Chat with Pat Yasinskas
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Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.
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Yasinskas Archive: Blog | Columns
Zeke (Chicken, AK)
hey studly. Landon Johnson was supposed to be a big offseason pickup for the Panthers. Whatever happened to that dude? Seems like he dropped off the face of the universe? Can you say anything about the play of Diggs? ty
Pat Yasinskas (12:54 PM)
He did pretty much drop off the universe. Diggs outplayed him. Diggs is very solid and Fox likes veteran guys who know his system.
jordan, orlando, fl
hey pat how do u like for the buccaneers to take the falcons on the very embarassing lost on monday night??? do u think tampa could be able to regain the lead as NFC south champs???
Pat Yasinskas (12:56 PM)
I'd be very concerned about this game. 1. Falcons are good. 2. Falcons are at home. 3. It's looking like Garcia might not play.
Daniel (Chicago, IL)
Is anyone in Carolina worried about Denver? Everyone is making them out to look like the Lions.. Sounds like a couple weeks ago against the Jets and then the Falcons 2 weeks before that. Why can't anyone just give an OK shot at competing with "fellow" elite teams. I personally think it'll be a shootout. Should be fun but just wondering why that happens.
Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)
I think Carolina's got to take this one very seriously. Denver can throw the ball and you've got to be a little worried about a let down after Monday night.
Mike (Denver, CO)
I've heard a lot about Donovan McNabb going to Minnesota or Chicago, but wouldn't Tampa be the perfect destination for him? Jeff Garcia's contract is up and his relationship has been strained with Gruden anyways. McNabb is a smart, strong armed, and mobile QB with experience in a WCO. Would a 2nd rounder and a conditional 2010 pick be enough for Philly to get it done?
Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think Tampa makes perfect sense for McNabb. I think Bucs will make a real run at him.
JT (Boston)
Did last night's game cement the Saints biggest off season need, which is a ball hawking safety? On that last play and multiple times this year including the Atlanta game, Harper and the other Saints safeties were in good position to make a play but displayed horrific ball skills on the way to giving up a completion or penalty.
Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
Yep. But Harper's not bad at SS. I think FS is where they've got to get better.
John (North Carolina)
What will happen with Vilma and the Saints? It was reported that they will allow him to become a free agent before signing him due to the draft pick implications, but after his good performance this year don't you think he would likely want to play on a defense where there are actually good players around him?
Pat Yasinskas (12:59 PM)
They'll re-sign him. Actually, they need to re-sign him to prevent the cost of the trade from going up.
Wes (Albany, ny)
Why is it that the Saints get billed as "the most talented team in the NFC south" every year? They have drew brees. That.....is it. They have mediocre receivers that brees makes look great. They have never had a defense. Aside from the two decent years Deuce had, they've never had a running game. So....expert, I ask you: Just WHERE is the "talent" the Saints have? Honestly, other than Drew Brees, can you name one player on this team that would start for another team at his position? And, before you say it: No, Colston would start for very few teams, if any. Brees makes him what he is.
Pat Yasinskas (1:01 PM)
I'd argue with you on Colston. For that matter, Bush and Shockey too. Yes, they haven't produced big this year, but they have tons of potential. As for the defense, no argument there.
CC (Atlanta)
Are all the NFC South coaches safe? Fox and Smith certainly are but what happens to Gruden if the Bucs fade? And I'm having serious doubts about Sean Payton after the last 2 seasons of sloppy play.
Pat Yasinskas (1:02 PM)
Payton's not going anywhere because of the extension he signed at the start of this year. But he may be forced to make some changes to his defensive staff. I think Gruden's probably safe right now.
Justin (Omaha)
Is it time for Richard Marshall to get a shot in the starting lineup over Ken Lucas? Lucas hasn't defended a pass since October and he just looked lost on Monday on some of those plays. He is a good player, but don't the Panthers need to at least think about moving him to nickel?
Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)
Not sure Fox would make a change like that right now. But, after the season, I think you could see a shakeup there.
Jeff (Evans, GA)
Pat, what do you think the chances are that Arthur Blank offers Mike Mularkey a big contract extention (similar to what Jerry Jones did with Jason Garrett last year), to keep him with the Falcons?
Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)
Think that would be a very smart move.
Josh (Sparkle City, SC)
I have tix to the Panthers game this Sunday, yet I just found out on Wed that this game had been flex'd to the 4:15 slot. Why would the Panthers not make this information more readily available to its fans? Kind of disappointed...no banner on the website or anything.
Pat Yasinskas (1:04 PM)
They and the NFL announced it when the move was made and it got plenty of press then. Not sure why they haven't kept it out in the public eye since the initial announcement.
Ryan (Napa, CA)
Can we official call Reggie Bush a below average running back but an excellent utility player? he's got zero determination or grit when he runs from the backfield.
Pat Yasinskas (1:05 PM)
I'll go with you on that. But I also think the Saints could use him more productively.
Jim, St Pete.
This just in, Pat. TBO is reporting that Garcia will likely play this Sunday.
Pat Yasinskas (1:06 PM)
Thanks for the update.
Burwell (Addison, PA)
Please tell me that Shockey is gone after this year. A 2nd and 5th is a steep price to pay for 1 year worth of practically no production, but they should really just cut their losses.
Pat Yasinskas (1:06 PM)
That's my guess.
Ronald (Lynchburg, VA)
Do you see jerious norwood getting more touches as the falcons go into the final stretch run of the season? He's a gamebreaker who doesn't seem to get enough touches to really make the impact he is capable.
Pat Yasinskas (1:07 PM)
Not sure the Falcons would make any major changes right now. But I've said for a long time, I'd like to see more touches for Norwood. If not this year, then definitely next year.
Pete (NC)
Does this very impressive year top to bottom for the NFC South mean more national games next year? I'm sick of seeing the same 3 teams on TV every week!
Pat Yasinskas (1:08 PM)
Probably a safe bet and I think ATL will become a popular national tv team next year.
Brett (Miami)
How does Sean Payton, a so called "offensive genius," call a pitch play on 4th and inches instead of letting Drew Brees QB sneak for the 1st down like he did earlier in the game? That wa a horrible call right PY?
Pat Yasinskas (1:08 PM)
Yep, even if he don't go with the sneak, give it to Pierre up the middle. But don't run a pitch on fourth and inches.
Daryl (Springfield, NJ)
Shouldn't the Panthers be a bit worried about Delhomme now? The bucs run defense absolutely fell apart, but their pass defense made Delhomme look awful. What happens if someone shuts down their run game?
Pat Yasinskas (1:10 PM)
Exactly. We've seen that happen before in the past. Delhomme hasn't looked sharp and that's a big concern. Now, he's got a history of coming through in big games and that might happen again. But you've got to be a little worried this time that his arm might be tired or hurting.
Ronald (Lynchburg, VA)
I keep hearing all this rookie wall talk. Do you think Matt Ryan will hit it? I feel, at this point, if he hasn't shown any decline now I don't see any reason why it would happen now.
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
Nope, if he was going to hit it, he would have hit it by now. There've been no signs of that.
Jon Gruden
Can i rely on my defense this week?
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
You better hope they listened to all your talk about tackling better this week.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
I'm glad DeAngelo Williams has done so well lately, but in the very near future I see his carries dropping steeply as Stewart takes over. He's just not durable or reliable enough to be the #1. Agree/disagree?
Pat Yasinskas (1:13 PM)
Robert's got an interesting point here, guys. I know DeAngelo's been great recently, but there could be some validity to this theory.
Ryan (Napa, CA)
Is Sean Payton stubborn or stupid? His 4th down call against the Bears (just like the Bucs game) was terrible. He seems to lose more games for his team with his playcalling then the average coach does. I.E. his terrible play call last season against the Bucs when they could have run the game out but instead the Bucs get the ball back and win.
Pat Yasinskas (1:14 PM)
A lot of times, I think he out-thinks himself.
Garry(Charlotte)
Hey Pat do you think that the Panthers will use the recent health issues of Jerry Richardson as a motivation to play well for him? Much like they did in 03 with their keep poundig mantra to honor Sam Mills and Mark Fields.
