Jonathan: New Orleans, LA

Do you think that New Orleans' recent hiring of Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator will be enough to bolster the aggressive defensive mindset approach that has been sorely lacking? He seems like a complimentary match personality wise as Williams. Your Thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

I think Williams will bring an aggressive mindset and that's a good start. They've got to get their injured players back and plug in a few more holes though.

tnalbundy43 Church Hill, TN

Why has it taken 3 failed teams for people to still not get the hint about T.O.? He is a boil on the butt of the NFL. A spoiled kid. Also, Jason Garrett, Wade Phillips, and Jerry Jones all need to go.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

This is an NFC South chat, but I'm going to take this one because it's a good question. Think about this: Just about every wide receiver that's any good has issues. They're all attention seekers. Owens is extremely talented and teams will take chances because of that.

Randy (Rock Hill, SC)

What do you think the chances of the Panthers getting rid of Mike Trgovac are? He hasn't been up to snuff since '06. Do you think its time for him to go? Especially since the Panthers went from a top 10 defense to out of the top half in a few weeks. Also giving up 30+ points in 5 out of the last 7 games.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

Think they've got to look long and hard at that. Tough to fire a guy after 12-4 season, but that playoff loss was bad. Not sure if Turgo is the real problem with the defense. He takes his marching orders from Fox, who is supposed to be a defensive guru.

Al (Seattle)

Pat, the Bucs MUST fix their offense at all costs during the offseason. Who do you see Tampa getting with their first round pick?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

I'd go WR or RB.

John (North Carolina)

What do you think of the Gregg Williams hire? He's had some spectacular defenses with the Redskins but last year the Jaguars really regressed under his watch.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

Good coach. Don't put the Jaguars problems on him. He'll bring an aggressive attitude that the Saints need. Still needs some help from front office in getting some more players.

Will (DFA): Lake Lanier, Ga

Regarding TO, Pat I know you're not a psychiatrist, nor am I but I think it's pretty clear he's bipolar/manic depressive.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Yeah, I think we're fair in saying there's something unusual going on there.

JT ( Boston)

With the new cap room information that is coming out about the Saints, do you think they will go after any decent free agents? I know they can't get someone like Haynesworth or Suggs or Dansby, but could they afford someone like OJ Atogwe of the Rams and still be able to sign their own free agents?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

Yeah, they'll get some mid-level free agents. There are plenty of ways to free up some cap room -- McAllister, etc.

Jason, from Kansas

I've always defended Jake, but that last game was unacceptable. The window of opportunity is so small in this league to win. He might be the only QB in the league that I can't see having a 300 yard game. Maybe it was the TJ surgery, I don't know. Coverage was bad, granted, but they didn't have 6 turnovers, did they? Let Moore have the helm and see how he does with a whole season, or use the draft/free agency to get a franchise QB. Beside's, he is 34. His time has come.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

Think you might see McCown before Moore. Careful what you wish for here. Moore isn't that great.

Bob (Casar,NC)

Don't you think it's sad that the Panthers laid down for the Cards, when this was possibly the last chance for Mr. Richardson to have a SuperBowl for his team considering his health?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

Yes, very sad.

Tom (SC)

Do you think Gregg Williams can get some production out of the two highly paid Will Smith and Charles Grant? I think they both need to lose about 20 or 30 pounds, especially Smith.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

That's probably his No. 1 challenge. They're both talented. Also, I think Bobby McCray can be good if they're able to use him as a pass-rush specialist.

Tommy (Kansas City, Missouri)

What do you think the chances are that the chiefs can land a big name free agent like julius peppers?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

Don't think the Panthers are going to let him go.

Lemmer (Baltimore)

What do you see the Bucs doing at QB? With the recent play of McNabb, I don't think he is going anywhere and the draft class seems pretty weak for QBs this year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

Brett Favre might be out there again. Seriously.

xavier (charlotte, nc)

hey pat, do you believe jake delhomme will get the boot this season, and if so, who do we have a legit chance of getting to replace him? also, do you think nmandi asomugha would take a pay cut to play for carolina and help our shaky secondary?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:11 PM)

I think the Panthers have to look long and hard at this one. Yes, there are definite problems. But the bigger question is, who are you going to get that's better than Jake? I mean, there's not going to be much in free agency and a rookie QB isn't the answer for a team like this.

george, england

how good is Brian Van Gorder?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

Very good. Once he gets a little more talent to work with, he'll make a name for himself and end up being a head coach.

Chris (Philly)

Who's cares about the NFC South, every team in that division is done! Let's talk about the teams that are actually still playing! Go Eagles!!!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

We're sticking with NFC South today. But check back Monday at noon. We'll be doing a Super Bowl chat then and we may well be talking about your Eagles.

