoffs?

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

I would not have. The other teams in the AFC East are playing so much better right now.

Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)

Does Garcia or Delhomme do better this week?

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

What about Damaso Garcia? I'll go with Garcia.

Bobby (Pitt)

If the NFL wouldn't allow Vick back you think he would turn to the arena league?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

I guess that depends how humbled he is. That would be starting over from scratch for a guy who had the world at his fingertips.

Kyle frideres: West Bend Ia

why does everyone always talk about chad henne being the future of the dolphins in 2 years, possibly less. do people not see what pennington is doing out there, the guy is the best quarterback we've had since marino and HE"S NOT THAT OLD. they always talk about his arm strength, id much rather take the most accurate quarterback in the league over someone who can bomb the ball down the field...

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

I'm based in South Florida, and I haven't heard people talking about Henne since Week 2.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

You don't think the Lions fans are tortured? Depends on your preferred poison I guess, the Lions are at least consistent, the Browns and Bills history seem more like the myth of Sisyphus

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

Yes, they are tortured. They have to be in the conversation. The Browns and Bills are at the top of my list because I've lived in both places. ... Maybe that makes me the most tortured.

Matt (Potomac, MD)

It seems the tides are shifting in the AFC East. Is the Patriot Dynasty over? Theyre old, injury riddled, and just arnt the dominant team they once were. Will the Fins finally control the East for the next 10 years with Parcells at the helm, like the Pats of the last 10 years?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

In the first half of Thursday night's game between the Jets and Patriots, I thought I would be writing a changing-of-the-guard story. But the Patriots swung the game in the second half. Nothing that team does should surprise us anymore. But the Dolphins are getting in great position for the future. This division will be very interesting for years to come.

miles berte (south central LA)

hey im on the other side of the country but a huge jets fan. how many more years can favre keep doin this? the guy is incredible

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

I think he'll come back next year at least. But at some point the skills diminish and they do so at an exponential rate.

Cory (Orlando)

Do the Broncos have a shot at the AFC Championship (if the young guys on D continue to grow)?

Tim Graham

  (4:03 PM)

I've seen the Broncos live a couple times this year. Their defense will need to find some miracle cure to make a deep playoff run.

Kent Dothan, AL

What did Ocho Stinko do this time to get benched?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

Insubordination during a coach's meeting, according to reports. He got up and left after being told to sit up in his chair (he supposedly was nodding off).

Nick (Bills, NY) :

TIM! i actually did work last friday. that makes you a jerk

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

I feel shame. Sorry about that.

Steiny (NYC)

Is it possible the the AFC East send three teams to the playoffs?

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

It's possible, but I think the Colts are going to make it.

Bill Parcells (Miami, FL)

Uh oh, I'm starting to get that coaching itch again..... I think I could turn around the 49er's...

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

If you're looking for a real challenge, try the other side of the bay.

barry sanders

trust me tim, having lived there - lions fans are the most tortured. gotta go, scott mitchell's calling.

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

That's one team, though. Detroit has the Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers. Cleveland and Buffalo have won zilch as cities.

Taylor (Austin)

Who do you see as MVP at this ponit? Warner?

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

He is becoming the sentimental pick. I can't argue with it.

Bill (Pomona California)

Hey Tim, obviously the Titans will try to shut down the Jets running game, and vice versa. Does that mean that his will turn into a Favre / Collins show, or will special teams be the difference? (Which should give the Jets an edge.)

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

I do see that happening. The team that wins will be the one that musters the most in the run game combined with passing. So that boils down to Favre not throwing interceptions and Collins finding his wide receivers.

Steve (Long Island, NY)

Tim I'd just like to start off by saying I've always loved reading what you've had to say. I couldn't be happier that you cover the AFC east and my New York Jets. My question is if the Jets knock off the Titans this Sunday, would you consider them a favorite to win the AFC? and perhaps hopefully see them play in a Subway Superbowl vs the Gmen?

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

Thanks for the kind words, Steve. If the Jets can be the first team to beat the Titans, then they would have to be the favorites by virtue of the accomplishment. They will have knocked off the Patriots and Titans in back-to-back weeks.

Brad(NM)

Did you notice that Buffalo giving Marshawn 30 carries put them in the position to win though? There just might be something to that...

Tim Graham

  (4:12 PM)

That wasn't Buffalo's run game as much as it was Cleveland's atrocious tackling.

JR (Florida)

Who will have a bigger day on Sunday: Cassel or Porter?

Tim Graham

  (4:12 PM)

Great question. In fact, it's a wonderful blog idea. I'll be sure to give you full credit ... I'll say Porter.

Don Sutton (NJ)

Do you think I should continue to play prevent defense all game like I did last week?

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

When did you stop calling Braves games?

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Hey Tim, for Thanksgiving should I go with the traditional turkey, a ham, or mix it up and go with the TurDucken???

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

I've been on a ham kick lately. Go with that. Chances are, you'll have turkey somewhere else along the line (office party, in-laws, etc)

Josh (Syracuse)

Do you think that Gholston will eventually get it together , or is he smelling like a bust?

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

If he could ever get within whiffing distance of a quarterback, I might have a better idea of what Gholston smelled like.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Thanks for putting in overtime on a friday

Tim Graham

  (4:15 PM)

I have to wrap it up within the next five minutes, though ... a few more ...

Jesse (Boise, ID)

Thought: ESPN should release all salaries to the public so we can argue who is overpaid/etc. We can name you the "biggest bargain!"

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

That sounds accurate now ... But then you'll see I get paid more than minimum wage and change your mind.

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

I try to make up for my lack of wisdom with extra chat time.

Sean (Millburn, NJ)

How many turnovers do the jets/titans have on O?

Tim Graham

  (4:17 PM)

Titans giveaways 10, Jets 18.

betty crocker

since Brian in Orlando went there...stuffing or mashed potatoes? apple pie or pumpkin?

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

Yes, Betty. Yes!

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

Have to throw on the brakes, guys. Thanks to everybody for taking the time.

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

Have a great weekend.