Chat with James Walker
![]() |
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
Send your questions now and join Walker on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET!
Walker Archive: Columns | AFC North Blog | Chat | NFL index
James Walker (3:58 PM)
Everyone, it's the off day in the NFL so we're going to switch it up again and have some fun this week. I'm taking MOSTLY questions from NFL players, coaches and GMs. So whatever you wanna ask, use your creativity and ask it through them. Let's see what we come up with. I'll take a few early posts until the NFL people arrive.
Mike (Ewa Beach, HI)
How is James Harrison or Troy Polamalu not the defensive MVP? Sacks, tackles, a safety and INT for Silverback; splash plays galore plus 5 INT's for the best safety in football.
James Walker (4:01 PM)
Hey Mike. How is the weather out there? The fact Harrison and Polamalu both play on the same team hurts them in that regard. It's hard to pick between the two so voters may just sway towards a player on another team.
andy baltimore
can we change the skins game back to non-primetime since we r 0-7 in our last 7?? haha who should the ravens pick up in the offseason?
James Walker (4:02 PM)
So many Ravens fans called for league-wide respect. Now the networks and the league is showing its appreciation and Baltimore fans want to give it back? I don't get it, Andy.
Bill Cowher (Captiva Island, FL)
Greetings from my vacation home in SW Florida. Is there any truth to the rumors that the Browns are prepared to offer me a contract for $9 million/year and GM powers?
James Walker (4:05 PM)
Coach, how is it going? I find it a little odd that you're asking me if the Browns have offered you a contract. But that's fine. To my knowledge you have not been contacted by the Browns. Owner Randy Lerner also confirmed that today. It doesn't mean that won't happen in the coming months.
Matt Millen (Anywhere but Detroit)
Hey Bill, i'll take those GM powers off your hands for only $1,000.00/year....interested?
James Walker (4:06 PM)
Matt, how are you holding up? Although the going rate for that amount of work is incredibly good, I doubt Cowher would want to take orders from anyone if he does return to coaching. I'd say look for a gig elsewhere, Matt.
Dick Lebeau (Pittsburgh)
How important is it to maybe get Bryant McFadden back this week? Ike Taylor has been playing great football but we need help in the defensive backfield with the offensive firepower of some of the teams we play in the next few weeks.
James Walker (4:08 PM)
Coach, congrats on 50 years of NFL service. That is an amazing accomplishment. Your secondary is banged up, but as you well know, the pressure you're getting on the QB this season has helped you overcome injuries on the back end. This Patriots' passing offense should present a challenge either way. I'm interested to see what scheme you come up with.
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh)
Can we make a run to the Super Bowl with such a lackluster offensive line? My shoulder hurts and I'm tired of getting sacked. At least I had a week off from getting hit against the Bengals on Thursday.
James Walker (4:10 PM)
Actually, Ben you've had about two weeks off with following the 10-day layoff. I'd advise you not to call out your offense line, regardless of how poorly they've played. They're trying, but it's just not a very good unit. The Jets proved that the Titans are beatable, so the AFC is wide open for the taking, if you want it bad enough.
JJ Walker (Good Times)
James, I just wanted to say that this chat is DYNO-MITE!
James Walker (4:11 PM)
I'll take an actor in this chat. Why not? Now your "Good Times" music is in my head.
James Harrison(Pittsburgh PA)
Will I be lining up against Matt Light or will I be manhandling some back up?
James Walker (4:12 PM)
James, good question. It's too early to tell because the league hasn't acted on Lights' punch fest just yet. I would prepare for Light for now, then treat it as a bonus if he doesn't play.
Shaun Alexander (not in DC)
With FWP questionable, do the Steelers want me?
James Walker (4:13 PM)
Sorry about the news today Shaun. You're not a good fit for the Steelers. You weren't a hot commodity to begin with and being released so quickly doesn't help.
Kanye West (NYC)
Everyone in here is overrated....go buy my album!!
James Walker (4:14 PM)
Yeezy, I just picked it up today, but I haven't listened to it yet. When are you going to do a blog for us like your boy Little Wayne?
Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)
Why in the world did I bet against Michael Phelps? And why in the world can I not catch a single football to save my life? What's wrong with me???
James Walker (4:15 PM)
Braylon, your problem is in your head. You might want to talk to Kanye, because you have a swagger problem right now. Kanye has plenty to give.
Matt Cassel (New England)
Hey .......is anyone out there watching? Get ready to show me the money!!
James Walker (4:16 PM)
Matt, you're in for a big payday. But I would focus on the Steelers right now. They're going to bring the heat Sunday.
Brady Quinn (Cleveland, OH)
When Notre Dame fires Charlie, can he come over here?
James Walker (4:17 PM)
I doubt it, Brady. What did Dr. Andrews say today about your broken finger?
Shaun Rogers (Honolulu bound)
How much longer should I keep trying for this group of stiffs? When are the Browns going to give me some goalline carries?
James Walker (4:19 PM)
Shaun, you're doing your job this year and I would just finish strong. You've taken a lot of heat over the years, but that will not be the case this season.
