Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

OK, guys. I can't go for the usual two hours today. I have an interview at 4 p.m. But let's get started.

Brett Farve (Retirement, USA)

Good luck with the chat today, Tim. Give it your best. Whatever that is.

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

And if we get through it, we get through it. If not, no big whoop. I love you guys.

Joe Tampa, Fl

Happy 2009 Tim! How do you feel about the Bills decision of keeping Dick Jauron?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

I think it's going to be an unhappy 2009 for Bills fans. But it will give me plenty of material to write about.

andrew, long island, ny

hey tim, huge dolphins fan here, i really think miami has a good chance to reach the superbowl this season? are you as optimistic as me?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

I am not.

Andrew (Miami, FL)

The article earlier this week about "Not so fast Miami" in regard to next year's schedule was the most ill-timed and depressing read of the year from you. Why now?

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

Because that was the day the schedule was finalized. Sorry, I didn't realize Dolfans could handle only sunshine, rainbows and unicorns right now.

Andrew (Miami, FL)

Don't you think basing predictions on weak schedules or a game in Week 7 is nieve? Mia/Bal are both changed teams since then and this game could go either way.

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Sure, and I guess it was naive to think Mike Tyson would lose to Evander Holyfield a second time. There's no better way to handicap a matchup than looking at what they've done against each other recently, especially a game within the same season. The personnel differences for Sunday's rematch are minor.

Stephen (Seattle, WA)

What's your take on the general opinion that Miami was only successful because of an "easy schedule" (which, I might add, differed from the Patriots schedule by only two games)

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Everybody in the AFC East had an easy schedule. The Patriots' was a little harder because they had the Colts and Steelers. I don't think that's the only reason the Dolphins won 11 games, but it surely didn't hurt.

Unicorns (PleasureTown)

No one can handle us!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

And yet you're never around when you're needed.

Frank (State College, PA)

You failed to mention in your article about next season's schedule that the entire AFC East has it tough next year, not just the Dolphins. Instead of the Titans and Steelers, the Patriots get to look forward to the Ravens and Colts. Doesn't sound all that much better to me.

Tim Graham

  (3:11 PM)

No, I didn't fail to mention that. Go back and read it.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Will Miami still be able to take care of the football against such a ballhawking team like the Ravens, or will this be the game the Dolphins start making mental errors?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

The Dolphins gave up only one sack and one turnover the last time, and that one turnover was Chad Pennington's biggest mistake of the year. I don't see him making the same mistake twice.

Lori (Port Allegany, PA)

Happy New Year, Tim. I know most people believe Ralph Wilson's decision was all about not eating Jauron's alleged contract extension, but a mutual friend of ours thinks it has more to do with him not wanting to start over from scratch -- again -- at his age. Which way do you lean?

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

Happy New Year to you, too. ... I think it's a combination of both, but I lean more toward not wanting to start over again. I'm also not sure it strictly has to do with his age. he was 87 the last time he hired a new coach. But I think it's more a reflection of his aggravation over going through the process again, regardless of age.

Dan (North Wales, PA)

Can you tell me why players leave (or are cut from) Buffalo and then succeed? I.E. COy Wire, Sam Aiken, etc.

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

Let's be honest, Dan. Those guys are role players. And over a third of NFL teams make the playoffs every year. Neither Coy Wire nor Sam Aiken were critical to their new teams' success.

Andrew (Orlando, FL)

When, in this season, will the Dolphins truely be respected by ESPN, and Trent Dilfer will shut up? Get off the Pats' D already.

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

OK, since I've been ripped unmercifully by Dolfans that apparently were directed to my blog from a message board upset with one particular article, let me remind everyone ... I picked Chad Pennington for MVP, Joey Porter for defensive player of the year and Tony Sparano for coach of the year. I picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East in Week 11. Last time I looked at my paycheck, it came from ESPN.

Ben, Middletown, Ct.

Tim, How close is Pioli of leaving BB in New England?

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

I'd be shocked if he doesn't land in Cleveland. I'm surprised it hasn't been announced already.

JR (Florida)

Why did the Pats need to franchise Cassel; Did he not want to take a competitive raise for a one year deal?

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

He would get almost $15 million for one year. That's the type of money that sets him up for life after working on a late-round contract.

Dick Jauron (Buffalo)

I really pulled the wool over Old Man Wilson's Eyes didn't I, Tim?