Pat Yasinskas (1:15 PM)
I'm sure it will motivate them. There's a genuine respect for Mr. Richardson throughout that locker room.
Kevin (San Jose, Ca)
Do you expect Gary Gibbs to be back next year with the Saints? Let's face it... this defense is pathetic!
Pat Yasinskas (1:15 PM)
I think that's the first place the Saints have to look at in the offseason.
CC (Atlanta)
Keith Brooking's play has really dropped off. Do you think this is his last year in Atlanda b/c I do. I think he's a free agent in the offseason.
Pat Yasinskas (1:15 PM)
I think the end might be near.
Chris (Raleigh, NC)
Pat, Happy Friday - How do you think the charges facing Jeremy Bridges affect the Panthers' offseason? He plays a key backup role, and if Gross leaves, I figured that Wharton would move back outside and Bridges would fill in at guard. If Carolina lose them both (Gross to FA, Bridges cut if the charges prove to be true) they would be quite thin along the OL again.
Pat Yasinskas (1:17 PM)
My guess is Bridges will be gone as soon as this season's over. They don't want his off-field stuff and you can find other guys as good as him.
Wes (charlotte)
Haha, Pat, I'll give you credit---you do a damn good job at answering questions without actually answering the questions. Future in Politics for ya?
Pat Yasinskas (1:17 PM)
I learned from John Fox.
Matt (Atlanta)
Related topic...there was talk the Georgia Dome was going to be updated to entice future Super Bowls. Any news about that?
Pat Yasinskas (1:18 PM)
It was updated this year. But I haven't heard any talk of future Super Bowls there.
Roger, Myrtle Beach SC
Pat, We miss your reporting from the CO. What is going on with the Panthers secondary? They looked great at the start of the year and now they have gave up 600 yards in two games.
Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
Lucas' age is showing. Godfrey is showing he's still a rookie. Harris is great against the run and a good tackler, but isn't a great cover guy.
Steve Smith
Who wins in a bar fight? Me, Plax, or Pac?
Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
Probably you.
Sam (Raleigh)
when is D Williams contract up??? Do they resign him to big money or like the other poster said eventually his production drops and Stewart takes over? My opinion is what happens next season is going to tell it all.
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
Don't have my contract stuff in front of me, but I'm pretty sure he's got one more year.
John (North Carolina)
Robert Meachem is the biggest bust i've ever seen
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
No argument here.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
How has Ryan Kalil looked? As a Steelers' fan, I was quite happy to see them grab Justin Hartwig and was hoping that Kalil has been an adequate replacement.
Pat Yasinskas (1:21 PM)
Kalil had some injury problems. But he's back and playing well right now. He had a great game Monday.
Chris (Raleigh, NC)
Okay, DeAngelo has proven himself to be quite reliable this year now that he has been given consistent carries. And where in the world are these durability concerns coming from? Is it solely because of his size? Because I don't know where else they would come from.
Pat Yasinskas (1:22 PM)
I think size is where most of that stems from. Jason from Jacksonville had a good point on that, but the question disappeared before I could get to it. Jason, if you're still out there, please post your comment again. Basically, Jason was saying that's the point of the 2-back system and he's right.
Jeff (Evans, GA)
Pat, please explain to me how Roddy White who leads the NFL in receiving yards and Michael Turner who leads in rushing TD's...get no respect in pro bowl voting? The fans are making a mockery of the whole system.
Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)
Your friends from the NFC East stuffed the ballot box.
adam (nc)
when will charllotte get a super bowl?? we have a great stadium and the town would be great hosts?? ie final four, acc tourneys, nascar.
Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)
Sadly, I don't think it's going to happen. Charlotte does have a great stadium and the set up of downtown is perfect for big events. But the problem is it's an outdoor stadium and weather at that time of year is a big concern to the NFL.
John
Pat, admit it this is probably the most exciting year ever to cover the nfc south.
Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)
No doubt about that.
Jon Beason (Charlotte)
Am I am lock for the Pro Bowl yet?
Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)
You should be, but you better hope the coaches and players come through and vote for you.
