Keith Kidd

  (1:04 PM)

Happy New Year to everyone! This is my favorite time of the season, when it comes down to some great divisional championship games! Let's talk some ball!

Matty Ice (H Burg, PA)

Kidder, A fully healthy Steelers unit should dismantle the Chargers. Any different thoughts on that statment?

Keith Kidd

  (1:05 PM)

I definitely love the Steelers at home in this matchup. The field conditions and the weather, I think will effect the Chargers. They will have to find a way to run the ball and that will be difficult. I think this game will be a lot closer than people think.

chauncey (teaneck)

Have we seen the last of PacMan Jones?

Keith Kidd

  (1:06 PM)

I hope so. As a matter of fact, there is now a new rule, my New Year's resolution is not to discuss, Pacman, TO, Matt Millen or any other player that puts themself above the team, a la Chad Johnson.

Eric (Chicago)

Kidder, who do you see the Bears going after with their first 2 picks? I'd like Harrell and a WR but we know Angelo loves his defensive players!

Keith Kidd

  (1:07 PM)

This team has a lot of needs and could go a lot of different directions. I would say the defense would be one of my major concerns. They have to first hire a defensive staff because they fired everyone but the DC. They need playmakers on offense, especially at WR.

Spivey (Atl)

Which level of the Defense should the Falcons concentrate on first in the draft ?

Keith Kidd

  (1:09 PM)

Any level, if you ask me. Where they'll be picking in the draft, they'll have to go with the best defensive player available. They can't go wrong with DT, DE, OLB, CB or S. This team needs a lot of help on defense.

Reggie Bush (New Orleans)

what do u think of my career thus far?

Keith Kidd

  (1:10 PM)

You know what Reggie, if used right, within the structure of the offense, you're a dynamic player. However, I still don't see you as an every down player. Hopefully your knee responds to the microfracture surgery and you're fully ready to go in 2009.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, will Mangini, Daboll and Ryan be able to turn this thing around for the Browns?

Keith Kidd

  (1:10 PM)

I truly hope so, because the Browns fans deserve it. I've worked with all three of these guys and they're all excellent coaches. But they're inheriting a team with a lot of needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Keith Kidd

  (1:11 PM)

When I broke down this team today, they need a No. 1 DC, S, LB, pass rusher; offensively, they need RB, C, RG, RT. They have a lot of work ahead of them.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

The Vikings appear to be a QB away from being a powerhouse. Can you see them trading away draft picks to get a franchise-type QB or will my fellow fans and I be subject to the inadequate Tavaris Jackson yet again next season?

Keith Kidd

  (1:12 PM)

They have to do whatever it takes to address this position in the offseason. I'm not giving up on Jackson, he got some valuable experience this season. Now this position needs to be addressed. Take Matt Cassel off the market, and there's not much out there. They're going to have to pry someone away.

Drew (NYC)

Which QB will be more relied on during Sunday's game: McNabb or Manning?

Keith Kidd

  (1:14 PM)

I'm going to go with McNabb. The reason is that both teams have to get the running game going some how and I think the Giants are more suited to do that. The Eagles will have to throw the ball to set up the run. This will be a great game to watch.

Ryan (San Diego)

The Chargers got 4 sacks in the first meeting at Pitt and they weren't even playing that well. Now Rivera has the defense flying around. I mean they completely shut down the MVP. I would expect 5 or 6 sacks on ben

Jason (Bmore)

Jason Garrett was the up and coming offensive mind, so Jerry Jones appropriately signed him to a huge contract, assuming he would eventually succeed Wade Phillips. As this whole thing would be a mess, don't you feel Denver's interviewing of Garrett is just basically a jab at Jones bc we all know Shanahan will eventually interview with Jerry?

Keith Kidd

  (1:16 PM)

I don't think it's a jab at Jones. Based on the way Dallas' offense performed this year versus last year, the interest isn't as hot on Garrett as it was last year. The interest in Denver has to be based on Cutler and with Detroit, your guess is as good as mine. There are things in Dallas that aren't real good right now, especially on the offensive side. It's not all Garrett's fault. That's why I think Shannahan is going to be a player in this sometime down the road.

