Chat with Matt Mosley
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Mosley, an award-winning writer for The Dallas Morning News for seven years, joined ESPN.com in January 2007 and writes columns, features and blogs about the NFL.
Send your questions now and join Mosley in The Show on Tuesday at noon ET!
Mosley Archive: Columns | Blog
Odds Maker (Las Vegas)
Odds that Jerry cuts T.O.? Odds on cutting Pacman?
Matt Mosley (12:02 PM)
Most people at Valley Ranch would like to see Pacman gone, but Jerry's the only voice that counts. Right now, I'd say there's a 70 percent chance he's gone. T.O.'s coming back, and that's probably not a good thing for this team. Just one more divisive force in the locker room. Welcome to today's chat by the way.
Jerry (NY)
Who ya got, Miami or Baltimore?
Matt Mosley (12:03 PM)
Give me Sparano or give me death.
Raymond (Finksburg, MD)
What does the Eagles injury situation look like for Sunday's game? Westbrook completely healthy??
Matt Mosley (12:05 PM)
Raymond, I'm not sure Westbrook will be completely healthy until next season. But he'll be ready to go. Dawkins was also pretty banged up after that last game, but he should be good. I would be surprised if Abiamiri was able to go. And the guard spot is still pretty dicey heading into the playoffs. Why didn't this team put Andrews on IR? I guess we'll find out.
Danny Shakes (CT)
I have seen that both Spagnuolo and Gilbride have been requested to interview for Head Coaching jobs. I know that many Giants fans will not miss Gilbride that much as the Offensive Cordinator, but losing Spags will kill us. The other concern this brings the Giants is that hopefully it will not cause a distraction from gameplanning. Do you think it is possible that Spags will leave the Giants even though he is one of the highest paid cordinators in football? Is it possible that we may actually lose both cordinators after this season?
Matt Mosley (12:08 PM)
Some people in Dallas thought all of Sparano's and Garrett's interviewing last year may have caused distractions. I don't see it as a problem for a guy like Spagnuolo, though. He seems like a guy who can compartmentalize and I don't think he's serious at all about the Lions job. He'll only leave for the right job. And he didn't want the Redskins job. Why would he take the Browns or Lions jobs. Money you say? We'll see. I think it's possible Spags leaves if he has the right opportunity.
Mike (AZ)
Why has everyone already written off the Cardinals? A home game against a weak defense...seems like a good fit to me
Matt Mosley (12:09 PM)
The Cardinals are playing a hot team. And the Cardinals have been in a funk for quite a while. When you play in an awful division, people aren't going to take you seriously. That's where the Cardinals find themselves right now. Prove me wrong, but I'm certainly not going to pick them.
Steiny (NYC)
Will Tony Romo ever be able to come up big in meaningful games?
Matt Mosley (12:11 PM)
Oh I think he will at some point. We used to talk about Peyton Manning not being able to win the big one. Now that seems like ages ago. I think Romo needs someone at Valley Ranch that he'll actually listen to. The turnover thing is a killer -- and his postgame news conference was a head-scratcher. Don't try to pass a 44-6 loss in a do-or-die game as no big deal. That's not the guy I know.
Liam(San Antonio, Tx)
How far do you think the Eagles will go since they will have to face the Giants after taking out a weak Viking squad with a Running back. By the way living in Texas deep in San Antonio and being a Eagles fan is great when games come out 44-6 against the team i despise.
Matt Mosley (12:14 PM)
Liam: I don't think that Vikings team is as "weak" as you think. Tarvaris Jackson takes a lot of heat, but he's actually been really efficient lately. And the Vikings have a superb run defense. They'll try to force Donovan McNabb to beat them with the pass, and I'm not so sure he'll be able to. I'm picking the Eagles, but in no way do I think this game will be easy.
bryan (cumberland, Md.)
Jason Taylor, Brett Farve do you see either returning next year ?
Matt Mosley (12:15 PM)
Taylor's not going back to Washington. I'm pretty certain about that. I bet he'll retire. Favre will drag this out and make a big production -- like he always does.
Steiny (NYC)
Do you think Jim Zorn deserves one more year to show he can make this a playoff team?
Matt Mosley (12:16 PM)
Certainly I do Steiny. And we're cutting you off. You've tried to sneak in at least two questions and we have 150 people waiting in line! But back to Zorn, I always thought he deserved another year. Even when things were spinning out of control. Vinny Cerrato and Co. didn't help him out much in the draft. And I'd like to see him get another season with Jason Campbell.
Saagar (California)
Are the Eagles a serious superbowl contender at this point or are they just a nice story heading for a quick playoff exit?