CP (NYC)

Any word about Mike Mularkey getting any head coaching interviews?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

No, surprisingly, it's been pretty quiet on that end. Falcons might be lucking out.

John boy. York. Sc. [via mobile]

I took up for delhommo the week procedding our historic loss. Do you think we move on with out him. And alsoi think the panthers should cut ties with certain over paid players. Like ken lucas. Do you agree. Also who do we draft with our second round pick.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Yeah, I think Lucas is probbly gone.

Greg (Salisbury NC)

I dont' think Peppers wants to stay in Carolina. I don't know if it's money or if he has a problem with the team. I say franchise him and then trade him for a first round pick and get a another WR, maybe Hakeem Nicks. Moose is getting old and Jarrett hasn't showed much promise.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

You may have a very good point on Peppers. I've suspected he's wanted out for a while now.

Jake Delhomme Charlotte NC

What do you see happening to me this offseason Pat? I love Carolina and I hope that my past accomplishments are good enough for one more shot.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

Take a look at my latest column on my blog (it should be up there now). It explores all the options have at QB.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Any word on Lawyer Milloy getting a new contract? I know he's a "team leader", but at 35 he doesn't have much left in the tank and the Falcons could sure use a speedier option back there.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

I suspect they'll look for youth in free agency and draft. Milloy is always one of those guys they can re-sign in June or July, if they're not happy with what they've found.

Sarah (Denver)

When will Dan Connor get some more playing time? I loved him as a third-round pick, but he's in a logjam at linebacker.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

Love him, too, because he's a Penn State guy. But he got hurt early in the year and missed basically the whole season. He'll get his shot next year.

Adam (Jersey)

Pat, you said earlier in the chat that the Bucs should go RB or WR in the 1st round. Don't you think they'd be better served going DT? If Graham and Bryant are back, then they at least have some talent there, while their DTs were blown away in the late season collapse. And even if Graham isn't back, they can probably get a RB later in the draft, right?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

Good point and DT makes sense. Let's see what they do in free agency first. But you know gruden's going to want to jazz up the offense.

Chris Monroe NC

Do you think the broken nose affected Lucas' play that much or is it a sign of age? He is 30 or almost 30 and db's are like rb's as they tend to decline around that age.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

Age.

Chuck (San Jose)

Any chance Gross leaves the Panthers? If so, do the Raiders have a shot at signing him?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

I suspect Gross will re-sign. And, if he doesn't, I don't think he'd want to go to raiders.

Bryan (conway ark) [via mobile]

Pat who do u think is the best player avalible in this years draft? And is it just me or is this yrs runningback class below avarage i mean felix jones would b the 1st rb pickd this do u agree?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

Let me get through the Super Bowl before I start talking about draft prospects.

Shawn NC

I wonder why the Panthers don't utilize Dwayne Jarrett? He seems to have worked hard to learn the play book. I REALLY think if we had a decent QB who had the same options we have in Smith,Jarrett,Rosario, and Jeff King, we would be Super Bowl Champs this year. The running game was awesome this year, but was Otah worth no 1st round picks this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

You can blame Jake for a lot of things, but don't blame him for Dwayne Jarrett. Also, Otah was a very good pick.

Chris Monroe NC

Pat, your thoughts on the donation by Steve Smith to the local high school band?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

Good for the band.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

What is up with Jeff Garcia? I'm sorry, but nobody is going to give a 39-year-old QB anything more than a low-risk, low pay 1 or 2 year deal, maybe with some incentives. I know he's not happy with Tampa, but they're probably his best shot at a starting job for another year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Trust me, he won't be back in Tampa. The feeling is mutual on both sides.

Sam ( Raleigh)

If Peppers doesnt want to be in Carolina Should we trade him for a high first rounder?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

If that's truly the case -- and only Pep and the Panthers know for sure -- yes, absolutely, get whatever you can for him.

Drew

Your thoughts on Steve Smith disappearing in the game last week?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

Not Smitty's fault. Cards did a good job defensively, he had no help from the running game or other receivers and Jake couldn't find him. When he did try to throw to him, he threw into heavy coverage.

Panther Nation

Hey, we finally took our feet out of our mouthes and wanted to know what the heck happened last Saturday?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

You want it alphabetically or numerically? The list of what went wrong is very long.

CDL NC

If Peppers does not want to stay, and Panthers would be willing to give up one of the best players on the team, shouldn't they try to get a big name qb?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

What big name is available? That's the problem.

Will (DFA) Lake Lanier, Ga

Not sure if this question got through before already - as a Falcons fan I suspect our GM learned the lesson from the Pats not to hold on to overpriced vets...so I expect us to possibly release Brooking and Milloy, your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:27 PM)

Probably. They need to get younger at those spots.