Ronald (Lynchburg, VA)
Is there anyone left from the falcon's 2008 draft that hasn't made an impact? Outside of the Giant's draft class last year there haven't been too many draft classes that have had such an instant impact on their team.
Pat Yasinskas (1:26 PM)
DeCoud's about the only one I can think of and they've got hope for him. Rest of the class has been outstanding.
jared - detroit, mi
pat, best all around tight end in the nfc south? and dont tell me shockey-
Pat Yasinskas (1:26 PM)
You know what? I'd go with Alex Smith from Tampa. Shockey hasn't done anything.
Kevin (San Jose)
How much did the injury to rookie conerback Tracy Porter impact the Saints defense??
Pat Yasinskas (1:27 PM)
Plenty and thanks for bringing that up. Porter was off to a nice start and was going to be a player. That injury didn't ruin the season by itself, but it sure didn't help.
JT (Boston)
Is the loss of offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Doug Marrone a big loss for the Saints?
Pat Yasinskas (1:28 PM)
Not huge.He's a good o-line coach, but they can find somebody else to do that. Payton's the real o-coordinator, so I don't think it has much impact there.
george, england
You're dimitroff which position do you draft 1st round next year?
Pat Yasinskas (1:28 PM)
DE, DT or DB.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
Any word on an extension for Dominique Foxworth?
Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
Not yet, but I think it will happen.
Mike (Atlanta, Ga.)
Is Sam Baker healthy enough to be a factor down the stretch?
Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
He's getting closer. You might see him in the last week or two or in the playoffs.
Joel (Charlotte,NC)
Pat, with the Panthers Signing Gamble to an extension earlier this year, do you believe the panthers have more of an optmistic chance of resigning the big "3" (peppers, gross, gamble) even by using the franchise tag?
Pat Yasinskas (1:30 PM)
They seriously think they can do it. My guess is they sign Gross to an extension and franchise Peppers.
Christian (Charlotte)
In the upcoming game of Denver at Carolina how much of a role do you see Julius Peppers playing? Will he end up beating Clady who has unly given up (I think) .5 sacks?
Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)
With Pep, you never know. But I'm sure they'll try to test Clady.
Jim (denver)
Tell Ronald from VA that Denver's 2008 draft class has been equally as good. Clady alone is soooooo good.
Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)
You just told him.
Tim (Charlotte)
John Fox has went on record saying that the biggest reason fans should watch the Panthers this season is because "we are all in". Does this mean we have nothing to look forward to next year?
Pat Yasinskas (1:33 PM)
Not at all. He just meant they were going for it this year. And they've pretty much accomplished that -- as far as getting to the playoffs. They're set up to be good again next year, no matter what happens the rest of the way.
adam (nc)
will john kasay go another year?? will he give up to rhys lloyd? can kasay break the scoring record?? hof, right?
Pat Yasinskas (1:33 PM)
Kasay just got a new contract. He'll be around a few more years and so will Lloyd.
Chris (MD)
Lets say the Bucs can get McNabb for next year. They also need to add a few recievers as well. Any chance of going after Bolden or somebody else? They will have a ton of money this year to spend.
Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)
I would think both of those are possibilities. Also, T.J. Houshmenzadah.
Sam(Boone, NC)
Do you think alot of the problems with Delhomme's numbers this year have as much to do with dropped passes as "bad" QB play? Jake has been hitting people in the hands all season just to watch the ball get either dropped or tipped for an int. He's a better QB than many give him credit for.
Pat Yasinskas (1:35 PM)
Yes, there have been a fair amount of drops. Jake's been a little inconsistent, but I think, like you said, he's better than people give him credit for.
Ryan (Napa, CA)
Where you going to be at this weekend Pat? I know you don't like predictions but what is your gut telling you for TB v ATL this weekend?
Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)
I'll be in Atlanta. Let's wait and see what happens with Garcia before making any predictions.