Matty Ice (H Burg, PA)

Kidder, I heard from so many Cowboys that Demarcus Ware should have won DPOY, but all he did was sack the QB. James "The Beast" Harrison was all over the field on the best D in the league. Was he the right choice?

Keith Kidd

  (1:17 PM)

Either one. Obviously the DOY has a lot to do with numbers. I think if Haynesworth hadn't gotten injured late in the year, he would have been the most dominating interior defensive player I've seen this year alongside Haloit Ngata of the Ravens. Check him out on Saturday. He's a beast.

Kyle (State College)

Who do you like: Titans or Ravens? How do you see the AFC bracket play out?

Keith Kidd

  (1:19 PM)

I think their defense can carry them to the Super Bowl. Their offense is much better than it's ever been. That line is very good and they just wear you down with that three headed RB approach. They're a very physical team and this late in the year, usually those are the teams that win out. I see a Ravens-Steelers AFC title game.

Kevin (Boston)

What do you see the Patriots doing with Cassel after the franchise-tag?

Keith Kidd

  (1:20 PM)

I see them franchising the player and obviously they're going to be monitoring Tom Brady's condition in the offseason. These two will be on the roster for the start of the season.

Tom (River North)

Is Brett Favre included in that group of people you won't discuss? If not, he should be...

Keith Kidd

  (1:20 PM)

No.

Kevin (Boston)

Do you see Josh McDaniels being hired this offseason?

Keith Kidd

  (1:21 PM)

I do think he has a great shot at a couple of these openings. I think he'll be brought back for some second interviews. Josh is a tremendous young coach, but he's in a great situation in New England. He'll be a very successful head coach, given the chance.

Dillon (St. Paul)

Will Farve return next season? If so, will we see him as a Jet or will he sign on with another team?

Keith Kidd

  (1:22 PM)

I think he will move on and retire and whoever gets the head coaching job in New York will inherit a team with no QB and a roster that aged over night with some serious cap concerns.

Big Hank (The Sticks, Bama)

Tell Ryan he is the biggest homer on these chats. It's one thing to support your team...but be realistic.

Anthony (NYC)

Hey Kidder why do I get the feeling that Mangini was punished last week, yet has been rewarded today? My gut tells me he's walked into a better situation with the Browns & left the chaos behind with the Jets. Why?

Keith Kidd

  (1:23 PM)

I agree. I thought Mangini never should have been fired in New York. He had two winning seasons in three years.

Chris (Cali)

DeMarcus is also excellent against the run and solid against the pass. And DeMarcus doesn't have the overall talent around him, and is in a much better scheme!

jeromy

matty harrison only had on more ff and 4 less sacks than the should of been dpoy ware

sean walsh (westfield, MA)

Why isn't bill belichek the coach of the year? Look what he did missing 4 starters.

Keith Kidd

  (1:23 PM)

It was more than four starters he was missing, he was missing his franchise QB. I thought he did the best coaching job in all of the NFL. That's why he's the best coach in the league.

Jason (Indiana)

Is Kyle Orton the answer at QB for the Bears? They say they need to see more from him and are going to bring in competition but there really isn't any good free agents out there.

Keith Kidd

  (1:24 PM)

I think he is the QB of the future, if they can continue to get a stronger supporting cast around him. I thought he did a great job of managing the game and doing what he was asked to do in Ron Turner's offensive system.

Renegade

I'm not a Charger or Steeler fan, but even I can tell you that Big Ben will get sacked 4-6 times. That offensive line is horrible.

Kit (Olathe, KS)

There are reports coming out of KC that the Chiefs have offered Pioli the GM job at 6 years $40 million. Is this a good move or are the Chiefs overpaying? What do most GMs make a year? Thanks

Keith Kidd

  (1:25 PM)

It's a great move. Scott has done a tremendous job in New England and he's well deserving to run a team of his own.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, is Rob Ryan the best choice for D Coordinator? Any chance Mangini looks at Mike Nolan or Gregg Williams?

Keith Kidd

  (1:28 PM)

Yes. Great hire.

