James Walker

  (3:59 PM)

Hello everyone. Let's get right to it.

Jon from Cincinnati, OH

Hi James, I was wondering if you think the Bengals can really turn this team around without any major coaching changes. They've already said there won't be anything big when it comes to coaching? How can we expect anything different next season?

James Walker

  (4:00 PM)

I think the Bengals and the Browns are really in a tough spot, Jon. They can't make many mistakes with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the same division and those two teams have a history of bad decisions. I don't see a huge improvement next season.

Jose R (Los Angeles, CA)

Since it's going to be a low scoring game, do you think the Steelers Offensive line do well against the Ravens like they did with the Chargers front 7?

James Walker

  (4:02 PM)

No way, Jose, at least not as well. San Diego was No. 25 in total defense this year and Pittsbrugh knew it could be physical with them. Baltimore is No. 2 and won't be pushed around the same way.

Rob S - Hicksville NY

Can you see Parker having any success running the ball again on Sunday?

James Walker

  (4:03 PM)

Similar question. It depends on what you deem success. Parker's best game against Baltimore is 63 yards. So anything above that would be considered a good day for him.

Greg (Baltimore)

James, Do your fellow bloggers have blog-envy? Are you thumping your chest and proclaiming yours to be the blog of champions? Any blogger trash-talking planned for the SB?

James Walker

  (4:06 PM)

I don't think so, Greg. We all work hard regardless. It just turns out that I'm still writing about games while others are doing coaching searches, free agency and draft blogs. I will be doing the same in three weeks. Just not right now.

Jake (Baltimore)

I think Ray Rice needs some touches for the Ravens. They won't be able to simply pound the Steelers with McClain. Agree?

James Walker

  (4:09 PM)

Not really. I don't think the coaching staff is comfortable with Rice at the moment. He is gutting it out, but he's also a rookie who is rusty and hasn't been hit in a long time. They don't want to put him in a bad spot without a chance to succeed.

chris (pittsburgh)

James, tennessee had great success with 'dash' before he left the game, couldn't parker replicate his success? They are somewhat similar in their running styles.

James Walker

  (4:10 PM)

Good point, Chris. Pittsburgh will be watching last week's tape to see what it can copy from Tennessee. Parker has many of the same attributes.

John (Fort Myers, FL)

Do you see Polamalu matching up with anybody one on one like he did last week with Antonio Gates?

James Walker

  (4:12 PM)

Not this week. Pittsburgh does that on special occassions. The Steelers did it against the Browns and Chargers that I can remember with Troy and Ike Taylor with Reggie Wayne and a couple others. But Baltimore doesn't have that type of offense where they would be fearful of shutting down one player. So expect Pittsburgh to mix it up.

JB (Sanibel Island, FL)

Do you think either team has a clear advantage at any one spot that could change the game this weekend?

James Walker

  (4:14 PM)

Experience at quarterback has been the only thing that separated Pittsburgh and Baltimore in its two games. One guy made key plays in the fourth and overtime, while the other didn't make enough.

Connor, (Portland, OR)

How bad is Polamalu's injury? Any reason we shouldn't expect to see him on Sunday?

James Walker

  (4:15 PM)

Troy will play, but how effective he will be remains to be seen. He will miss practice time this week to try to get close to 100 percent.

Andrew from Cleveland, OH

Hey James. With the Browns picking fifth in the draft and having a quarterback available for trade, is there any possibility of them dropping down in the draft to pick up a veteran defensive player and get in better position to draft a linebacker like James Lauranitis?

James Walker

  (4:18 PM)

It's hard to tell draft plans immediately after a new coach comes to town, Andrew. Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel were probably going to go the route of front seven. But Mangini may see things different. Cleveland will not trade down. The Browns need impact players.

Chris (Baltimore)

Hey James, what ever happened with the Frank Walker spitting incident? Nothing ever became of it.

James Walker

  (4:21 PM)

It became a case of "he said, he said" for a few days then fell by the waistside. The Steelers were 100 percent sure it happened. The Ravens denied it initially and then Walker said it wasn't intentional. The NFL didn't act on it so it became a non-issue.