Ocho Cinco (Sleeping @ team meeting)
What If I get traded to a team where number 85 is taken already? Do I have to legally change my name again?
James Walker (4:20 PM)
WAKE UP CHAD! Sheesh. Another name change is up to you. Or you can pay the guy wearing No. 85, which might be the easier route.
Joe Flacco (Rookie of the Week)
Will the Ravens be drafting/trading for some WR's to help out the passing game...Mason's good, but he's gettin' old
James Walker (4:21 PM)
Joe, first the Ravens needed to find a franchise QB. Now the next step is to surround you with more weapons. Trust in Ozzie. He is bulding it the right way.
Brady Quinn (Cleveland, OH)
Dr. Andrews told me it will just need some time...you can bet that I will be doing what ever it takes to be on the field though. Love the blog! (except when it's bad mouthing us!) Regards, Brady
James Walker (4:23 PM)
Thanks for the update Brady. I would just not read the Browns content on the blog right now because there's not much positive to write about.
Mr Ernster (pumping gas in Pittsburgh)
Can I expect a call from Pittsburgh when gimpy pops his other hammy??
James Walker (4:25 PM)
Paul, when your head coach tells you your punting was "horrible," I think you might want to close the door on returning to Pittsburgh. Heinz Field this time of year is a tough place to kick and punt. You may want to try your luck somewhere else anyway.
Joey Porter (Miami)
I told 'em they'd miss me!
James Walker (4:26 PM)
Hmm, I don't know Joey. Harrison and Woodley are doing just as well, if not better, for a much cheaper price. You're having a great season though.
Brady Quinn
I forgot to end my last comment by arrogantly saying, "now I'm done."
James Walker (4:26 PM)
Ok.
Rashard Mendenhall(Pitt)
Did the Steelers waste a pick on me? They probably could have gotten a little help with their o-line instead..
James Walker (4:28 PM)
Yeah, it's easy to ask that question now. But had you stayed healthy and filling in well for Willie Parker, I don't think it would be an issue. Just get healthy, come back strong and stop sending text messages to the opposing team next year and you'll be fine in Steel Town.
Dick LeBeau ( Pitt )
No one misses you joey. Our defense was great and you were just a distraction with a big mouth. Have fun going nowhere with Miami
James Walker (4:30 PM)
Wow, coach. What's got into you today. You know what, I think we have our first imposter in the room. I doubt the real LeBeau would say such a thing.
Bart Scott (Playing in another city next year)
With Suggs and Lewis becoming free agents am I gonna be playing for another team next year?
James Walker (4:32 PM)
Bart, you're a great fit in Baltimore, but it's possible you're the odd man out. Baltimore is going to keep your boy Suggs at all costs and will certainly make a run at Ray, even if they have to use the tag. I'm not sure where that leaves them money-wise? But you're one of my favorite personalities in the division and would be missed.
Casey Hampton (Pitt)
The AFC North sets the standard at nose tackle.
James Walker (4:33 PM)
I agree. Three of the best are right here.
Donovan McNabb (Philly)
Someone out there willing to take a chance on a QB that only got to have one year with a quality WR? I ain't done yet!
James Walker (4:34 PM)
Donovan, be prepared to be elsewhere next year. You will get some interest, too, because the NFL is so devoid of good QBs.
Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh, PA)
Why am i not being used more in 4 receiver sets with Santonio, Hines, and Nate? Why is it that i only play when someone is hurt?
James Walker (4:37 PM)
Limas, you have to wait your turn in Pittsburgh. It's not a bad thing. It just means you're playing for a team that does it the right way with first-year players. Also, get out of the way next time on punt returns. That kind of stuff drives Mike Tomlin crazy.
Chris Crocker
Could I have found a home in Cincinnati? If so, I will enjoy leveling Steelers recievers for a long time..
James Walker (4:39 PM)
That was quite a hit, Chris. I remember covering you back in the Cleveland days. Cincinnati seems to be the home right now for guys trying to get their career back on track. Just finish strong and you'll be somewhere next year.
R. Moss (Foxboro, MA)
3 more for me this Sunday?
James Walker (4:40 PM)
I don't think so Randy. The Steelers will blitz a lot, which means there won't be many downfield chances. But you can still make a huge impact Sunday in other ways.
Ed Reed (Baltimore, MD)
For Andy, that is true, Ravens are 0-7. However the last time we played the Skins (In Washington) it was primetime Sunday night just like in two weeks and I had the Ed Reedfecta, Sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and TD. James, do you think we can make some noise in the playoffs this year?
James Walker (4:41 PM)
Shouldn't you be tired from running 108 yards Sunday. Get some rest. We'll talk later.
Phil Savage (Berea)
What big time free agents can i sign next ear to help my D? and Go root for #$%#@#$ Buffalo!!
James Walker (4:44 PM)
Phil, stop treating me like a heckling e-mailer. I never said anything about Buffalo??? I wouldn't think about free agency too much right now. I would focus on turning this team around ASAP, because everyone in that building is on notice.
John Madden (Home)
You know James, I love the AFC North. You've got your Steelers and guys like Ray Lewis and you've got blood and mud and tough guys. The key though, is to score more points than the other guys, If you score more than the other guys you win games because you win games by scoring more than the other guys. BOOM!
