Chat about Super Bowl XLIII!
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We'll be chatting all day with our bloggers and Football Outsiders gang to give you a head start on this year's Super Bowl. Which team wins the offensive matchups? Which team has the edge in coaching? Ask away and have all your questions answered.
Monday's chat schedule:
11am- Paul Kuharsky
11:30am- Bill Williamson
Noon- Pat Yasinskas
1pm- Football Outsiders' Bill Barnwell
2pm- Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz
3pm- Mike Sando
4pm- James Walker
4:30pm- Kevin Seifert
Send your questions now and join our Super Bowl marathon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Monday!
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Buzzmaster (12:34 AM)
We'll be here at 11 a.m. ET on Monday morning to kick off a 6-hour marathon! We'll answer every Super Bowl query you can come up with! Start sending your questions and comments now!
Paul Kuharsky (11:06 AM)
Morning all!
Vince (NYC)
I am concerned that not enough is being made about the officiating yesterday. It was pretty bad especially the kickoff ruling against the Cards, and don't give me the dead whistle garbage
Paul Kuharsky (11:06 AM)
Should be reviewable. But if they keep adding and adding soon it's everything and we spend the afternoon watching a guy in the booth...
Don (Hamilton, Canada)
Everyone is saying that Fitz is hands down the best WR in the league nowadays - I humbly move that he is in competition with Andre Johnson still - Johnson does remarkable things on a team that has less then Arizona has had while Fitz was there. Your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky (11:08 AM)
What people see now always ranks as better than what's at home. Not always fair, but usually the way it is. AJ is great. But Fitz is great and has helped his team get to the Super Bowl...
morongo valley, calif.
I HAVE BEEN A STEELER FAN SNICE 1971 AND EVERY TIME I TALK TO ANY ONE ABOUT THE STEELER'S,THEY DON'T LIKE THEM BUT THEY ALWAYS SHINE AND PROVE THEM WRONG SO WHY IS THAT? I LOVE THAT BLACK AND GOLD TEAM AND I SAY "GO STEELERS".
Paul Kuharsky (11:08 AM)
You're not seriously playing the disrespect card with the Steelers are you? Everyone respects the Steelers...
Brett (Pittsburgh,PA)
better qb paul,Ben or Warner? thanks
Paul Kuharsky (11:09 AM)
I say Ben. Younger. Consistently clutch late. But you can make the case for Kurt too...
Steiny (NYC)
Can you name me one blogger that thought the Arizona Cardinals were going to go to the Super Bowl in the beginning of the season?
Paul Kuharsky (11:10 AM)
No I can't. Does that make us bad bloggers? We're not tarot card readers. The thing that makes the league so popular is that it is entirely unpredictable...
dave (nj)
hey paul,opening line on the super bowl is 7 pts do you think that is too high?
Paul Kuharsky (11:11 AM)
Wouldn't make me run to a betting window, no... I understand why early thinking is Steelers big, but I think it's a mistake to dismiss the Cards' momentum...
Joe (PA)
Paul, everyone disrespected the Steelers at the beginning of the season. Remember when the Browns became the hip pick to win the AFC North after a lucky season? Remember when the line would never hold up? Remember when Willie Parker would never be the same? Remember when the offense was terrible?
Paul Kuharsky (11:13 AM)
Give me a break. Disrespect is the most overblown, created thing in sports. Some people thought the Browns would get god. They didn't slap the Rooneys in the face....
Nate PGH PA
Does this Match up stir enough nation wide attention?
Paul Kuharsky (11:13 AM)
Um, it's the Super Bowl... You think America is going to go the the mall that day because the Cards are unfamiliar?
Stan (Chicago, IL)
If you think it's a mistake to dismiss the Cards mo, what scenario has AZ winning?
Paul Kuharsky (11:14 AM)
Getting good protection and hitting on several big plays downfield...
Rob (Fort Myers)
PK...don't you think the week off between now and the big game kind of hurts any momentum the Cards might have???
Paul Kuharsky (11:15 AM)
I think they'd be more up for a game in a week and the Steelers will benefit from recovery time. But one week between championship games and SB is a thing of the past....
detroit mi [via mobile]
even though the eagles came back, you cant help but wonder abut Mcnabs performance. Was it the biggest let down of the post season and if not what was?
Paul Kuharsky (11:16 AM)
Titans as the best regular season team losing to a sixth seed was a pretty big disappointment....
Kevin(Baltimore,MD)
Do you think this game will get more attention and will be a better game than the AFC Championship?
Paul Kuharsky (11:17 AM)
Kevin -- it's the Super Bowl. Doesn't the Super Bowl ALWAYS get more attention? Of course it does and it will. Better game? Hard to know...
Pat (Cedar Falls, IA)
Will the Steelers be blitz happy against the Cards or play a little more reserved considering Warner's experience and the Cards receiving weapons?
Paul Kuharsky (11:18 AM)
Oh, I think you try to hit him, make him fumble, get him to force something...
Beers (Boise, Id)
Throughout different points in the season, talk revolved around the resurgence of the NFC as the power conference. What appropriate commentary do you see unfolding now that it's *Arizona in the Super Bowl and not New York or Carolina? (Is the the resurgence simple fluff?) *Not the best team in the NFL
Paul Kuharsky (11:19 AM)
I think the playoffs are now like the NCAA Tournament. Best team doesn't necessarily advance, team playing best does. NFC has gotten better. That the Cardinals are the rep doesn't mean the Giants or Carolina stink -- just that they bombed in a playoff game,....
David [Phoenix]
With the way our Arizona Cardinals have been playing, people say that they can't beat the Steelers. I say they can and will, what are your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky (11:20 AM)
I certainly think they can, but don't know if they will...
ravi (providence, RI)
Hey Paul, Thanks for chatting! What's your take on Anquan Boldin leaving without celebrating with his teammates? You think this will become a bigger story as the superbowl nears?
Paul Kuharsky (11:20 AM)
More concerned about him riding the coordinator during an offensive series...
Brett: (Pittsburgh, PA)
Hey Paul, great AFC game. Huge hit on Mcgahee. Looked pretty clean of a hit though. Whats the word on McGahee this morning? Im guessing with Steelers luck this season Clark with be fined.
Paul Kuharsky (11:21 AM)
Yeah, the Steelers have had incredibly bad luck? Why would he be fined. Clean hit.
Omar (Philly)
The Eagles should've won, the last offensive play for the eagles was a pass interference the refs blew the game.
Paul Kuharsky (11:23 AM)
I thought it was probably PI too. Guess what, though? If it's a catch, they still have to go down and score, right? And that would have been just for overtime. So you are presuming a lot to say if they got the call they would have won...
Brandon (Boston, MA)
How come nobody is making a big deal of the fact the Steelers have a chance at a record 6th Super Bowl win! "One for the other thumb!"?
Paul Kuharsky (11:23 AM)
It's been like half a day. You think no one will make a big deal about it in the next two weeks?