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

Not so sure about that, Dick. I don't think Ralph is your biggest fan.

Stephen (Seattle, WA)

Why are you in love with BillB? You claim that the injuries he's had to couch around prove how good he is, but take away Brady (and other talent) and what does BillB produce? The Cleveland Browns from several years ago, that's what. So why are you always singing BillB's praises? The Pats are good in spite of him, not because of him!

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

You, sir, are a real dope.

Stephen (Seattle, WA)

Why is nothing I write showing up?

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

And there's more proof.

Norm (Cleveland)

Cassekl has not been franchised. Deadline is Feb. 27.

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

True, but it looks like he will be. Michael Lombardi, who has many ties within the Patriots organization, reported on "Inside the NFL" this week that the Patriots will put the franchise tag on Cassel.

Peter, NJ

Why does the media worship Brett Farve? Mark Schlerth ripped Thomas Jones saying Farve was the only reason Jones made the probowl. I don't believe in calling out your teammates, but Richardson, Faneca and Woody are bigger reasons than Farve. Not to mention TJ ran for 1000 yards last season with bad QB play, a bad OL and no FB on the roster.

Tim Graham

  (3:23 PM)

Clearly, you don't read my blog. Type in the word Favre in the search field on my blog and see how much I've been bowing at the Favre altar.

Matt (Boston)

AFC East draft targets?

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

Way too soon to start analyzing that. I appreciate the question, but breaking all of that down right now is premature. A lot of underclassmen have yet to declare, and with new coaches and personnel men coming and going it's hard to predict.

Norm (Cleveland)

Interesting. For the purpose of trading him or are they really going to pay almost $30mil in cap money for the same position?

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

They're stuck. The Patriots need to be sure Brady will be ready before they can move forward without Cassel.

Russ Brandon, COO (Somewhere in Orchard Park)

I am sorry Bills' Fans, Mr. Wilson wouldn't listen and you are stuck with the human Prozac commercial Dick Jauron for another season. I really am sorry. Maybe when someone buys the team we can get a coach with some emotion.

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

Great to hear from you, Russ. Those are the most words you've spoken to me all year.

Keren (Maui)

Does Parcells stay or take the money and run?

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

I think he stays and that he's using his out clause as leverage to sweeten his deal under the new owner.

Steve, Fort Myers

Gladiator death match.....Brady or Cassel?

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

I have to go with Cassel, but only because of the knee. One swing of a bow staff, and Brady's done.

Brian (San Francisco, CA)

Tim, you wrote a story on Angelo Crowell earlier in the year. Do you think there's any chance he returns as a Bill or has that bridge been burned?

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

He spoke on locker cleanout day and suggested the hatchet has been buried, but my sources tell me he said those things only to take the high road and that he's done in Buffalo.

Scott Pioli Foxborough, Massachusetts

Tim why should I even considering taking the Browns job it will take the Browns years to rebuild.Should i not stay with the Pats?

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

After a while, you get sick of playing second string and want to run your own show.

Bob (Scottsdale)

Any hunches on where Shanahan ends up? The NY media is, well, interested in stirring the Jets pot.

Tim Graham

  (3:31 PM)

I don't have any hunches yet. There's way too much static in the coaching reports of who's interviewing, not interviewing. But Shanahan is the highest-profile candidate, and the Jets are the highest-profile opening (aside from the Broncos).

Aaron (Buffalo, NY)

You mentioned in an earlier post that Russ Brandon hasn't spoken to you all year. Is he not that accessible to the media?

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

Not when he knows what you're going to ask him about, and the items I wanted to ask him about most this year were Jason Peters, Angelo Crowell and Dick Jauron's contract.

Nick ( Niagara Falls )

Tim where do u stand on the Bills offense does it need changes?

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

They need a franchise center. Badly.

Brad(NM)

In your opinion Tim, did Wilson make the right decision? Sometimes it seems owners are all too quick to change coaching staffs.

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

I'm not opposed to Wilson's decision. I think it could work out. But I feel for the fans.

Frank (Gemelli NY)

Which of the AFC East do you have the best sources for? Worst?

Tim Graham

  (3:34 PM)

Some teams are tougher to crack than others. Any team with a Bill Belichick flavor can be difficult. But I have sources here and there.

Kerryann (New York)

Do you think it is fair for jet players to be pointing fingers at Favre especially since they were horrible the year before?