Matt Mosley (12:18 PM)
Well, I don't think anyone in the NFC seems invincible right now. And the Eagles have some confidence against the Giants based on their recent win. So yes, they're contenders. No, I wouldn't use the word "serious" at this point.
Mike (AZ)
Matt Ryan has thrown 5 INT's in his last 4 games, is he magically going to turn into a good playoff qb in his first playoff appearance?
Matt Mosley (12:18 PM)
Are the Cards magically going to turn into a good playoff team?
Blueman(INDY)
Should the Eagles use more spread formations and try to Westrook in space in the passing game plus run a lot of sweep trying to make the big Viking d-line chase them and wear them down?
Matt Mosley (12:20 PM)
Leading question, Blue. I'm not sure about more spread formations. I just know they can't abandon the run against the Vikings early. The Eagles turned their season around because they added some balace to the offense. I'd make sure Westbrook gets 25 touches against the Vikes.
Greg (New York, NY)
What are the chances that we get to see an All-Manning Super Bowl this year?
Matt Mosley (12:21 PM)
I would worry about Peyton vs. the Chargers.
Will J (Portland, OR)
Matt, do you think this playoff run will help determine the fate of McNabb and his future with the Eagles?
Matt Mosley (12:21 PM)
McNabb's coming back no matter what happens Sunday.
Chris (Longview, TX)
Do you believe Wade Phillips when he says things are going to change? I assume he means that his "cupcake" way of doing things will be a thing of the past.
Matt Mosley (12:22 PM)
Chris: Just as sure as I believe that Country Tavern in Kilgore, Texas, has the best ribs in the country, I believe that Phillips won't be able to "change." It was a laughable thing to say. You don't suddenly become a taskmaster of 30 years of patting guys on the rear all the time.
Saagar (California)
Which of the three teams who recently cut their head coaches, the Jets, Lions, or Browns, has the best chance to turn around their downtrodden ship next season?
Matt Mosley (12:25 PM)
The Jets were 9-7 this season. It's not like they need a huge rebuilding process. The Browns are next and the Lions after that. But look what Parcells, Sparano and Ireland did in Miami. There are 29 new players on that roster from last season. Just a remarkable performance by those guys. Anyone know any good restaurants in downtown Minneapolis by the way?
Braxton (WV)
What caused Tennessee to fall apart on Sunday?
Matt Mosley (12:25 PM)
Game didn't mean anything.
Danny Shakes (CT)
What everyone is forgetting to talk about is during the NFC playoffs there are only two TEAMS left THAT PLAY IN THE ELEMENTS. The Eagles will not have a home game, but are not afraid to come into the Meadowlands. The Panthers got first hand experience what the wind and cold in the Meadowlands is like, shanked! Why is no one talking about that two dome teams and three warm weather teams having to play in the Meadowlands. Thats a huge advantage Giants.
Matt Mosley (12:26 PM)
Danny, you bring up a good point. I love some good "elements" talk. But it's hard for me to do right now because I just returned from 60-degree weather in Philly.
Christian (NY)
What are the chances both Williamses play for the Vikings this Sunday? Does that swing the game towards the Vikings big time?
Matt Mosley (12:27 PM)
That would help, but it wouldn't swing the game toward the Vikes.
Aaron (DC)
Happy New Year Matt! Do you think that Dan Snyder will ever fire Vinny Cerrato? The Redskins need a legitimate GM to turn this organization around.
Matt Mosley (12:28 PM)
These men have taken a solemn vow to each other.
Bryce (Florida)
How is Ben's condition and do you think he will be back to normal for Pittsburgh?
Matt Mosley (12:29 PM)
Yeah, he'll be ready to go. I haven't talked to anyone about his condition, but he's been banged up all season.
Mike (Cumming, GA
Is there a chance the giants can work out a deal that TC stays as head coach through 2009 and Spags takes over in 2010??
Matt Mosley (12:29 PM)
Those sorts of things rarely work. And Tom's not thinking about retirement.
K (philly)
What happens with Dawkins next year? And I know its hard for safeties, but how can they deny B Dawk the Hall of Fame when the time comes?
Matt Mosley (12:30 PM)
You're jaded from having watched him so closely for all these years. He's a superb player, but should he get in ahead of Darren Woodson and Cliff Harris? I think Dawkins is one of the greats, but safeties get in the Hall about once every eight or nine years. Those aren't good odds.
Michael (Dallas)
Why wasn't Wade fired at halftime, let alone now? Jerry is a good businessman. He has to see that Wade is bad for business and this team. I mean this team has the talent. He needs to swallow his pride and get someone in here that will hold players accountable.