VInce from Philadelphia PA

Who ya got?-Eagles or Cards

James Walker

  (4:21 PM)

Eagles. Don't ask about the AFC title game though. I'm not going there.

Devon (Cleveland)

Hey James, Is this kokinis guy the real deal for G.M. or are we looking at another mold of Phil the Thrill Savage?

James Walker

  (4:23 PM)

That's the million dollar question, Devon. No one knows because, like Savage, he would be a first-time GM. Everything I've been told he is a class guy. But when it comes to picking a roster people aren't sure because he's never had complete control. It's a wait-and-see situation.

Ty (iowa city, iowa)

what are the chances of Kirk Ferentz leaving Iowa to go to the Chiefs?

James Walker

  (4:25 PM)

Ty, I get the sense that Kirk won't leave Iowa City for the NFL unless it's a dream scenario. College coaches have it made. Win 7 or 8 games a year in most cities and you can keep your job for a decade. Win 7 games in the NFL for two years and you're out of a job. I don't see why any coach would want to leave the college game, to be honest.

Kevin (Wellington, Missouri)

If the Steelers and the Eagles go to the Superbowl, who do you think will win?

James Walker

  (4:26 PM)

I think the winner of the AFC Championship Game will win the Super Bowl. How is that for a prediction?

Joe (Stamford, CT)

Following up on Devon's question, is it really the huge mistake its being made out to have hired Mangini before getting a GM?

James Walker

  (4:29 PM)

I wouldn't say it was a huge mistake to hire Mangini. He was an experienced coach that the Browns wanted. I do have a problem with the process of not interviewing as many candidates as possible. Why not pick the brain of 10...12...15 potential coaches and find out what the Colts are doing, what the Ravens are doing, what the Steelers are doing, etc. Coaching searches are a free opportunity to obtain knowlegde on the philosophies of other teams. Why not take advantage?

eddie florida

do you think that there is still a chance that the "bounty" set on wr hines ward will be mentioned in sundays game?

James Walker

  (4:31 PM)

Only in the media, Eddie.

Chris (Philly, PA)

James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed. These are the big names. Who's the lesser known on the defensive side of the ball that will impact the game in a big way?

James Walker

  (4:33 PM)

I think LaMarr Woodley is coming on strong at the right time and could be a force. Bart Scott of the Ravens also could be a sleeper because he plays extremely well against the Steelers.

Austin (Baltimore)

Hey James, do you see the Ravens taking shots deep early and often against the Steelers secondary? Flacco seemed to have success against a pretty good Titans secondary so is there any reason he can't replicate that on Sunday?

James Walker

  (4:37 PM)

The Ravens will take their shots. In the final third of the season, they haven't been shy at all about taking those opportunities. Flacco's deep ball is one of the best I've seen this year. I'd say top 10 in the NFL in deep spirals already in his first year at QB.

Rob (MD)

Will the Ravens still be known for their defense after Rex Ryan leaves? Do you trust Harbaugh to pick the right successor to Ryan? I know they are in the AFC Championship and that's great. I still think Ryan should have been given the HC position.

James Walker

  (4:39 PM)

People had the same questions when Marvin Lewis left, then Mike Nolan. Now people are concerned about Rex Ryan handing over the keys. As long as the talent and scheme remains the same, I expect Baltimore to remain strong defensively.

James Walker

  (4:39 PM)

People had the same questions when Marvin Lewis left, then Mike Nolan. Now people are concerned about Rex Ryan handing over the keys. As long as the talent and scheme remains the same, I expect Baltimore to remain strong defensively.

Ben--Potomac, MD

Who can be the unsung hero on the Ravens offense this week?

James Walker

  (4:41 PM)

Jared Gaither's performance will be vital this week, Ben.

eddie(florida)

Excluding stars, who will be the x-factor in Sundays game between the steelers and ravens?

James Walker

  (4:42 PM)

I'm getting a lot of "unsung" questions today. I mentioned earlier that LaMarr Woodley and Bart Scott could be sleepers to have big games.

Devon Cleveland

James, How many years away do you think the Browns are from challenging the likes of the hated Steelers and Ravens?