David (Cary,NC)
Are the steelers the true AFC Cahmps or am i the only one that believes tha the pats wouldve gone and won if brady was here for the season
Paul Kuharsky (11:25 AM)
But he wasn't. Teams play with who they have and the teams that win games win them. Are they true champs? Seriously? Please...
Dave Berea,Oh
The following monday after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday with a paid day off.
Paul Kuharsky (11:26 AM)
Yes, that will fix America. Paid days off so people can recover from hangovers. Sends all the right messages!
Colten Marion Ohio [via mobile]
Do you think that ray lewis will come with Rex Ryan to the Jets.
Paul Kuharsky (11:26 AM)
I think the Ravens would really have to insult him with their offer for him to change uniforms...
dave (nj)
who should be the true afc champions,paul?
Paul Kuharsky (11:27 AM)
Um, I'll go out on a limb... The team that won the AFC Championship Game. The Steelers...
Kev (NYC)
Paul, Can something be said or done for coaches (Spags, Ryan, etc) who are coordinating in such big games but also have their attention direct towards preparing for interviews to land head-coaching positions? I think they clearly aren't focused on game planning when they are trying to impress during an interview and it takes away from their current responsiblilites. Do you believe this will be addressed in future contracts?
Paul Kuharsky (11:28 AM)
How? You think the Ravens lost because Ryan was preparing for an interview? I think he can spend half a day with the Jets and return to his job just like a normal person who might have a job interview...
Will (St. Louis)
How much of the Cards success do you contribute to Kurt Warner?
Paul Kuharsky (11:29 AM)
A lot. Someone has to get the ball to those receivers and lead the team, and he's done well at both...
Paul Kuharsky (11:29 AM)
He's got to be doubled in some form at all times...
Matt (SLC, UT)
Does taking two different mediocre teams to the Superbowl qualify discussing Warner for the HOF?
Paul Kuharsky (11:30 AM)
The Rams were mediocre? That's a newsflash... Warner in the conversation and if he wins this game he can make a pretty good case...
Chuck, Charleston, WV
Paul, how much, if any, of an advantage do you think the Cards gain from Coach Whiz and Coach Grimm having so much first hand familiarity with Coach Lebeau's defense?
Pete (Milwaukee)
I keep hearing that Kurt Warner is a "future hall of fame" QB...is there really a chance of that? In St. Louis, I could have won Super Bowls and MVPs with the talent that was around him. Once the talent fell off, so did he. He'll be to the NFL HOF what Gino Torretta is to the Heisman...just a guy that was in the right place at the right time.
Paul Kuharsky (11:31 AM)
A little. But Lebeau also knows what they know. He will be thinking they'll expect A, so I will give them B instead...
Rick (DC)
Do you think the NFL should do reseeding for the playoffs? This year Arizona would have been the 6 seed, meaning they would have played the Giants in the 2nd round instead of Carolina. Plus they would have had 3 straight road games.
Paul Kuharsky (11:32 AM)
It's intriguing, but I don't have a big problem with things as they are. Winning your division is the biggest, most important thing and sometimes if your division is bad it won't take as much...
Chris
The SUper Bowl might come down to special teams. Mitch Berger is older than my father and I am 38 and field position has been a problem all year for the steelers, i think the one storyline people have missed all year is how much the steelers missed SPevedula? Agree?
Paul Kuharsky (11:33 AM)
They certainly can't survive a lot of 21 yard punts...
Bill Williamson (11:33 AM)
Hey, it's Bill WIlliamson. I'm taking the baton from Paul for the next half hour. As far as Warner goes, I think yes, he should be a hall of famer. He has fougth so hard and now to be back in the Super Bowl is remarkable. He has willed rhe Cardinals into the Super Bowl. Warner's is a wonderful story, once again.
Henri: ( MA)
How far would you predict the patriots to be if they were in place of the fins?
Randy (San Diego)
Do you think a Steeler victory makes Big Ben an elite future Hall Of Fame qb?
Bill Williamson (11:35 AM)
It's all ifs and buts now, but I would have to think the Patriots could have made some noise.
Bill Williamson (11:35 AM)
Certainly puts him on track. If they lose he may well still be on track. Can he stay healthy for the long term is my one big question. He's incredibly clutch...
Brandon (Glendale, AZ)
If the Cardinals win the Super Bowl, will I have to sit here and listen to everyone proclaim them as the worst Super Bowl winners of all-time?
Bill Williamson (11:36 AM)
You might. But guess what? Who cares? That would be like being known as the poorst rich man ever. Who cares? The Lombardi trophy will still shine brightly if the 9-7 Cardianls win it all.
Lily (Bismarck, ND)
Will Hines Ward be 100% for the Super Bowl?
Bill Williamson (11:38 AM)
Too early to tell, but it will be a major storyline for the next 13 days. I expect him to play. This is one tough man.
Jesse (San Antonio)
It's pretty funny to see people suggest that the real champ is someone besides the team that actually won the game. Doesn't the Cards run remind you of the Colts run from 2 years ago - they came into the playoffs as a wild card team with a horrible defense and then stopped everyone in the playoffs?
Bill Williamson (11:41 AM)
Good point, Jesse. But I think the difference is that the Colts were knocking on the door for so long. Yes, they staggered into the playoffs in the 2006 season, but they were a legit Super Bowl contender for years. The Cardinals kind of came out of nowhere.
Eric (PA)
Hey Bill. Is it safe to call Troy Polamalu the best defensive player in the NFL right now?
Bill Williamson (11:43 AM)
You can make a strong arguement for it and I'd probably argue it right with you. I've been a longtime fan of his. He came up huge Sunday, didn't he?
Ron Sacramento, CA
Do you think the lack a respect for the Cards will be helpful to them i.e. motivation to prove people wrong or hitting the Steelers harder than what they thought?
Bill Williamson (11:45 AM)
Maybe so, but at this point, the team has to focus on the Steelers and not their unlikley ride to the Super Bowl. The Cardinals are there and that's all that matters.
Bob Pittsburgh Pa
Bill How about this Franchise ....As Fans we are spoiled,kudos to the rooneys for putting the right player and coaches in the right spots to win
Bill Williamson (11:46 AM)
Well put, Bob. Glad you appreciate it. The Steelers are a special franchise and you folks are special fans. Enjoy another ride.
Luke Pittsburgh, PA
Will Boldin be a distraction?
Bill Williamson (11:48 AM)
I think he will. That was just a strange scene. Your team makes it to the Super Bowl and you pout and leave early? That' says all you need to know abour a guy as far as I'm concerned.
Andrew Chicago, IL
Donovan Mcnabb is a choke artist for the ages! 5 NFC Championship games, and no Rings! So Bill, where will Donovan Play next year?
Bill Williamson (11:49 AM)
Philly.