Jason (Omaha)

Fitz (AZ) or Smith (CAR) this weekend? Who has the better game out of these two powerhouse receivers?

Keith Kidd

  (1:29 PM)

Great question Jason. I am going to go with Steve Smith because he's playing at home and the forecast is calling for rain. Without Boldin, the Panthers can do some things to try and take Fitzgerald away with two defenders.

Jay (Orlando)

My preseason pick of the Giants and Steelers (winning) in the superbowl is looking as good as ever, who do you like in the superbowl and to win?

Keith Kidd

  (1:31 PM)

Let's put them all in a hat and draw them out. This race is wide open. You get the feeling there are going to be two upsets this weekend. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Steelers and that the Giants get upset this weekend and the NFC goes through Carolina. Pittsburgh-Baltimore next week and Carolina-Eagles.

Jeff

Is Leslie Frazier a serious contender for any head coaching jobs?

Keith Kidd

  (1:31 PM)

I think Leslie Frazier is a serious contender. Absolutely, he's a serious contender for any head coaching job. I really liked the way he handled the Vikings defense this year. He's a former player that players respect and want to play for.

Xander (Philly)

The Bills need D-line help and have a lot of money to spend. Any chance they land, or at least make a play for Haynesworth?

Keith Kidd

  (1:33 PM)

If the Titans allow Haynesworth to hit the open market, there will be a tremendous number of teams trying to sign him. I think the Bills would really have to overpay to get him. I think the Titans will do everything they can to get a deal done before he hits the market.

Zac (MN)

How about Jeff Garcia to the VIkings? The Bucs aren't going to resign him are they and I can't remember but was Chilly the OC at Philly when Garcia was there?

Keith Kidd

  (1:34 PM)

I did a radio show in Minnesota this week and I said the same thing. However, my concern with him is his age and his longevity to play a full season. He has somewhat of a reckless style and he can't take those hits today like he could a while back. But he could make a lot of sense there.

Corey (Nashville)

The Titans is in strange position... Do we keep Collins and let go Young? Because I like Young but I do not if he has what it takes... I hope Im wrong

Keith Kidd

  (1:35 PM)

A lot will depend on where Kerry Collins market value is. That's going to be the key. He, too, is an aging QB. By taking Vince Young where they did, he's still the future, franchise QB. Next season is critical for him or else he could be elsewhere in 2010.

Anthony (NYC)

Mangini has been after Rob Ryan as DC for awhile now, he tried to get him this season yet Al Davis wouldn't let him walk. Ryan was probably what the Jets needed.

chase/nashville/tn

I know the Ravens D is very good.Dont you think the Titans D is getting ver unappreciated this week?

Keith Kidd

  (1:36 PM)

Yeah, I agree with you. This defense is a great unit. The biggest question to me is can the Titans score TDs instead of field goals? I don't think they can. Unless, Baltimore's offense has a lot of turnovers that's created by Tennessee's defense. The other thing that concerns me is the Ravens haven't had a bye since Week 2. Based on their physical style, they're really banged up right now.

Jason (Indiana)

With all the needs in Detroit where do they go with the 1st pick? Do you think QB should wait to the pick they got from Dallas?

Keith Kidd

  (1:37 PM)

I don't think you wait for a position. Based on how you stack your board, if the QB is the best player on your board, you take him No. 1. Otherwise you don't know what's going to be there with your next pick.

John (Phoenix, AZ)

Is it time for the national media to start to respect the Cards?

Keith Kidd

  (1:38 PM)

If they beat Carolina, they'll get their respect.

Jake (SF)

Rob Ryan great hire? Give me some of what you are smoking KK. The guy NEVER blitzes, goes to a super soft prevent up one score. I'm So happy he is not a part of the raiders anymore.

Keith Kidd

  (1:39 PM)

There are certain rules placed in Oakland that you as a OC, DC and head coach must abide by. That's all you need to know about their pressure schemes.

Adam (Jersey)

This might be a good year for the Lions to trade that number one pick. I'll bet they can make a killing if some team believes that Stafford or Bradford can help their team as fast as Ryan or Flacco.