Matt Mosley (12:32 PM)
Michael: Suggesting that Jerry swallow his pride is a bigger thing than you think. He loves having Wade as his head coach because it means he can run the show. Jerry would rather lose with a puppet than win with a guy like Parcells.
Saagar (California)
Hey Matt, whatever happened to Vince Young?
Matt Mosley (12:34 PM)
Saagar: I've heard reports of him still being on the sideline for the Titans. When a UT player leaves the nurturing bosom of the 40 acres, he often struggles. Young has had an awful time with the transition.
Tim(MA)
Do you get the sense the the Patriots will retain Matt Cassel for next season? If so will it be for the sole purpose of trading him and what do you feel he is worth in compensation? Better to pay him the money of a 1st rounder than a rookie who might take a few years right?
Matt Mosley (12:35 PM)
I think they need to determine whether Tom Brady has had a setback with the knee...And they need to do it quickly.
Robert (Huntsville, Al)
"Jerry would rather lose with a puppet than win with a guy like Parcells." The best quote I've read in a chat in a long time. Bravo Matt...bravo...
Matt Mosley (12:35 PM)
why thank you sir.
robert, SF
dallas is looking alot like the oakland raiders. the only person that holds the players accountable is the owner.
Matt Mosley (12:36 PM)
I don't think Jerry Jones holds the players accountable at all. He's an enabler in the worst sense of the word. Pacman Jones and T.O. and don't respect their coaches when they know they can go complain to Jones. He's not as nutty as Al, but it is interesting that Jerry and Al are close friends.
K (philly)
Predictions for the wild card round? Who's playing in Tampa in your mind?
Matt Mosley (12:38 PM)
Eagles advance to the divisional round. Falcons advance. Giants will squeak out a win over their division rivals. Panthers and Giants again in the title game. Super Bowl: Giants vs. Dolphins. Just kidding, although I would absolutely love that scenario. It will be Giants-Steelers
ov1 (Los Angeles
Shout out to Baylor hoops?? Also, who's going to be GM in KC?
Matt Mosley (12:40 PM)
Now we're starting to figure things out. That was an underrated win last night over Portland State. I liked how we shut down there little guard who caused Gonzaga so much trouble. The Port State coach said we were longer and much more athletic than the Zags. Music to my ears. If I was Clark Hunt, I'd go hire Eric DeCosta away from the Ravens. But he won't do anything that interesting.
Zach (Blatimore)
What do you think the ravens chances are this postseason and why?
Joey (Steel City)
Hey Matt, What do you think the chances are of another lombardi in Pittsburgh this year? Do you even see them in the big game?
Matt Mosley (12:41 PM)
You're in. I just addressed this one.
AL(INDY)
Are the Redskins doomed to mediocricy?Tough division,owner who doesn't know the football world well enough to spend his money wisely,mid round draft choices,Portis and Moss getting old and injury prone?
Matt Mosley (12:43 PM)
I wouldn't classify Portis and Moss as "old." And both of them are willing to fight through injuries. But I do think the franchise needs to make better decisions. They finally stopped free-wheeling in the free agency and then they went out and drafted three BUSTERS in the second round. Maybe those guys will pan out, but right now it's not looking good.
Chris(Boston)
Who do you think wins NFL Coach of the year? Mike Smith(ATL), Tony Sparano(MIA), John Harbaugh(BALT), or Dick Jauron(BUF)? JK about Jauron obviously!
Matt Mosley (12:43 PM)
Sparano
charlie (elkton)
how far will the eagles go in the playoffs if the playcalling was like it was against the cowboys
Matt Mosley (12:43 PM)
They'll beat the Vikes and lose to the Giants.
Greg (nyc)
Matt, with both Jacobs and Derrick Ward becoming free agents after this season, do the Giants have a chance to re-sign both? If not, who makes the most sense for them to keep??
Matt Mosley (12:44 PM)
Ward's the unrestricted guy. He may give Jerry Reese a home-town discount. And that would be smart. Jacobs will get a lucrative extension soon. It might even happen during the playoffs. The Giants quietly took care of Tuck in the playoffs last season. Great deal for them, not so good for him!
Chad (miami)
Is Bill Parcells really going to leave?
Matt Mosley (12:45 PM)
He loves to flirt. And for some reason, he's always been a little intrigued by Detroit. But no, I think he likes his current gig.
Luis (SB, CA)
Question: Everyone was riding Tom Coughlin two years ago about his coaching style. Players revolted, he changed his angle, and viola! SB Champs. What're the odds that Wade does this same, considering he's promised change?