Erik Milford NH
I think the cards might of had a good chance of winning but now with the boldin problem no chance
Bill Williamson (11:51 AM)
Oh sure they still have a chance and I bet he plays if he is healthy. Look, the guy is good. But it is clear he and this team are headed for a divorce no matter what happens in the Super Bowl. But the Cardinals can win this game with or without Boldin.
Sammy Charlotte, NC
Bill with the Steelers seeing thier old coordinator in the big dance how do you think that will affect his prep (More Aggressive?) and how will if affect the Steelers prep(More trick plays?)?
Bill Williamson (11:54 AM)
Great question, Sammy. The Steelers have to know the trick plays are coming. Whisenhunt helepd the Steelers win a Super Bowl three years ago with trrick plays and he has led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl on the steam of tricks. The Steelers will prepare for it.
jason (nebraska)
this is whats wrong with the playoff system the team that gets hot at the end plays in the superbowl
Bill Williamson (11:56 AM)
You can say that about every sports tournament. If you're not hot in the playoffs you lose. it's pretty simple. There's no way to change that.
Luke (St. Louis, MO)
What makes Pittsburgh so successfull year in and year out, and why doesn't other teams copy their formula?
Bill Williamson (11:57 AM)
Forward thinking ownership. The Rooneys have always changed right along with the league through the decades.
Jason Syracuse
Fitzgerald...Is he the best ever?
ben fairfax ia
is kurt warner a for sure hall of famer
Bill Williamson (11:58 AM)
Remember Jerry Rice?
Alex Denver, CO
Do you think Warner will throw to Fitzgerald as much with Polamalu covering him?
Pat Yasinskas (11:58 AM)
If he wins this Super Bowl, absolutely.
Bill Williamson (11:59 AM)
Yes, that's his go-to guy. It will be a challenge but if the Cardinals pull off the upset, it will be because of the Warner-Fitzgerald combination.
mark, slc ut
will oc todd haley be back with the cardinals next season or do you the chiefs might take a look at him if they fire herm?
Josh (Home of 5 Super Bowls with 1 on the way)
Do you think Limas Sweed's mistakes throughout the season will get him the "snip-snip-snip" (cut) from the team?
Pat Yasinskas (12:00 PM)
Haley's put himself on the map. If he doesn't get a job this year and there aren't many left, he becomes the hot name next year.
Bill Williamson (12:00 PM)
He's a rookie. Give him a year or so before sending him to see The Turk.
Dave (Denver)
I would counter Nebraska Jason with: So the team that was hot early in the season is not the answer either (see the Titans) for that one. It has been long known that the teams that get hot at the end of the season usually end up in the Super Bowl. Every coach and GM knows that.
Pat Yasinskas (12:01 PM)
I agree with you on that. Just look at the Giants last year. Or Carolina in 03.
Bill Williamson (12:01 PM)
Great time, everyone. Thanks and enjoy the hype during the next 13 days,. BW.
Jeff Albuquerque NM
Do you think(when healthy) Bolding & Fitzgerald are the best receivers in the NFL?
Pat Yasinskas (12:01 PM)
Best duo, yes. and throw in Breaston and they've got the best trio.
Harvey Miller(Swords Creek, Va)
Do you think Heath Miller will be among the elite TE's after this superbowl? Has great hands and far better blocker than a Gates and Gonzales. Also he has something neither one of them has a Super Bowl Ring.
Pat Yasinskas (12:03 PM)
I think he's already there. He's good all around. Isn't more of a WR like the guys you mentioned. He can catch the ball and also is an excellent blocker.
Brandon (Boston, MA)
What is the story that will be discussed so often over this next 2 weeks that nobody will want to hear about it every again? My guess is the "Isn't it great how Kurt Warner made it back" story line...
Pat Yasinskas (12:04 PM)
Yes, but that's a pretty legitimate story.
Jeff Miami, FL
Earlier this year when the Cowboys played the Cardinals. I joked with my friend cause he's a cowboy fan, I told him the Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. Whoever thought the Cardinals would be in the Super Bowl, They have an incredible offense but the defense is off and on. But I hope the Cardinals beat the Steelers, cause I hate the steelers
Pat Yasinskas (12:05 PM)
Arizona's defense is better than people realize. Look what they did against Carolina and Atlanta.
Dom (albuquerque) [via mobile]
What percentage of the stadium do you think will be steelers nation? Tampa is getting invaded!
Pat Yasinskas (12:06 PM)
I'm guessing about 75 percent.
Jesse , San Diego
why are there so many kurt warner doubters? Warner was seen a avery legit MVP until the last two or three games to win his THIRD TROPHY. Only brett farve has done that. 3 super bowls and 2 mvps is more than lots of HOF players. Right?
Pat Yasinskas (12:07 PM)
I was a Warner doubter a few weeks ago. Thought he was way past his prime. But I'm a believer now.
Tom (River North)
Pat, do you think the other huge story will be Whisenhunt and Grimm going against their former employer?
Pat Yasinskas (12:07 PM)
Absolutely. That's going to be a huge story. But, hey, it worked out well for everyone.
Joe F. (Baltimore, MD)
I looked alright out there last night, didn't I?
Pat Yasinskas (12:08 PM)
Fine season, Mr. Flacco.
Donovan(Thousand Oaks, California)
Is Kurt back next year?Or is Leinart going to take back his job and will Kurt retire? or something else?
Pat Yasinskas (12:09 PM)
I think, after what's happened, they've got to bring Kurt back.
Tom (Milwaukee, WI)
Granted they have two weeks off, but do you think Hines and Ben's injuries will render them somewhat ineffective for the game?
Pat Yasinskas (12:09 PM)
Too early to tell. But definitely something to keep an eye on.
Roger (Seattle)
What do the Cards have to do to pull off the upset?
Pat Yasinskas (12:10 PM)
Throw to Fitzgerald about 25 times.
Billy AZ
Why is the Cards D not gettng any more mention right now? They have shut down roddy white,m.turner, steve smith, both rb's for carolina and westbrook wasn't a factor. Somewhere they have to get some credit.
Pat Yasinskas (12:11 PM)
Hey, I'm giving them plenty of respect after what they did against atlanta and carolina.
Barrack Obama (Washington, DC)
I think its time for change Warner needs to retire
Pat Yasinskas (12:12 PM)
Why would you say that now? the guy's better now than he's been at any time since the early St. Louis days.
Patrick, Cleveland, OH
Do you think Boldin's clear discontent with the Card's offensive coordinator will find him with another team next year?
Chris, Poughkeepsie
Who is more deserving to be in the SB as a second year head coach, Tomlin or Whisenhunt? And don't say they both deserve to be!
Pat Yasinskas (12:13 PM)
Whisenhunt. I mean, he got the Arizona Cardinals to the super Bowl.
Prodigy Huntsville, AL [via mobile]
Do you think the Steelers defense can contain Larry Fitzgerald in the Super Bowl?