James Walker

  (4:45 PM)

If the Browns did everything right, I would say two years. But you can't count on Cleveland making all the right moves. Either way, I just don't see the Browns challenging the Ravens or Steelers in 2009. I would guess those two teams will be the Super Bowl pick of a lot of experts next year regardless of the outcome of this game.

anonymous

Good job, James. the afc championship game is being played in 5 days between 2 teams that play in the division you cover and you are fielding questions on cle and cin. you are a complete moron.

James Walker

  (4:47 PM)

You want me to completely shut out half the division? That's not fair. I'm taking questions for all the teams.

Mike (Ewa Beach, HI)

bart scott will be a sleeper... after Hines knocks him out!!! Do not forget Timmons, Foote and Aaron Smith on the truly best defense, and Nate Washington for the offense. The ravens do not have enough DB's to cover Hines, Holmes and Nate!

James Walker

  (4:48 PM)

Plenty of great possibilities, Mike. That's what makes this game so great. I'm elated that NFL fans on a national and worldwide scale really get to see this rivalry at it's best because it's been underrated for so long now.

Anthony (Forest Hill, MD)

True or False: The team that wins the turnover battle will win this game.

James Walker

  (4:50 PM)

True.

Tony (Baltimore, MD)

James why do you take questions like that anonymous goon? Anyway, is Ben feeling better from his mild concussion that he needed to be on a stretcher for?

James Walker

  (4:51 PM)

No big deal. I accept everyone in our AFC North community. Ben will be fine. He regained his feeling pretty quickly after the concussion and looked great against San Diego.

Mike (Ewa Beach, HI)

74 and sunny here by the way. As for anonymous: Make like the ravens and shut up!!! JW is the best and most objective blogger... except for when it comes to ed reed vs. TROY POLAMALU (one looks like neon dieon, the other plays like Atwater/Lott with coverage ability)

James Walker

  (4:53 PM)

I don't need bodyguards, Mike. But thanks for the kind words. Both safeties are great, the two best in the game. Both are very humble as well.

frox (Hanover, PA)

Is it possible the Steelers are as over confident as their fans?

James Walker

  (4:55 PM)

No way frox. The Steelers are a very no nonsense group. They're focused and leave that other stuff to the fans. The Ravens are the same way. It's no secret why they are here.

Steiny (NYC)

What is up James, how are you toady?

James Walker

  (4:55 PM)

Steiny!

Daniel (Baltimore)

What are Jim Leohnard's odds of being resigned after the season (considering that Lewis, Suggs, Scott and others are all free agents as well)?

James Walker

  (4:58 PM)

Interesting question that I've been pondering for the past 2-3 weeks. Leonhard is a solid player, but Baltimore drafted two safeties high this year and has Dawan Landry coming back from injury. I'm not sure they want to keep up to six safeties.

Jason, Annapolis, Md

A response to Mike from Ewa Beach: Ed Reed-43 career ints and 12 career tds, Troy Polamalu 17 ints and 2 career tds. JW has good reason to hype up Ed Reed. When Troy gets another 20 or 30 picks and 10 more tds then you might have an argument.

James Walker

  (5:00 PM)

The last two games I staged this debate. But I'm not going there this week. They're both Pro Bowlers.

James (College Park)

How do you feel about the delay of game call? Seems to me the pass was long enough so that it wouldn't have mattered if it was 3rd and 2 or 3rd and 7

James Walker

  (5:00 PM)

It was a definitely a missed call. The officiating this year has been the worst I've seen in a while.

Greg (Centreville, MD)

Since you won't pick a winner, I'll just ask this. Who's going to score more?

James Walker

  (5:01 PM)

The Cardinals and Eagles game will be higher scoring.

Jacob (Baltimore, MD)

If Suggs can't go on Sunday how does that effect the Defensive schemes that Sexy Rexy has up his sleeve?

James Walker

  (5:03 PM)

Suggs is huge. To be honest, I don't know what his defense will look like because Suggs doesn't miss games. So there is not an instance that I can draw back to. The pass rush will suffer for sure. I would expect them to bring Bart Scott more on blitzes as oppose to dropping him in coverage as often as they do with Suggs on the field.

Jeff (Baltimore)

But the safety debate is the best part of this rivalry

James Walker

  (5:05 PM)

Really? I think the quality of football is the best part.