James Walker (4:44 PM)
Thanks, John. Let's talk about ways to improve your video game later. You have my number.
Willie Parker (Pittsburgh)
If our offense start clicking with our defense whats the chances we can make it to the superbowl?
James Walker (4:46 PM)
Willie, you have a Super Bowl-caliber defense. But your offense is that of a .500 team on most weeks. History tells us that an elite defense can carry a team all the way. But I would suggest you all get better on offense ASAP to improve your chances.
Romeo Crennel (Lake Erie)
Define "on notice"...
James Walker (4:48 PM)
Win now.
Matt Millen (Detroit)
Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllo! I am still available. Phil Savage, please hire me.
James Walker (4:50 PM)
Matt, give it up. You traded Shaun Rogers to Phil Savage for Leigh Bodden. Why would he hire you?
T.O. (Dallas)
Talk about me! Talk about me! me, me, me!
James Walker (4:51 PM)
Great game Sunday, T.O. I'm sure you're happy your quarterback is back.
Ray Lewis
When am i going to get signed we kinda got close do i have to get 4 sacks in a game
James Walker (4:52 PM)
Ray, I've been told (as I'm sure you have) that talks will pick up after the season. You have a laser-like focus during the season on playing hard, so I would keep it that way.
Chad Ocho Cinco (Cincy)
No no no, talk about me, me, me! I'm disgruntled! me me me!
James Walker (4:53 PM)
Oh, I mention T.O. and now you're awake???
Lawrence Timmons (Pittsburgh)
How long until I become a starter? I'm such an explosive player that I don't think they can keep me out of the starting lineup for much longer.
James Walker (4:56 PM)
Lawrence, I would say wait another year. Pittsburgh is the top-rated defense with the starters it has in now. Just be patient and take advantage of your opportunities.
Haloti Ngata
how is it that im the best defensive tackle in the league right now and i am not being recognized for it in the media or in the pro bowl voting
James Walker (4:57 PM)
Don't worry about it Haloti. Your fellow Ravens are sticking up for. Slow down on the "best" tackle in the league talk. I would say there's a guy in Tennessee that would dispute that.
Larry Foote (Pittsburgh)
We've got a good thing going right now, Lawrence. Dick Lebeau is a genius, and when you're ready he'll put you in. You have to beat me out first!
James Walker (4:58 PM)
Good point vet.
Matt Cassel (New England)
How many 400 yard games before i become a legit starter
James Walker (4:58 PM)
You have become a legit starter in the eyes of most people, Matt. It just may not be for the Patriots.
Freddie (Fred-Ex) Mitchell (omnipresent)
how can anyone have a chat without me and my hands. after all, they are fabulous.
James Walker (5:00 PM)
Fred-Ex. What are you up to these days?
Albert Haynesworth (Tennessee)
Haloti, you think your better than me? Read my article in SI, and then maybe ill sign it for you, ill FedEx one from Hawaii in Febuary, things right now are a little hectic.
James Walker (5:00 PM)
No fighting guys.
Mike Tomlin (Home)
hey lawerence ill put u in when i think u can become a faster more aggressive linebacker. until then keep on working hard! right mr. walker?
James Walker (5:00 PM)
Right coach.
Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh)
What do we have to do to pull out a win in Foxboro on Sunday?
James Walker (5:02 PM)
Figure out Matt Cassel and you will be fine. New England's defense is not playing all that well.
James Walker (5:03 PM)
Ok NFL players, GMs and coaches. You have a busy week this week. I appreciate you all leaving the film rooms around the league to join me. Enjoy this week's games. Until next time. -JW
SportsNation on Facebook
THIS WEEK'S CHATS
- 11:00 AMFantasy's Stephania Bell
- 12:00 PMGigEmNation's Sam Khan
- 12:00 PMBoxing with Dan Rafael
- 1:00 PMNittanyNation's Moyer
- 1:00 PMNFL with Pat Yasinskas
- 1:00 PMGiants with Youngmisuk
- 1:00 PMBoxing with George Foreman
- 1:00 PMMLB with Jayson Stark
- 1:30 PMBarry Melrose on Stanley Cup
- 2:00 PMNFL blogger Mike Sando
- 2:00 PMJets with Rich Cimini
- 2:00 PMNFL blogger Mike Sando
- 3:00 PMEx-MLBer Barry Larkin
- 11:00 AMNoleNation's David Hale
- 12:00 PMSweetSpot's Schoenfield
- 12:00 PMNFL with Dan Graziano
- 1:00 PMDallas' Jean-Jacques Taylor
- 1:00 PMCubs, Sox with Levine
- 1:30 PMMichael Wilbon on NBA Finals
- 2:00 PMBoxing with Brian Campbell
- 2:00 PMNFL blogger Kevin Seifert
- 2:00 PMGeauxTigerNation's Laney
- 3:00 PMFantasy's Stephania Bell
- 3:00 PMGolf columnist Bob Harig
- 4:00 PMHornsNation's Strickland
- 4:00 PMNFL with James Walker


You must be signed in to post a comment