Bryan, arkansas

are you still going to favor the panthers all year next year? we fans of other teams pretty much hate you as the NFC blog guy.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

Thanks for the kind words. But I don't think I favored the Panthers or any team. I do my best to spread it around.

Johnny T (Cary NC)

Is there any argument against Fitz being the best WR in the league now?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

No argument here.

Russ (MD)

okay, so garcia is gone. what is your gut feeling on what will happen to him? maybe i'm crazy, but belichick gave flutie and testaverde a chance as backups, and maybe garcia would be willing to ride the bench and take a pay cut for a chance at a ring.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

He'll end up somewhere. NE would make some sense.

CDL NC

Franchise him and trade him to the Pats for Cassel!!! They need help on defense and we need a qb.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Calm down a bit. Do you really see Fox and Hurney doing something that dramatic???

JJ (Atl)

Besides the injuries, do you think the falcons were happy with baker?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Yes, very happy. He was good when he was in there.

John boy. York. Sc. [via mobile]

What about pat white as a late round project qb.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

As I said before, let me get through Super Bowl before talking draft prospects. I don't want to bluff my way through and I haven't had a chance to really get caught up on draft prospects.

Hal ( New Orleans)

If you're the Mickey Loomis, who do you target as you're number one free agent to help Gregg Williams' transition to the Saints?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

Jon Vilma, first and foremost. They've got to make sure they keep him.

george, england

could you see dimitroff and co. going after owen daniels

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

I definitely see them going after a TE.

Bryan, Arkansas

wow. didn't think you would answer that last question. thanks! I will be watching you next year and if you slip up I will let you know.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

You do that.

Bryan corpus christi

do you think the falcons will sign albert heynesworth if the titans dont re sighn nim

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Nah, too much money. Dimitroff will find a DT that will fit nicely and won't cost nearly as much.

Steiny (NYC)

Hey Pat, how are you my man?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Great. How are you?

Sarah (Denver)

Can I assume Shockey has absolutely zero trade value? It seems ridiculous, but Daniel Snyder never hesitates to through around draft picks for a big name.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Safe assumption. From what I hear, Saints will give him another shot and hope he's healthy.

george, england

keith brooking? H.O.F? or too much of a logjam

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Don't think that's going to happen. Very nice career, though.

Andy pgh [via mobile]

How good is roddy white

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Very good. He's grown into a legitimate No. 1 WR and still has room to get better.

Phil SC

Trgovac gone or staying?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

My guess is he stays. But keep an eye out. If something's going to happen, it will be early next week.

Zach (Green Bay)

the Falcons are a young team. they need a few pieces but do you think they will make a good run at the playoffs next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

Yes, they'll add a few pieces and they've already got a lot of good ones in place.

Garry(Charlotte)

Pat I dont understand why people are so quick to get rid of Jake considering that the two years he was hurt we missed the playoffs. However do you know what the Panthers feelings on Josh Mccown are. From what I have seen he has all the physical tool not to mention mobility and he has never really been on a good team.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

From everything I've heard, they like McCown a lot. Seriously, he might be the best option. Maybe go to camp with him and Jake and, if Jake has problems there, hand it off to McCown.

Carl --Arkansas

Pat: Do you foresee the Saints restructring Deuce's deal and keeping him and if not, what do they do for a "bull-back".....

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

No, I think they'll just cut Deuce loose and look for a big RB in draft or free agency.

Nilo (texas) [via mobile]

Hey pat. Do you think that reggie bush and marques colston will bounce back next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

Colston, definitely. Reggie -- you've got to be concearned about microfracture surgery.

Miles Tart (Charlotte, NC)

Please put this through.

Miles Tart (Charlotte, NC)

Good call on McCown Pat!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

That's what my gut says -- just knowing how Fox and Hurney operate.

Adam (Jersey)

Have you heard anything about the Bucs plan for Clayton? He actually played pretty well last year as the SE, but there are some interesting options in FA

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Actually, I think Clayton probably wants out of there more than they want to get rid of him.

JJ (Atl)

Pat, any word on suspensions for vick after he's out? And if he is suspended for a year, would the falcons wait until 2010 to drop him and take the hit on salary cap?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Good question. I suspect the NFL will suspend him for a year. And, yes, if he's on the suspended list, he doesn't count against cap.

Adam (Jersey)

Is that a gut feeling or has Clayton said something about wanting to leave?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

He's implied it pretty strongly ...several times.

Sharell (Raleigh, NC)

PY, please educate me on Steiny from NYC he is on every blog and always get a lot of questions answered?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:44 PM)

Steiny holds the all-time record for questions asked. Not sure how he gets so many on here in an hour.

Lemmer (Baltimore)

With Bryant and Clayton being free agents and Gallaway's career basically done and with Hilliard being about 50 years old, what do the Bucs do at WR for next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Re-sign Bryant. Sign another FA and draft a WR or two. Oh, and don't forget Dexter Jackson. Well, nix that last part.

phil SC

lemmer I hear Keary colbert is available

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Loved that answer.