Big Joe (Raider Nation)

Nobody ever talks about the Raiders coaching situation because nobody cares! But, I do. I've heard so many names thrown around. Who is going to be our coach?!

Keith Kidd

  (1:40 PM)

My guess is that the Raiders coaching search will end up with Tom Cable sometime in June...just kidding. But my guess is that it will ultimately be Tom Cable, and that it will be the last head coaching position filled this season.

rasik: gaithersburg

who will be the difference maker in ravens-titans game?

Keith Kidd

  (1:41 PM)

The running games. Whichever running game is better.

Adam (Asheville, NC)

You doubt Tennessee's ability to score against the Ravens D, but against a better defense (Pittsburgh) they had some success. I think the Titans are going to surprise some folks (sportswriters) Saturday.

jeromy

i know polamulu, adrian, dawkins, kerry are good safeties, but when REED is healthy is there anyone even close to his level in the nfl?

Keith Kidd

  (1:42 PM)

No. He's the best pure safety in the NFL. Much like I've sad before, he reminds me so much of Rod Woodson.

Chris (Cali)

I know you did a couple previews on the Cowboys, what did the film show about their zone D? From T.V. it seemed that it was eaten up the whole year!

Keith Kidd

  (1:44 PM)

I would agree with that early in the season. But once Phillips took over the defense it played a lot better. I'm not talking about the Eagles game, where they got destroyed. But the bigger issues around this team surround the offense.

Tammy, Atlanta GA

Who cares if Jones got released? He ruined every chance he had. He has amazing ability that has dwindled because of his lack of dedication. As an native Atlantan, I think he is a black eye on our city.

Terry (Philly)

Why not Ed Reed for DPOY? He is the best defensive player in football...

Keith Kidd

  (1:45 PM)

Great call. I'm not going to argue that. My biggest issue with the awards is this: they're given too early. They should be given right around the week of the Super Bowl. That's when they should be given.

Jim: Ocean Springs

Reports out of NO have the Saints interviewing G Williams for the DC job. Do you feel this will be a good fit?

Keith Kidd

  (1:46 PM)

Whoever the Saints hire as a coordinator, this team has to get better defensively. They have to get more physical defensively. As well as on the offensive line. They're not very physical there either.

James: (K-Vegas, NC):

How long do you see Parcells in Miami? Is the incoming owner dumb for flirting with Carl Perterson this past weekend or is this a psychological game with Parcells?

Keith Kidd

  (1:48 PM)

I would say year to year. If I'm Miami, I do all I can to keep him. If he decides to leave, if I'm another team, I try to go get him. He just knows how to win.

Pac-Man (Vegas)

Why can't Vegas have a team...I could play like a champ out here!!!

brandon (stoughton)

i have darren sproles and edgerrin james which should i start and why?

Keith Kidd

  (1:49 PM)

I would go with James, because I think Sproles could have a difficult day, because it's the Steelers defense and I don't think the field conditions will be all that good.

Bill (Pomona California)

Hey Kidder, I'm hoping that Rex Ryan is the next HC of the NY Jets. If our D even comes close to the one in Baltimore, I'd be really happy! Thanks.

Jay (Orlando)

Do you think there's a possibility of changing when the Pro-Bowl voting happens...I never understood why it happens only 3/4 of the way into the season...and I really don't think having the probowl before the superbowl will work out well...what's your thoughts?

Keith Kidd

  (1:50 PM)

I'm not a big advocate of the Pro Bowl voting. From the standpoint of the way certain players are left out. I don't think playing in the pro bowl is as important today as it was years ago.

Keith Kidd

  (1:50 PM)

But I do like the idea of playing the week before the Super Bowl. That might be a cool concept. It might change it in the near future.

Adam (Jersey)

Are the Bucs in trouble? Not only did they show their age in the late season collapse, that division isn't getting any weaker.

Keith Kidd

  (1:51 PM)

I would agree with that. I think they're in trouble too. I thought the way this defense collapsed once Monte Kiffin decided to go to Tennessee was amazing. And there's still no QB of the future. There will be pressure on the team to win next season and get into the playoffs.