Pat Yasinskas (12:14 PM)
Not going to be easy. Nobody's been able to contain him.
tito (Charlotte)
Where will Peppers end up? if he cares about the panthers and was truly grateful, why did he air this out in public? Now the Panthers have no leverage. And Gross has much more ammo. Peppers really screwed them over by making his comments public...
Pat Yasinskas (12:15 PM)
Only thing Panthers can do now is franchise him and trade him to at least get some draft picks.
Paul ( Phoenix)
As good as the Cards are now, can they make a run at Julius Peppers?
Pat Yasinskas (12:16 PM)
They're going to have a lot of competition.
Matt (AZ)
It seems that Ken Whisenhunt doesnt get enough credit. He is an outstanding coach and has completely turned this team around
Pat Yasinskas (12:17 PM)
I think you'll see lots of stories on that between now and the Super bowl.
ace(indianapolis)
Do you feel that the steelers physical game took more out of them than the cards and do you feel that steelers "d" needs to look at ways to blitz with zone schemes
Pat Yasinskas (12:18 PM)
The two weeks in between games should help with that. And, yes, steelers need to try to blitz Warner a lot.
Rob Buffalo, NY
How can anyone say that without Boldin the Cardinals have no chance to win. He was virutally a non-factor in the NFC championship and they still beat a team that everyone deemed better than them. People should stop saying they're a bad a team that is not deserving, teams do not just stumble into the Super Bowl.
Pat Yasinskas (12:19 PM)
Exactly. They're in the SB and they earned it.
Des Moines, IA
Bill... i grew up in Phoenix and have been one of the few diehard fans over the years. what's the likelihood of the Cards being able to stay competitive for multiple years? will ownership revert to past thinking? or are they here to stay?
Pat Yasinskas (12:20 PM)
They're for real. Whisenhunt has made them legit and will keep them legit. Also, that new stadium makes it a lot easier for them to compete and spend money.
Flip (Pittsburgh)
Would a SuperBowl win finally get Dick LaBeau on the HOF?
Pat Yasinskas (12:21 PM)
It's awful tough for an assistant coach to get into the HOF.
Ted (Syracuse, New York)
Is Donovan McNabb finished in Philly?
Pat Yasinskas (12:22 PM)
No, I think he stays.
Scott, Tampa
Do you think it would be an effective approach if Arizona utilized screens and short yardage passing as their running game? For one, they're run game all year has been sub par, and two, they're up against Pittsburgh. It would at least spread them out and open up a few passing lanes, no?
Pat Yasinskas (12:23 PM)
Might be worth a shot to mix things up and take some attention off Fitz.
Derick Young Casper, WY
You don't even answer ever SB question like you stated!
Pat Yasinskas (12:25 PM)
Dude, there are 1,600 questions in front of me right now. I can't possibly answer them all. I'm hitting as many as I can.
dan (IN)
In my opinion, Jim Caldwell is a Dungy clone. Do the Colts need a little intensity from a coaching standpoint?
Pat Yasinskas (12:26 PM)
Caldwell is more intense than Dungy. You'll see that once he gets settled in. I mean he's not a Cowher or Parcells, but he's a good bit more intense than dungy.
Eric (Pittsburgh)
Why isn't Russ Grimm on more short lists for head coaching jobs? He was one of the hottest assistants three years ago after the Steelers last Super Bowl.
Pat Yasinskas (12:27 PM)
Good question. I think he becomes a hot name next year.
Reid (Phoenix, AZ)
I know J. Rice is considered the greatest receiver ever, but Fitzgerald is only 25... with another postseason performance or two like this, does Jerry have some competition as the G.O.A.T.?
Pat Yasinskas (12:28 PM)
He could. But it's still early for fitz. Rice did it very well for a long time. Fitz has the tools, but he's got to prove he can keep doing it over time to be in that conversation.
Jesse Berg Kearney, NE
Do you think a Super Bowl ring ensures Kurt Warner's place in the HOF or do you already think his current credentials earn him that already?
Pat Yasinskas (12:29 PM)
I think another SB ring would put him over the top.
nate (IN)
hey pat where do you think boldin will end up next year? philly... I think he was arguing with his OC that he should be playing for Philly during that game, hah...
Pat Yasinskas (12:29 PM)
Philly wouldn't be a bad spot. Maybe Dallas, once they clean house.
Anquan Boldin (Phoenix)
Trade me please! Larry is getting the ball way too much and I can't even get in on our game winning drive. Cards organization is dissing me big time. Why can't they trade me for a big name defensive player? It seems the Cardinals don't even need me anymore.
Pat Yasinskas (12:30 PM)
They don't need you. get through the SB and you'll get your wish.
Steve (NJ)
There is not a big problem by not answering every question but why did you say that you would answer every question when you guys knew there would be so many.
Pat Yasinskas (12:31 PM)
I never said I would answer every question. Not sure where you got that from. I'm answering as many as I can. That's all I can do.
Greg - tampa
So ultimately, disgruntled Bucs players were the main reason Chucky got the axe. Since there are some disgruntled Panther players, will John Fox soon get cut loose? Schottenheimer was fired after a 14-2 season, so it is not unheard of, right?
Pat Yasinskas (12:32 PM)
And disgruntled assistant coaches, too. But Fox isn't going anywhere.
Dan Rooney, Pitt
Not everybody is going to be a Successful Young Head Coach - there is a little more too it than just being a 30 something, people should quit copying our blue print
Pat Yasinskas (12:33 PM)
Hey, so far it's been working pretty well.
Greg - tampa
Why not? Jenkins stated he did not like the coaching staff last year, and now Peppers is essentially saying the same thing. Your 2 best defensive players leave because of he scheme, when will Fox be held accountable?
Pat Yasinskas (12:34 PM)
Good point. But I still think Fox is safe.
Don Phx AZ.
Any chance Warner retires if he wins another ring, go out on the high horse!
Pat Yasinskas (12:35 PM)
Doubt it. He doesn't look like he's ready to retire.
Otto (CA)
Do you think Whisenhunt will let Matt Leinart go to all the Super Bowl parties in Tampa?
Pat Yasinskas (12:35 PM)
Might as well. He's got nothing else to do.
Ron G. (Dover, NJ)
Hello Pat. At the end of the Superbowl. Win or lose..do you think Edge and Boldin will be in new uniforms next year?
Pat Yasinskas (12:36 PM)
My guess is they'll both be gone.
Steiny (NYC)
It may be too early to tell, but if Larry Fitzgerald keeps putting up these ridiculous numbers season after season, do you think once he retires he will one day be in Canton?
Pat Yasinskas (12:37 PM)
Yeah, if he keeps going like this, there's no doubt.
Scott Memphis, TN
Does a Super Bowl win take Mike Tomlin out of Bill Cowher's shadow?
Pat Yasinskas (12:37 PM)
I think that probably would do the trick.