Matt Mosley (12:47 PM)
Wade is trying to change from a softy to a demanding guy. Coughlin never stopped being a demanding, tough guy. He simply listened to people more and started showing that he wasn't just a tyrant. It wasn't some huge change in personality. What Wade is suggesting is that he can become much more demanding. That's laughable.
Khaled (Madagascar but from Brooklyn)
Matt, I enjoy your blogs because they're full of incite yet at times controversial. I think a lot of prognosticators are overlooking the Giants again by talking more about other teams this time of year. I know the Giants have used the lack of respect to drive them, but do you think they're reading up on the predictions and getting amped up? Also, do you think this bye helps them? Lastly, the Giants can face either the Cardinals, Eagles or Falcons. Which match-up would better suit them?
Matt Mosley (12:51 PM)
Khaled: It's always good to hear from our Madagascar contingent. I know the Giants love the underdog, chip--on-their-shoulder role, but those days are over. They are clearly the favorites to come out of the NFC. They have plenty of motivation to repeat. They took care of the Cardinals in Arizona and the Cards freak out every time they have more than a two-hour flight. That's the best matchup, although I like the Falcs to take care of business this weekend.
Dave (Hollywood, CA)
Matt: I'm curious as to when the Rooney Rule will be brought up considering how the Jets are pursuing Cowher. Will they need to pay a fine if they do hire him? A minority candidate never had a chance.
Matt Mosley (12:53 PM)
The Rooney Rule is a good idea, but I'm not sure how effective it is. Teams often go through the motions. I know Jerry Jones talked to Mike Singletary even though he never had any intention of hiring him. Now, he also brought in Jim Caldwell. Anyway, there's no way to hold the Jets accountable under the current rule.
Steve (New York)
Straight up question: is there any chance the Ealges still get rid of McNabb? I don't see it anymore
Matt Mosley (12:53 PM)
He's coming back.
Neil (VA)
What should be the Redskins number 1 offseason priority?
Matt Mosley (12:55 PM)
They better address that offensive line. Samuels is good, but he's not getting any younger. You have an aging Pete Kendall at left guard and an aging and broken down Jansen at right tackle. You better address the offensive line in a hurry. And you might want to see if you can get Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly ready to go for next season.
Josh (Knoxville, TN)
What is Adam Jones's contract situation? His on-field performance would seem to warrant keeping him. I mean, he didn't screw up any worse than anyone else out there (ha). So are they just afraid he'll get in trouble again?
Matt Mosley (12:57 PM)
His value doesn't measure up to his ability to be a distraction. The Cowboys should part ways with Tank Johnson and Jones. But for different reasons. Johnson simply isn't that effective in this defense. And he's also a divisive force in the locker room. There's a reason he wore out his welcome in Chicago. He's a guy who will help divide a locker room while not making much of a contribution on the field.
robert from North Carolina
Matt- If Jason Garret leaves to the Lions who are some possible candidates for his repalcement and is Ray Sherman have a hot ata the Offensive Coordiantor position?
Matt Mosley (12:58 PM)
I like Ray Sherman, but he's got enough to worry about with all the complainers at wide receiver. Garrett's not leaving to take over in Detroit. But he should if the Lions make the offer. Frazier's a better candidate right now.
Marc (Malden, MA)
Can we please stop calling the Redskins 2nd rounders "busts?" Will people ever learn to stop judging draft picks after 1 season?
Matt Mosley (12:59 PM)
I called them "BUSTERS." If they do anything next season, we'll take them off the list.
Eugene (Richmond)
Mr. Matt Sir, If you was the GM of the skins, what would you do in the draft and free agency?
Matt Mosley (1:00 PM)
Eugene: I'd try to re-stock the offensive and defensive lines. I'd go find the best pass-rushers in the draft and try to bring one of them in. And I'd see who's out there as a wide receiver in free agency. The mighty mites aren't getting it done. Randle El doesn't need to be a No. 2 wide receiver. A consistent pass-rusher would be great.
Ajay, Philadelphia
Do you think McNabb gets a new contract in the offseason? What about their other veterans? (Dawkins, Thomas, Runyan, Buckhalter) P.S. When Terrence Newman had that pass interference on DeSean Jackson on Sunday, did you yell..."Newman!"?
Matt Mosley (1:03 PM)
I only yelled "NEWMAN!" internally. McNabb may get a re-structured deal. Dawkins, Thomas and Runyan might all be gone. I think they'd like to do something with Buck again. Folks, they're asking me to leave. We have 600 people waiting in line. Show up on time next Tuesday. Happy Holidays to everyone. I'll see you next year. (Tuesday).
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