Devon Cleveland

James any chance the Browns get a couple of prime time games this year? We went 3-2 last year.

James Walker

  (5:07 PM)

I doubt it. Maybe one at the most when they're playing a rivalry game against Pittsburgh or Baltimore. But the networks and the NFL gave the Browns their chance with five last year and they won't be going back to that.

Steiny (NYC)

Who will get a bigger free agent deal? Julius Peppers or Albert Haynesworth?

James Walker

  (5:08 PM)

Haynesworth is the more complete player. Take care Steiny. Enjoy the game.

Vinnie (Cambridge, MD)

Thanks for doing this Jams. Your chats are longer than anyone else's. My question is this: How much of a drop-off will there be if Rolle can't go and the Ravens have to rely on Frank Walker?

James Walker

  (5:10 PM)

No problem, Vinnie. Big week, so people have a lot on their mind. There is a big drop off after Rolle. We saw that a lot last season. Teams know that as well and begin attacking it immediately because there are so few holes in Baltimore's defense.

John (Fort Myers, FL)

Going overtime today huh? We all appreciate the hard work. This blog keeps me sane at work during the day...

James Walker

  (5:12 PM)

What do you do John? I'm always interested in what ESPN.com readers do for a living, because my job is so public and you all know what I do.

James Walker

  (5:13 PM)

Sorry, John. I was looking at the next question.

Mike (Hermitage, TN)

If McNabb wins the Super Bowl, with all the pro bowls and the fact he has been the backbone of what was a mediocre franchise for a decade now, does this put him in Canton?

James Walker

  (5:15 PM)

To be continued. I haven't thought all that much about McNabb and the HOF. But right now, I'm thinking he still has some more hardware to collect. Not sure if one is enough.

Heather (Captiva Island, FL)

Do you think the Ravens will match up Ed Reed on a Steeler receiver or tight end like the Steelers sometimes do with Troy?

James Walker

  (5:18 PM)

Different schemes, Heather. Reed plays a lot of deep center field while Troy often moves up to the line of scrimmage. Baltimore is at its best when Reed is on the back end reading the QBs eyes, not with his back turned chasing WRs.

John (Fort Myers, FL)

I work at a beach resort in Southwest Florida, but I'm from PA originally. BTW- there are a TON of Steelers fans down here!!

James Walker

  (5:19 PM)

Good gig. Steeler fans are in a lot of places.

Jeremiah (Pittsburgh, PA)

With winter weather here in Pittsburgh which team has the edge in the cold, snowy conditions? What's going to be the score to the game???

James Walker

  (5:22 PM)

Both teams are good in bad weather. They were built the same way. I'd be surprised if either team scores more than 21-24 points.

Colin (Chestertown, MD)

Will Flacco's amazing streak (no sacks and turnovers throughout the playoffs) come to an end?

James Walker

  (5:24 PM)

I have a feeling both of these defenses will force turnovers this week.

steven, baltimore

two thoughts. this game is going to be a blowout because its impossible to repeat the greatness of the last two games. second, these two teams may beat each other up so much that the winner MIGHT, and i repeat might, lose the superbowl

James Walker

  (5:25 PM)

There are two weeks in between the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl. That will help the winner recover after this slugfest.

Ed (Woodbridge, Va)

Do you think Flacco will has better success against the Steelers sunday with the Ravens o-line playing so well as of late giving up no sacks in the postseason?

James Walker

  (5:28 PM)

Flacco has a chance to do better. He couldn't play much worse than his second game against Pittsburgh. So the Ravens are hoping that he learns from his mistakes.

Danny (MD)

Who would you rather throw a deep ball to? Clayton or Holmes?

James Walker

  (5:29 PM)

Holmes is a little more consistent as a WR.

Randy (Pittsburgh, PA)

JW, what impact do you think special teams will have on this game?

James Walker

  (5:31 PM)

Hidden yards are going to be big. Many forget how badly the Steelers' special teams was outplayed in that second game because the defense held the Ravens to field goals. But Pittsburgh would be risking a ton to play that poorly in coverage again.

James Walker

  (5:33 PM)

Ok, everyone thanks for the questions. I'm going to get back to work. Look out for a feature/column on Mike Tomlin tomorrow. -JW