Jason (Jacksonville, FL)
Pat, What do you think the Panthers biggest needs are going to be this off season and the draft? (besides everyones answer of QB) P.S. Stop losing my questions/comments lol
Pat Yasinskas (1:38 PM)
See what happens with Pep and Gross first because that could change things. But I'd say a WR would be nice somewhere in the first couple rounds. Maybe a stud DE to go with Pep. Sorry for losing your earlier comment, but my screen only displays 10 at a time and they get pushed out very quickly because others come in very fast.
Jeff (Evans, GA)
Pat, you said we might see Sam Baker in the last week or two...has he been completely ruled out of playing this week?
Pat Yasinskas (1:39 PM)
No, he hasn't been ruled out for this week. Should be an update on that this afternoon.
Tim (Virginia)
I'm not downing Delhomme at all...but what are the chances that the Panthers would go after Matt Cassel next year? That is, if New England lets him go for Brady's return.
Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)
Don't see it. I think McCown is the guy, if they do anything at all at QB. Cassel is gonna take big money. Panthers aren't going to have it because of Gross and Peppers.
George ( Lakeland, FL)
Do you agree that Tampa's Defense just had a bad game on Monday night or Has Carolina Found the key to defeating Tampa's Defense. Personnally I think Tampa just had a bad game. I've never seen so many missed tackles in one game.
Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)
Bad game and the tackling was terrible. But the one thing that would concern me is the middle of the D-line. The DTs absolutely got destroyed. I'm sure Mike Smith and Mike Mularkey have noticed that on film.
Adam (Jersey)
Tampa's draft class has been pretty great too - Dexter Jackson, Dre Moore, Cory Boyd... Sigh...
Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)
Good point. But, hey, Talib can play.
Michael Turner (ATL)
How do you like my chances of rushing for over 100 yards and putting up a score or two against a bucs defense that struggled heavily against the rush on monday night?
Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)
If I had you on my fantasy team, I'd start you.
Taylor NC
I know Mccown is listed ahead of Moore but what do you think Moore's chances of taking back the number 2 spot are before next season?
Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)
Not real good. From what I know, they really like McCown.
Chris, Monroe NC
Why all of the Delhomme haters? Can't they obviously see that this team plays 10 times better when he is on the field? He has never been great, but when you need him to come thru clutch, he normally does.
Pat Yasinskas (1:43 PM)
And to add to your argument, think about what it was like without him last year.
DeAngelo Williams (Charlotte)
Why aren't I receiving more MVP attention let alone Pro Bowl, 5th is total yards, highest yards per carry in top 35 RB's, only top 10 RB with no fumbles, more TD's than any other player and more points than any other non kicker - and i share carries!
Pat Yasinskas (1:44 PM)
DeAngelo, there, you've made your case.
Matt (Greenville, SC)
Pat, do you see the Panthers making a trade to get a first round draft pick this season?
Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)
Doubtful. They did their wheeling and dealing this year and it worked. I don't see them mortgaging the future two years in a row.
MVP Voters
DeAngelo, you play in Carolina. That's why.
Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)
Ouch!
Ryan (Napa, CA)
Who is the best offensive playcaller in the NFC South this season? Defensive?
Pat Yasinskas (1:46 PM)
Offensive -- Mularkey. Defensive -- even after Monday night, I'll stick with Monte Kiffin.
Bruce Allen (Tampa)
I'm going to have tons of dough to spend this offseason. I mean tons! What should I do?
Pat Yasinskas (1:47 PM)
Sign Brett Favre. Oops, you weren't able to do that this year. Try McNabb and a big-name WR. Also, get some DTs.
J.J.C. (Spring Lake, NC)
Can Rhys Lloyd kick field goals or what? With Kasay entering his final years, it would be the perfect scenario if our kickoff specialist could seamlessly slide into the field goal position. Any info on his FG abilities?
Pat Yasinskas (1:47 PM)
Yes, he can kick FGs and he practices it every day with Kasay. He's not as accurate as Kasay, but he's not bad.
Perry (New York)
I know Mike Smith may win coach of the year but how could he punt on 4th and 5 with 3:30 left in the game against the Saints last week? How do you give the ball back to that Saints offense? And even if they got stopped on 4th, they still could have got the ball back if they stopped them.