Sam (Boone)

If Peppers does leave because he wants to go somewhere else what can the panthers do to shore up an already thin D-line especially with the lack of cap room we have?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

Go all out and draft a DE and sign one in free agency.

Julio Chicago [via mobile]

Pat,if Collins doesn't return to Ten. do u see him coming to NC to replace Jake?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

Not a chance in the world. I know Kerry cleaned up his act nicely, but there was way too much damage in Charlotte for him to ever come back.

J (tx)

Will David Carr Have A O.K. Season Or Get Scaked 4 Times A Game?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

Carr's at his best when he's on the sidelines.

kevin (miami)

why don't you answer more questions?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

Doing my best, man.

Garry(Charlotte)

Pat I know the Panthers like Rosario and King at TE. But do you think they should go after one in Free Agency or the Draft that can be a consistent receiving threat. If you look at the way the Cards doubled Steve and Moose las Saturday the middle of the field was pretty open.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

They should only go after a TE if they actually plan to use him.

Adam (Jersey)

What about Garcia to Carolina? He at least won't turn the ball over. Though I guess he probably couldn't reach Steve Smith either

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

No, that wouldn't be an upgrade.

JM (Charlotte)

Hey Pat, how long do you think it'll be before we know what'll happen with peppers and gross?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

Probably right down to the wire on the start of free agency. That's just the way the Panthers and the rest of the league do things.

John (charlotte)

Boley and Wire as the WILL and MIKE backers. Why not?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Possible. but Boley's got to play the run better.

Hal ( New Orleans)

JAke should not be buried for this performance....I'm pretty sure the entire team laid an egg....dont you think?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Yes, it went way beyond Jake and I'd start with the coaching in sorting out blame for Arizona loss.

bobby [via mobile]

do u think the reggie bush will be a legitimate impact player an entire season. He hasnt had a great career like Adrian Peterson do u see him rising to that level at any point in his career

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

There's still lots of talent there. But Saints have to use him more wisely. Also, you've got to be concerned about durability after microfracture surgery.

John (charlotte)

I know Dimitroff and Smith want to build through the draft, but can they afford to overlook Peppers, Haynesworth, and Asomugha?

george, england

jamaal anderson to DT a possibility?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

Yes, I think that's something they're going to consider. Makes some sense.

Sam (Boone)

Anything from Bristol about continuing the blog throughout year yet?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

Blog will definitely continue all year (except for a little down time here and there). It's just the chats I'm not sure about yet. Suspect they might not be every week in the offseason, but we'll see.

Adam (Jersey)

I'll agree that the coaching was awful (12 rushes in the first half?), but Delhomme truly had a historically bad game, so I don't think the shots he is taking are unwarranted.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

Shots aren't unwarranted. I'm just saying he doesn't deserve all the blame. And it was only 9 rushes in first half.

george, england

Jonathan Babineaux had a good season could he develop into a pro bowler next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Yes, he's a very underrate player now. Part of it's the position, but scouts and coaches from other teams are raving about him.

Drew

Pat- I have work til 6 and its a blizzard in Buffalo so nobody is coming, please continue the chat for another hour to keep me entertained, I'm having fun.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

Wish I could, but I'm under orders to cut off at 2. Couple more questions. Stay warm up there.

Matt Ryan (ATL)

With my o line getting too old in spots what are Smith and Dimitroff going to do to make sure I don't get beat on like David Carr?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

I think that will be addressed in FA and the draft. They know they got by with smoke and mirrors at a couple of o-line spots this season.

James(Carrollton, GA)

Pat, do I hold the Atlanta mailbag record for most questions answered and posted by you?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

Congrats and thanks.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

This is more of a general question than an NFC South question, but how long (in general) should coaches have with their teams before they are fired for poor performance? Throughout the season, I heard lots of "Fire Payton" talk. This despite the fact that he almost led the team into the Super Bowl 2 years ago. that seems ridiculous to me.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

No one answer to that. You've got to look at all the factors, including how long the coach's contract is. In Payton's case, they gave him a 5-year extension in September. You don't fire a guy when he's got that much time and money left. Plus, I think he and the Saints could bounce right back next year.

Miles Tart (Charlotte, NC)

Pat, take this as your last question/comment please. Thanks for your insightful comments. And thank god for allowing no deaths in the crashed flight from NYC to Charlotte.

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:01 PM)

That's a great way to wrap it up. Excellent point Miles. Thanks to all for coming. Again, check the site -- I'll be doing a Super Bowl chat Monday at noon. And I'll let you know on the blog what's going on as far as NFC South chats -- probably won't be any more until after the Super Bowl. Thanks again.