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

It's fair. Favre isn't the reason they won five more games this year. The Jets had a lot more help from Alan Faneca, Damien Woody, Tony Richardson, Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins ... Favre hurt them more than he helped them down the stretch.

JR (Florida)

Tim, do you see Miami having any chance of winning Sunday? Right now everyone is saying the Ravens are not a team you'd want to meet in the postseason.

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

The Dolphins certainly have hope. If they can disrupt Joe Flacco and keep the Ravens D from making big plays, then I like the Dolphins' chances.

Kent Hull (Mississippi)

Was I the last great center the Bills had?

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

A lot of guys on your team were the last great Bills players at a number of positions.

Daniel (NYC)

Can Matt Birk be that franchise center?

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

I've heard that name mentioned with the Bills and the Dolphins.

Jesse(Pittsburgh)

What do you think about the Dolphins hiring Mangini as a defensive coordinator or something? He didn't seem like a bad coach, just had too much expected of him. We might as well take advantage of another Jets throw away that took the fall for a team collapse that couldn't possibly be blamed on one person. We're still seeing how the last one is working out in the playoffs.

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

Unless Paul Pasqualoni gets a head coaching job somewhere, that job is filled. Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles could get a look somewhere, and maybe that creates an opening on the staff, but it's a thought. Mangini has worked under Parcells before.

Matt (WI)

Now that the season is over, Favre made a bac choice to come back right?

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

Depends on what he was after. He at least can look at what happened with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and think he showed them.

Dan (North Wales, PA)

Would it be crazy for the Bills to draft the kicker from PSU? Rian Lindell really needs to find a new home.

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

I don't know who the Bills should go after, but Lindell has gotten stale in Buffalo.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

If, and I hope that is a huge IF, Parcells leaves Miami how much does it hurt them? Could Ireland and Sporano do this on their own or will they take a significant dive? BTW, I agree with you on the schedule thing, I am worried for next year.

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

People totally misread my blog on the Dolphins' schedule. They'll be fine within the framework of the AFC East, but to think they'll win 11 games again is optimistic. I don't think Parcells will leave, but if he does, the foundation has been laid. Another year or two would strengthen the organization, but they could cope now that he put everything in place.

AL(INDY)

How long before the wildcat gimmick wears off and is sent the same way that the run and shoot went?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

The fact that a lot of teams have adopted it leads me to believe we'll see even more of it in 2009 after coordinators get to install more plays in the offseason.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Tim, what was the deal with the Patriots punting on 3rd down a few times last week?

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

Savvy coaching because of the wind. It allowed the Patriots to pin the Bills deep without a return and have to head straight into the nastiness.

Howie boston

Do you think Colt Mccoy would make a good nfl quarterback?

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

I keep banging the drum for Buck McCoy, but nobody's listening. As for Colt McCoy, he can make all the throws. He's a legit prospect, with emphasis on the word prospect.

Jimbo (Buffalo, NY)

Do you think Trent Edwards is the answer at quarterback for the Bills?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

He's the type of quarterback who needs all the tools around him (insert John Rigas joke here). He looks like a high-quality game manager, smart, won't make mistakes, charismatic leader. But he needs some help to make those attributes count.

EE (LA Quinta, CA)

I'm really getting tired of BB making Jauron look foolish. TMQ hit the nail on the head this week with regards to Jauron and the Bills. Can you help a die hard Bills fan find some koolaid to drink here? Give me some positives about keeping Jauron, please.

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

The players love him and respect him. I know you've heard that before, but maybe that plus some continuity will foster some sort of awakening.

Turner (Ga)

All these questions getting answered about teams who's seasons are over and I cant get an answer about a player on a team that is actually still playing! What is the latest on LT? Did he practice today? What do you expect from him on Sat?

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

It's an AFC East chat, pal. But let me answer those questions for you from Coral Springs, Fla. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

AL(INDY)

A lot of talk about so many colleges running the spread offense has hurt the QBs comming into the league.Do you buy this or is it the fact that a lot of college QBs are just plain overrated?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

NFL quarterback is such a difficult position to play when it comes to reading defenses, weekly preparations and making throws against defenders with world-class speed. Some great college players just can't make the transition, and it's the main reason graybeards like Brett Favre can still find work.

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

Hate to cut it short, but I have an interview obligation at 4 p.m. Check back next week and we'll get back to the usual two-hour format.