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
I didn't question the call at the time. It was the by-the-book call and he put it in the hands of his defense. It didn't work out. But it was the call that fits Smith's style and that's worked for him pretty well overall.
Rhys Lloyd, Charlotte NC
Pat could you please tell everybody why I wasn't kicking off deep on Monday...
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
You were told not to put the ball in the hands of Clifton Smith.
Roger (Georgia)
Pat, as a Falcons fan I see this team and wonder if they are close to being legit. Just would like to have your input.
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
They're not close. They ARE legit.
wayne va bach
if meachem is a bust, and lance moore has proven to be a good receiver, why doesn't he play more (moore that is).
Pat Yasinskas (1:50 PM)
Moore does play a lot. He's leading the team in receptions.
Vance (Greensboro, NC)
can the Panthers really trust Josh McCown, I've never seen him play before. and from What I've seen, should Charles Johnson be started ahead of Tyler Brayton?
Pat Yasinskas (1:51 PM)
Don't have the numbers in front of me, but look it up. McCown's got, I think, about 30 NFL starts. Now, keep in mind, he was on some bad teams, but he had moments where he looked pretty good. And, yeah, Charles Johnson should be starting ahead of Brayton.
J.J.C. (Spring Lake, NC)
Your thoughts on the Carolina starting offensive line? I know there was an article earlier this week, but I think they've only scratched the surface on how dominant they can be.
Pat Yasinskas (1:52 PM)
Agreed, that's exactly what I wrote in that article.
Adam (Jersey)
And Zuttah has been solid in relief as well. Also, do you think Jovan Haye's injury was a big difference on Monday night? I doubt he was THAT valuable
Pat Yasinskas (1:53 PM)
Yep, give Zuttah his props. No, I don't think Haye was that big a deal. Sims was bad. But Hovan got blown up too. I think they need some DT help in the offseason.
Saints Free Safeties
Should we expect a change of address next year?
Pat Yasinskas (1:53 PM)
Yes, without a doubt.
Alan (INDY)
Has P.Thomas shoed enough in NO to prove he is a starter next year and let the Saints put all the offseason energy into revamping the defense and maybe an o-lineman or two.
Pat Yasinskas (1:55 PM)
Pierre's been pretty strong lately. I'd go with a combo of him and Reggie and work on other spots. DL would be a good start in addition to the secondary, which we've talked plenty about. Wouldn't mind seeing them upgrade at RT, too.
Jason (Greensboro)
The notion of sticking with McCown or Moore in the future is so frustrating considering there are better options than that. These guys seem to be game managing, system QBs. Jake probably has a couple of years, who cares if it takes a rookie that long to develop? Let's start the development now! The possibility of the South having Ryan, Brees, McNabb, and McCown is kinda depressing.
Pat Yasinskas (1:56 PM)
Do you really expect Fox and Hurney to go out and do something dramatic like signing McNabb? I don't and I don't mean to knock them. I'm just saying it doesn't fit their profile and, overall, their ways have worked pretty well.
Kevin (San Jose,CA)
We gave up a 2nd and a 5th for J.Shockey! He's scored as many touchdowns as me (zero) Can we trade him back and get those picks again!
Pat Yasinskas (1:57 PM)
Doubt the Giants would go along with that.
Rich Mckay (Atlanta)
Do you think if I had drafted Patrick Willis instead of Jamaal Anderson that I would still have my job?
Pat Yasinskas (1:57 PM)
Ha! Good line.
Adam (Jersey)
Yeah, Jason, but if the Panthers go with McCown and the Bucs don't get McNabb, it can be Ryan, Brees, McCown and McCown. That would be fun
Pat Yasinskas (1:58 PM)
Interesting possibility.
Jeff (Evans, GA)
Pat, why is that since the Panthers beat the bucs some "experts" are calling them the best team in the NFC...but, when the Falcons beat the Panthers a couple weeks ago...not much was said.
Pat Yasinskas (1:58 PM)
Don't know. Just the way the bandwagon mentality works, I guess.
Robert (Latrobe, PA)
How has Jonathan Goodwin been playing? I was glad they didn't give Faine a monster deal, but was concerned that they didn't have the depth to cover the loss.