Terry (Charlotte)
So Peppers is blaming the coaching staff for taking 2007 off? And for taking plays off throughout his career?? Nice way to thank a guy in Fox who defended and supported Peppers unconditionally in front of you reporters...
Pat Yasinskas (12:38 PM)
There's more to it than that. Two sides to every story.
Robbie (Ireland)
Paul Kuharsky commented that the Steelers need to blitz all day to hit warner and maybe unsettle him. But Warner has excellent numbers against the blitz and killed Philadelphia's pass rush by just lobbing it over the onrushers. Surely Steelers have to do something different? They cant go 1 on 1 with Larry Fitzgerald.
Pat Yasinskas (12:39 PM)
If they try to go 1 on 1 with Fitz, they're in huge trouble.
Colby bettendorf ,ia
Pat, who is the best safety in the nfl?
Pat Yasinskas (12:39 PM)
Ed Reed.
Dan Rooney, Pitt
Unfortunatley for Whiz, the Schottenheimer Coaching tree is made up of big time chokers - that is why we passed and went outside for someting new.
Pat Yasinskas (12:40 PM)
Ooooh, there's a shot.
CAL (St. Paul, MN)
Is there anything more exciting in football right now than when the Cards throw it deep to Fitzgerald?
Pat Yasinskas (12:40 PM)
No, not right now.
Joey(WI)
Kurt Warner better than Favre? Let us all remember NFC Championship last year... Kurt did something Favre could not in his "old" age, and that is bring his team to a SB
Pat Yasinskas (12:42 PM)
At the current time, Kurt Warner is better than Favre. Favre had the better career, but Kurt is better at this point.
Steve (Syracuse)
Kurt Warner gettin gthe cards this far...does this spell the end of the Leinart era in AZ?
Pat Yasinskas (12:43 PM)
Not necessarily. Just means he's on the bench at the start of next season. And, so far, there hasn't been a Leinart "era" in AZ.
Jared (Huntington Beach, CA)
I got swept up a bit in the Cards this year. After they beat the Cowboys I ran out and laid my money on the Cards to win the SB... at 30-1! I watched them tank week after week and gave up hope after the NE game. Look at them now! Guess who isnt missing this game for anything barring natural disaster. Please tell me I can hope.
Pat Yasinskas (12:44 PM)
You've got hope. It's one game and anything can happen. Nice bet.
Aayush (Indianapolis)
The Steelers. Best all-time franchise in the NFL? If not, then who?
Pat Yasinskas (12:45 PM)
Only Green Bay and Dallas would be in the argument with them.
Joey(WI)
If Boldin does leave, will L Fitz will be as productive?
Pat Yasinskas (12:45 PM)
Yes, Fitz is that good.
Jibran (Chicago)
Do you think Tampa is truely a nuteral place
Pat Yasinskas (12:47 PM)
Neutral for the Super Bowl? Well, it's about as neutral as you're going to get. But I'd expect Pittsburgh fans to be out in force. There are a lot of them living here in Tampa and a lot of them will travel.
Matt (Pittsburgh, PA)
So... you're picking the Cards? Any guess at a final score?
Pat Yasinskas (12:48 PM)
No, where did I say I'm picking the Cards??? I haven't made any prediction. I don't make predictions. I leave that up to our tv folks to do that.
Adam (Mass)
Brady...staying or leaving?
Pat Yasinskas (12:48 PM)
Staying
steeler fan
Matt Leinart to Detroit via trade? your thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas (12:49 PM)
Not sure the Lions would take that deal.
Michael, Colorado Springs
Wow, actually comparing Fitz with Rice after a very nice run by the Cards? Sorry Fitz would a lot more than another post-season or two to even sniff Rices cup.
Pat Yasinskas (12:50 PM)
I think that's what I said. Fitz is going to have to keep doing it for a long time to be compared to rice.
jay (NJ)
What are the odds that Andy Reid gets canned?
Pat Yasinskas (12:51 PM)
slim to none.
mike (pittsburgh) [via mobile]
What will the league do if a team ends up playing in their home stadium in the super bowl
Pat Yasinskas (12:51 PM)
It's never happened so far, so I don't think it's a big concern.
john CA [via mobile]
jerry rice or fitz?
Pat Yasinskas (12:52 PM)
Again, way too early for that talk.
Gabriel Atlanta, GA
I think people need to realize that the Cards are official right now, and the steelers are not going to have an easy game. They have been extreamly hot on both sides of the ball and I think Pitt is going to have a hard time keeping up with the scoring... thoughts??
Pat Yasinskas (12:53 PM)
Yep, Cards are for real. And the Steelers are hot right now, too. They're also very good. That's why it's going to be a good game.
Steiny (NYC)
Would you say Ben Roethlisberger is in the Top 5 best quarterback's in the NFL?
Pat Yasinskas (12:54 PM)
No, but I'd put him in the top 10.
Noodles19 Syracuse,IN [via mobile]
Do you think if Kurt Warner wins Super Bowl he is a hall of famer
Pat Yasinskas (12:54 PM)
Yes.
Dale (Camden, Maine)
Boldin yelling at the offensive coordinator during an offensive series in the 4th quarter of the championship game- 2 Questions: 1. Is he going to play in SB or ever again for Cards? 2. What is the % of professional athletes you would want your kids to be like?
Pat Yasinskas (12:55 PM)
To your second question: Derrick Brooks or Warrick Dunn.
Zed (West Virginia)
When will the media recognize this Steelers D as one of the greatest in NFL history?
Pat Yasinskas (12:56 PM)
If they win the SB and shut down Fitz and Warner.
Tim, Toronto
What are the chances of the Colts bringing back Edgerin James for some unfinished business? He would have to be the back up but he loves Peyton and loves that system!
Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)
That one wouldn't surprise me.
chris (Olney, Maryland)
hey why wasnt santonio holmes "non-catch" a touchdown when it clearly looked as though he caught it, made a football move and then the ball crossed the plane, isn't that a touchdown?
Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)
Don't know. I saw it same way you did.
Tim, Toronto
Just a note on your comment about Brooks and Dunn - no coincident that they were mentored by Dungy?!!!
Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
Absolutely.
Mike, Chicago
Is Jackson back as the starting qb opening up for Minnesota next year?
Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
Man, I hope not.
Amanda Knoxville, TN
Pat....I have been a Heath Miller fan since the beginning, I believe he is very under rated. Agree?
Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
Yes, I think he's a great all-around tight end.
Ken Seachrist, Hanover PA
Why do you see Steeler fan clubs in cities all over the country, but there are no other team fan clubs in Pittsburgh?
Pat Yasinskas (12:59 PM)
Probably because they'd have to fear for their safety!
mike (pittsburgh) [via mobile]
Wouldn't it be fair to have the superbowl champs host the superbowl the next year its not like there is a danger that it won't sell out
Pat Yasinskas (1:01 PM)
Nah, there's economics involved and a lot of planning. They start planning Super Bowls several years out. besides they don't want it in an outdoor stadium in a cold city. All right, my time is up. Thanks for stopping by. I'm passing the torch to the next guy.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:03 PM)
Ah, and I am the inimitable next guy. Let's see how many times we can deconstruct postseason narratives in this hour.