Chris (Cali)

Yes, Reed over D-Ware and Harrison! Ball Hawk doesn't do him justice, GAME CHANGER! You can say he won three games for them againt the Redskins, Cowboys, and their playoff game.

Esai (NYC)

Kidd -- you say you don't think the Titans can score touchdowns against the Ravens D....what makes you think the Ravens can score touchdowns against the Titans D? This could be a 12-9 type slugfest, no?

Keith Kidd

  (1:53 PM)

I'm right there with you. I agree. Even though I like the Ravens in this game, the Titans haven't really gotten the respect they deserve this year. I think Jeff Fisher is one of the best coaches in the league. That's what makes this game so intriguing. It's a rivalry too, because both of these teams play a similar brand of football. The turnover ratio will be a big factor in this game.

Mike (San Diego)

Kidder...Charger flashback when Marty was let go...only this time it's the Cowboys. OC leaves to become a head coach elsewhere, the DC already was demoted when Phillips started to call the plays, to JJ pull the plug in late January like AJ Smith did?

Keith Kidd

  (1:54 PM)

That's very interesting. Seems like that's the way it's headed in Dallas right now. Stay tuned.

Anthony (NYC)

Kidder looking at the two O-lines, between the Ravens & Titans who gets the edge? Because the team that wins the battle of the trenches on both sides should be the victor.

Keith Kidd

  (1:55 PM)

These questions are awesome right now! The Nation is bringing it. I would definitely go the side of the Titans. However, if Mawae doesn't play that will be a huge void in the Titans offense. In that case, my edge would go to the Ravens.

DJ, Chicago

With Johnathon Vilma being a FA, do you think it would be wise for the bears to pursue him for either MLB or SLB?

Keith Kidd

  (1:56 PM)

Yes and no. The Bears are not a team that's going to spend top dollar on free agents. There are some medical situations that will come into play because of Vilma's past. But it's not going to be MLB because of Urlacher.

Kevin (Carlisle, PA)

I don't think that Ware has a better argument for DPOY over Harrison and/or Reed. Harrison is not only a superior pass rusher but one of the best run defenders at linebacker. He forced more fumbles, which are vastly more important and rarer than sacks. Ware played the pass too often, which lead to some lapses in his run responsibilities. Ed Reed was the best player in the league during the last 6 games, but he did not play as well in the first half of the season. However, his multiple touchdowns off picks and fumbles make him more valuable than Ware and possibly Harrison.

Jason (Indiana)

Ron Rivera has turned the Chargers defense completly around. He's been good where ever he goes. Does he have a head coaching job next year?

Keith Kidd

  (1:57 PM)

The way teams are doing such a thorough job of interviewing, yes Rivera deserves the chance to be in the mix. The only draw back is that the teams that keep on winning could ultimately cost some of these guys head coaching jobs. Ownership groups are paying a lot of money for head coaches. They owe it to themselves to spend countless hours to get it right.

Mark, Greensboro, NC

Better OLB....Thomas Davis or Karlos Dansby? I think Davis got overshadowed some by Beason. He is having a great year!

Keith Kidd

  (1:58 PM)

Another great question...I would say Dansby. He seems to be so much more versatile in the way you can use him defensively. However, Davis is a great player too. It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals address Dansby in the offseason.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kidder, are the Browns a different team if they had drafted Ngata instead of Wimbley?

Keith Kidd

  (1:59 PM)

Possibly. It's so hard to predict, but there's no doubt that the Ravens got the much better deal on that one. But Wimbley is still a guy that has a true upside. I'd like to see him come up with some more combinations as far as his technique as a pass rusher. That comes with more work.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

The Giants have no Plax and at best will have a limited Boss for Sunday. Who steps up from the receiving corps to pick up the slack?

Keith Kidd

  (2:00 PM)

I truly think it will be Hixon. He's a guy that's got to step up in a big way. This game is going to come down to the offensive line and their ability to pound the rock with the combination of Jacobs and Bradshaw.

Keith Kidd

  (2:01 PM)

Thanks for bringing it today. Best of luck to those of you whose teams are still in it. What an exciting weekend to watch NFL football!

Keith Kidd

  (2:01 PM)

We'll be back here next Thursday, same time.