Pat Yasinskas (1:59 PM)
He's been fine. He's not one of their problems. He missed some time with injuries, but he's been fine when he's in there.
John Fox
Pat not only do you answer questions like me you also look like me!
Pat Yasinskas (1:59 PM)
I've never heard that one before.
keith (new orleans, la)
Is it more personnel or scheme with the saints defense or both? Should the saints eye the bengals situation as far as Marvin Lewis is concerned as a possible d-coordinator for 2009.
Pat Yasinskas (2:01 PM)
I'd lean more to personnel, but I think you've got to factor in coaching as well. I mean they made a big show with the new DL coach and it hasn't seemed to matter.
Jason (Greensboro)
I don't expect for them to after McNabb. It would likely be too expensive anyway. I'm for drafting someone. I guess I just want to know, why do they think it's such a bad idea to take some time to develop a QB? P.S. I hope Jake can play well for several years. Is their reluctance to draft a QB a reflection of their concern about his longevity?
Pat Yasinskas (2:02 PM)
Fox and Hurney have always said they think it takes a rookie QB too long to develop. That said, they would have taken Ryan if he had somehow slipped this year because they believed he would be an exception to the rule. Guess they were right.
Atlanta, GA
So if both the falcons and the cowboys go 10-6 and they end up with the same conference record, who gets the tiebreaker and how is it decided?
Pat Yasinskas (2:03 PM)
I don't have time to do the math right now. But google "nfl tiebreakers". The first thing that pops up will be the NFL rules on tie breakers and it's got the whole breakdown.
Todd McClure
Why am I not getting more press for the pro bowl at Center? I've got a rookie QB, 2 undrafted free agents playing to my right, a second year player at G to the left and have had a rookie and a veteran with bad knees at LT. We've done a great job in the passing game and running game because I my leadership!!
Pat Yasinskas (2:04 PM)
Todd, you've had a great year. But the NFC East fans have made it impossible for you to get your due.
Zeek
The panthers draft this year, how do you think it'll play out? DT I hope..
Pat Yasinskas (2:04 PM)
Wouldn't be a bad spot to start. Or maybe a WR.
Kevin (San Jose, CA)
If only we had the Dome Patrol Defense of the early 90's to go along with that explosive offense we have now..
Pat Yasinskas (2:05 PM)
Give it time, man. Did you expect them to be 8-5 right now? Defense has played better than I ever expected. They've still got a few parts to plug in. Give Smith and Dimitroff one more offseason and they'll have that D looking real good.
Kim Kardashian
Reggie can't run between the tackles! Keep my baby running outside. He doesnt need to get hurt
Pat Yasinskas (2:06 PM)
No comment on that one. But just a heads-up that I can only field a couple more questions. We're already past my 2 p.m. deadline.
Sharell (Raleigh, NC)
I'm with Jason from Greensboro. How can Carolina compete with their division if all teams capable of outscoring you because you refuse to invest in a franchise QB, the most imporant position in football. Carolina defense is good, but they are not the Ravens or the Steelers.
Pat Yasinskas (2:07 PM)
Hey, you've got Steve Smith and that backfield (whichever nickname you want to use). You don't need a McNabb at QB. You just need a Jake or a McCown.
Will(Baton Rouge)
Pat, you do know it was the (Super, not Georgia)Dome Patrol, right????
Pat Yasinskas (2:08 PM)
Thanks for the reminders. I was just flying through the question and didn't even think about that part of it.
Adam (Jersey)
Atlanta, I think the Falcons lose out on Record v Common Opponents - Dallas is 3-0 against TB, GB and Philly (one left), and the best ATL can do is 2-2.
Pat Yasinskas (2:08 PM)
Thanks. Sounds about right.
Jonathan Stewart
Can I get a 1000 yds this year. I am going to be super bowl MVP. I am in the best situation to play for many years. I love D'Will
Pat Yasinskas (2:09 PM)
You've got a shot. Keep plugging. All right, I'm past my deadline. Thanks for stopping by. Really enjoyed it.
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