Bob(Lowell)
The next guy dropped the torch.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:04 PM)
Alas, I just refused to take the torch till I got a new deal.
mitch compton, calif.
why doesn't boldin's playing through a broken face after only 3 weeks get more attention even though he's a whiner?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:05 PM)
I think it's got a fair amount of attention. Being a tough guy and a whiner aren't mutually exclusive -- think Plaxico Burress in last year's playoffs.
Scot (Pittsburgh, PA)
If the Steelers win their sixth Super Bowl in two weeks, do you think they have earned the right to be called "America's Team" instead of the Cowgirls?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:06 PM)
I think the "America's Team" monicker is a little outdated regardless of who owns it. Unless it's put to a national vote (SportsNation?), no one should have it. On a side note, calling teams the "Cowgirls" or the "Deadskins" is never funny. We can all do better than that as fans.
Chris (Philadelphia PA)
Is the McNabb / Reed era over? If yes, why change a program that is winning, getting to big games such as NFC championships games? What is a better alternative?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:07 PM)
That's almost exactly my thought on the concept. You can replace Reid, sure, but even if the new guy does some things right that Reid struggles with, he's going to do some things poorly that Reid is great at, like integrating younger players into the lineup, resting his players properly, and building an offense to his team's strengths and weaknesses.
Greg (baltimore,MD)
bill, how do you think the ravens will handle there free agents? i mean it seams pretty unlikely that they could keep Lewis and suggs on the same team.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:08 PM)
I think they can. They're great at taking mid-to-late round draft picks like Dawan Landry and finding spots for them on the roster, and when those guys are making 300K, well, that leaves a lot of money elsewhere.
Kelvin (Dayton)
What positions do you think the Eagles and Ravens need to work on to make a stronger run next year?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:10 PM)
Eagles need to add a wide receiver, a good one. Boldin or Houshmandzadeh or trade up and grab Crabtree. Someone who's an absolute difference-maker. Adding some defensive depth would be good, since they're going to suffer more injuries next year.
Tony (Kearny, NJ)
Who has the edge in the battle of foreign-born punters, Canada's Mitch Berger or Australia's Ben Graham?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:10 PM)
Tony Meola? Is that you? Graham. Berger's had an awful year. Graham's at least tough.
Mike (NY)
I'm a Giants fan. I hate how much of a distractoin Plax has been for us. However. I care about winning more. The guy is a flat out game changer and is extremely hard to replace. Am I wrong for wanting this guy back next year?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:11 PM)
He's like the girlfriend you hate to love. The Giants need him or a similar player for their offense to work at peak productivity.
Fred Hurtubise, Canada
My beloved Eagles broke my heart again, do you think Donovan McNabb will go to the bears? With our luck, he does and beats us in the NFC title game next year.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:11 PM)
McNabb has at least one more year left on his deal. He'll be around.
Dan (San Angelo, TX)
Is Limas Sweed destroying his career before it even starts by not being able to complete the big plays presented to him?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:12 PM)
No. I suspect that if you looked at the rookie years of some famous receivers that they made some big drops too. It happens. You either learn from it and get better or you don't, but it's not a death knell by any means.
Tyson, AZ
How pathetic did the Eagles look after that cheap shot on warner?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:13 PM)
I think you can't paint the entire team with one brush -- it'd be like saying the Cardinals are all whiners because Boldin was throwing a fit on the sideline. It was an inexcusable hit, though, and Demps should've been ejected. Dale Hunter-esque.
Brian(florida)
The cardinals will win the super bowl. I will give the Steelers credit their defense is great, but not great enough to stop the offense of Arizona. To stop Boldin, Fitzgerald, Hightower, Breaston, The tightend I forget and The Edge that is going to take more then the Steelers have.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:14 PM)
OK, well, that made me laugh. I think the Steelers have the depth at corner to cause the Cardinals some trouble. I still think Fitzgerald will have a big day, but the Steelers will make it difficult.
Travis (Edgewood, IA)
Do you consider the NFC West the weakest division in football?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:14 PM)
I think it's neck-and-neck with the AFC West. The NFC West at least has Seattle, which is a good team when they're healthy and recovering a league-average amount of fumbles.
Matt (Charlotte)
Bill, What do you see the Panthers doing with Julius Peppers? Franchise and trade or just let him go? What can they get for him?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:15 PM)
Probably franchise and trade. Just makes more sense. Something like the Jared Allen situation (and subsequent trade) makes sense. Who would sacrifice a first-rounder for him, though?
Greg (baltimore)
true bill, but what will they do if Lewis or suggs wants a pay raise, who do they choose?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:16 PM)
Lewis, I figure. They haven't been shy about letting outside linebackers leave during the Lewis era.
Jacob (NYC)
Do you think Flacco will be able to adjust to zone blitzing, or will that always abe a flaw?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:17 PM)
No, I think he'll end up improving against it. It's just something you pick up on with more reps against elite defenses. Flacco had issues with picking up on blitzes coming out of college, and he got better this year. He'll continue to get better as the years go along.
Charlie (Mesa, AZ)
Suggs might want to come back home to AZ, given the chance. What do you think?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:18 PM)
Hey, that would make a lot of sense. If you're a Cardinals fan, though, would you rather them re-sign Dansby?
Patrick Sicher, Miami FL
My Phins just signed the defensive MVP from Canada who has 22 sacks last year (roughly 15 american with the exchange rate) Is he any good, and with our lack of WR help, is Pat Woodcock still playing?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:19 PM)
We don't have our CFL translations down yet, but I suspect that bringing in a guy for 400K who has those sort of pass rush skills doesn't hurt.
Nate (Queens, NY)
is Eli worth 120mill?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:20 PM)
At this point, I don't think you let him go and start rebuilding -- that team is too good to do that, and $120 million is the going price for Eli's next deal. Would I go back in time and undo that Manning for Rivers, Kaeding, and Merriman trade? You betcha.
Andy, CA
Are the Cardinals still underrated or do you think they are just playing above their heads? What do your stats say?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:21 PM)
The stats say they're playing above their head, which isn't by any means impossible. Anything can happen in three or four games -- look at the Giants last year.
Jon (Cleveland, Ohio)
Can you explain to me why so many people think Ed Reed is the best safety in the leauge? It's like the Deon Sanders, Rod Woodson debate, both were great but one was flash and the other a hitter.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:22 PM)
Because Ed Reed absolutely, positively is the best player in the league. He's better in coverage than most other safeties, a dominant run safety, an excellent blitzer, has excellent ball skills, and is the best return guy in the league by a wide margin. He was surrounded by a secondary in shambles from injury this year and singlehandedly kept it an excellent one.
nate,Pa
is Lamar Woodley being overlooked? I expect him to have a huge SB.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:23 PM)
I think Harrison's much more likely to have a big game because of the relative merits of the Cardinals' tackles.
Corey (Philadelphia, PA)
Does having Ken Whisenhunt as your head coach help the Cardinals in any way, when talking about his knowlege of the Steelers type of play and gameplans?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:23 PM)
Not really -- I'm sure Tomlin's changed the signals and such since then.
Carson, State College, PA
Who do You think the Steelers Should use to cover Fitzgerald
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:24 PM)
Absolutely, it'll be Ike Taylor all day. I just think that they need to make sure that they give him safety help over the top on every single play. I also think they can shade Taylor over Fitzgerald and use zone blitzes to eliminate some of the underneath routes. I think LeBeau will be watching the film of the Pats-Rams Super Bowl this week.
wil (chicago, IL)
First off, LeBeau and his INT numbers deserve the HOF... and that's before his phenomenal coaching career. Secondly, if BR isn't a top 5 QB in the league, then winning, big game performance, toughness, YPA, and championships mean nothing.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:26 PM)
LeBeau's absolutely a Hall of Fame coordinator. "Big game performance"? Did you actually seen Ben Roethlisberger in the Super Bowl a couple of years ago?
Ryan (Scottsdale, AZ)
Why is Adrian Wilson so wildly overlooked and underated? Yes, I know he's been tucked away in relative obscurity playing in the perennial football hell of the Arizona Cardinals but the guy repeatedly makes over 100 tackles a year at the SS position, plays near the line of scrimmage like an extra linebacker, and is an exceptional pass rusher and playmaker?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:26 PM)
Wilson is indeed one of the best players in football, something Football Outsiders has been saying for a long time. He was even on the cover of one of our books. PFP 2006, I think.
Casey (IL)
do you think tom brady will be himself after his surgery and infections
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:27 PM)
Absolutely. He might struggle for the first half of the year, but there's no reason to think he won't be able to recover.
Ali, London
I am psyched that the Steelers beat the Ravens yesterday, and by beating them 3/3 times they showed they OWN THEM. However, I am very disappointed that for the second game in a row one of the top rated rookies Wideout Sweed dropped a sure touchdown from Big Ben. This guy just sucks and with the season ending injury to the rookie RB Menadenhaal it's been a very disappointing first year for Steeler Rookies. Inspite of this they are going to the SB!
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:28 PM)
I don't know, Ali. That's the first game they won by a remotely definitive margin. Saying they "own" them when the Ravens were a combined two feet or so away from winning both of the regular season games is a little much. Mid-round WRs don't normally make an impact in their first year.
Corey (Philadelphia, PA)
What is LT's status like in San Diego right now? Any chance he is not in SD next season?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:29 PM)
I think it's a lot of hype. It would be sorta dumb to take a huge cap hit and dump LT when you could pay him less money to play. It's a Bill James corollary that bad teams blame their problems on their best player. Point in case.
James Harrison: Pittsburgh, PA
When are the refs going to start calling holding penalties on the opposition's "O" line? I am tired of being mugged!
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:30 PM)
You definitely drew at least a half-dozen holding penalties in Week 15, but everyone gets held, man. You just gotta do a better job of making it obvious to the refs.
Allen (Ohio)
Do you think the Jets will bring Gruden in because of his great relationship with Farve to help Farve, (if Farve doesn't retire)
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:31 PM)
I don't think so. Gruden's not going to come in and be an offensive coordinator for a year. If he did, I would be SHOCKED.
Shane: Belington, WV
Is the fact that Ben gets sacked 1,000 times a game mostly because of his own fault or his line, and will it happen against the Cardinals?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:32 PM)
Mix of both. He holds onto the ball until the very last second trying to make a play, which sometime results in big plays, but then sometimes ends up with him on the floor. Cardinals got pressure on McNabb with lots of twists and blitzes around the edges. The Steelers will struggle with that stuff, too -- Roethlisberger will go down at least three times.
Matt, (South Bend)
Bill, On one hand I can understand why one would go back and undo the Eli trade, but are those players really worth a super bowl in exchange? P.S. I hate myself for wanting Plaxico back...
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:33 PM)
Well no -- but maybe the Giants win three Super Bowls with Rivers and Merriman instead of one with Eli.
Matt: Seattle, WA
This is not a gripe, I just don't understand a call in the AFC game yesterday. Santonio Holmes' catch that both coaches were going to challenge - Tomlin thinking he had a TD and Harbaugh thinking that it was incomplete. Harbaugh won the challenge. I know the rules on this change yearly, so I suspect that I'm just not keeping up, but... I thought that Holmes received the ball and two two steps with control of the ball (albeit with the DB bringing him down). Does this not constitute a catch? Then, the ball was knocked loose by the ground, completing the play. Help me out here.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:33 PM)
No two step rule. He has to maintain possession when he hit the ground, which he didn't.
B. Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh PA
Hey Bill... Yes, I played subpar in SB XL, but I had three stellar (100+ Qb rating) games on the road in the playoffs leading up to that game. Weren't those "big games" too?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:35 PM)
Absolutely, but then, where do we cut off "big games"? Are regular season games not big games, too? In general, I don't like that sort of "big game" argument because you reflexively apply it without considering the broader context. Is Eli a big-game quarterback now after the 2007 playoff run, or does the fact that he had awful playoffs before and after that season nullify it?
Greg (baltimore)
bill, i have two questions, do you think the wille Parker era is over in Pittsburgh, or do you think they should look at mendenhall? and how do you think Kurt Warner will handle the Pittsburgh defense?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:36 PM)
I think they drafted Mendenhall because he was the best player available on their board, with the idea that he'd replace Parker. Parker's not a great back by any means, so there's no reason to give him a huge deal and let Mendenhall and Moore sit. I think Warner's going to struggle some, but he'll occasionally get his big play off.
Holla412,Pittsburgh,pa [via mobile]
I ve been saying all year that ben is big in the cluch. In football that attribute stands alone. An im thinking that will be the difference maker in the super bowl. what do u think?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:37 PM)
Again, was his performance in the Super Bowl a few years ago clutch? Here's the thing about clutch. How come left guards are never clutch? How come it's only skill position guys? Can't Levi Brown raise his game dramatically and have a crazy quarter where he just pancakes LaMarr Woodley over and over again?
Mark (Willemstad, Curacao)
I've seen a couple of comments on this board so far saying that Anquan Boldin is a bad teammate. And it is true that yesterday was an odd scene that you don't want to see from your players. But remember, this guy literally BROKE HIS FACE for the team earlier this year. I wouldn't write him off as a distraction just yet.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:38 PM)
Well, I mean, it wasn't as if he had a choice in the matter. If he said "FOR THE CARDINAL!" and smashed his face against the wall, then you could say that. He was playing in a game and got hit really hard.
luvrhino (houston, tx)
It's clear that the Super Bowl boils down to this deathmatch: Spach vs. Spaeth Who wins this tail of the tape?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:38 PM)
Well, Spach tore his ACL and his MCL in the Divisional Round, so I'm going to go with Spaeth.
Rick (Orlando, FL)
I really want the cancers out of the Dallas locker room. I am a huge Cowboy fan and wish that T.O., Pacman, and all the other trouble makers would be tossed aside. Any chance that happens this offseason? Oh yeah if Roy keeps oppening his mouth then he can go too.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:39 PM)
If the Cowboys make the playoffs and are in the Super Bowl, are they cancers? I agree that it's not a great place to be, but there were lots of mouthy guys during the Super Bowl run in the early-nineties, and nobody was complaining then. Winning is the best chemistry, and the Cowboys will be healthier and better next year. Pacman's already been tossed aside, and it doesn't make sense financially to waive TO.
Dan (Boston, MA)
Ed Reed is so overrated it hurts. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/columns/story?columnist=joyner_kc&id=2924354
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:40 PM)
KC does very good work and I love reading his stuff, but there are times when I disagree with him because of the context and the type of defense each team employs. This would be one of those times.
Simon (San Diego)
Any chance Boldin is playing for the Chargers next year?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:42 PM)
The Chargers? They already have too many receivers as is! The last thing they need is another wideout. Likely Boldin landing points? Philly, for one. Chicago, although they're very afraid of signing another big-money WR. Tampa, who has a ton of cap space. San Francisco.
Derick Young Casper, WY
No linemen can't be clutch because they are in no way clutch. Lets see, making blocks is real hard but throwing a 60 yard pass to a moving target through defenders is not? Come on Bill, Ben is clutch and proves it with these 2 important stats, most wins in 5 years and most 4th quarter comebacks. Am I wrong?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:43 PM)
I think Ben's a great quarterback and very talented. I just don't know if I'd make the clutch argument. If you're going to quote wins, I can't possibly agree with you on anything. Trent Dilfer had a lot of wins, too, that doesn't make him a great QB.
Jake (VA Beach)
Why not Boldin to NY for a 1st and 3rd?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:44 PM)
Neither NY makes sense. Jets don't have the cap space. Giants have a lot of young players to sign to long-term deals and Boldin's not a good fit for the spot they need to fill.
Tom (Asbury Park, NJ)
Is there a possibility that Suggs could be playing in Tampa Bay next year? If so, is it a solid possibility or a low one?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:45 PM)
Don't think so. They have a lot of cap room, but they play the Tampa-2 and Suggs is a 3-4 outside linebacker. They could maybe put him at end across from Gaines Adams, but he'd have to bulk up.
Mitch (New London, CT)
I consider myself a big time redskins fan. Do you think that by retaining Zorn, him and Portis can work together peacefully without another feud. And with santana moss, shouldn't we adapt the offense to fit his deep threat ability?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:46 PM)
They do adapt it, but it's more subtle -- they adapt the running game to account for the safety Moss occupies, for example. I think that Zorn and Portis can work together -- that stuff was more frustration than anything else.
Fast Willie (Pittsburgh PA.)
"not a great back"?!! Didn't I lead the league in rushing until i broke my leg last year in week 16? Didn't I set the SB record for longest run? Didn't I torch San Diego? I'm gonna get mine, don't worry...
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:47 PM)
You also led the league in carries, had one run of more than 15 yards in the playoffs before this year, and ran the ball down the throat of a very mediocre run defense. Context, people, context.
Vardan los angeles, ca [via mobile]
The cardinals in the superbowl??? Is anyone even going to watch this game?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:47 PM)
My prediction: Yes.
Jim (Sedona, AZ)
During the NCAA season all we hear is we need a playoff and "settle it on the field". Now, the Cardinals settle it there...and people say they don't deserve it. What do you want? Settle it on the field and get this Superbowl? Or vote...and get the Giants vs the Steelers?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:49 PM)
I wouldn't be opposed to making the regular season 20 games long and giving the title to the team that has the best record, but it's not up to me. Works everywhere else on the planet, though.
Mark (Atlanta)
You must be one of those Steelers haters
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:49 PM)
Yawn. You can make coherent arguments about a player or team without hating them.
Moussa (Brooklyn, NY)
Pertaining to Suggs: Has Adalius Thomas turned out to simply be an overhyped product of the system and talent around him in Baltimore, or did he just have less notable years being shifted between O and ILB and used in so many other ways?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:50 PM)
It's more how the Patriots use him than him being a bust. He's had two pretty good years, although maybe not up to the level the Pats were expecting when they signed him.
steven (Berrien Springs, MI)
bears signed marinelli.. good move or bad?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:51 PM)
Good defensive line coach. Not a good head coach. Plenty of examples of that around the league -- LeBeau's one of the best defensive coordinators in the history of the game and a very, very mediocre head coach.
Mark (Atlanta)
So then what do you think about the Steelers Defense? On par with the Ravens when they won the SB?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:52 PM)
Maybe a little below that, but their offense is much better.
Matt (Charlotte)
Bill, Play 20 games and whoever has the best record wins? So, that way the best team in the NFC West plays the AFC West and NFC North and they are champions? Guess it would all be up to the luck of the schedule. Don't like it at all.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:53 PM)
Good point. That's true, too.
Jake (VA Beach)
Can you explain how Boldin wouldn't fit the need from Plax in NY, and then who would?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:56 PM)
Plaxico is a good fit playing the X in New York because of how he fits relative to the rest of their offensive weapons. Smith is an underneath route-runner, Toomer's a technician, Boss works the seams and the quick outs. Moss is probably on his way out and Manningham's not ready. That leaves Hixon, who's a similar style of player to Burress -- speedy, runs deeper routes like the deep post and the 15-yard curl, the back shoulder stuff that they base the hitch and go's off of. Hixon's not as good at it as Burress, of course. Boldin's more of a possession guy in that offense, whereas Fitzgerald plays more of the Burress role. It's hard to find that guy, which is why holding onto Burress would probably work out best.
Ryan (Detroit, MI)
You think there's any chance of the Lions being able to trade back for their first pick? There's really not a stand out guy on the board and i think they could benefit greatlt by moving back 10 picks.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:57 PM)
I think Jim Schwartz would LOVE to trade down. I just don't think there's a team that would want to trade up.
jim, (tampa fl)
Any given suday fellas, Dont count Az out out the big dance.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:57 PM)
Absolutely true.
Jonathan (Bedford, MA)
How about a system where you need a minimum of, say, 10 wins to get into the playoffs? If you needed to fill the brackets out, why not vote on the final "wildcard" teams? Eg. The 11-5 Pats could have been voted in this year.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:58 PM)
This is just the year where the NFL's playoff system created some problems. How often is this really an issue? Once every 15 years? 20 years? The playoff system is fine.
Michael Lufkin TX
Can you answer me this? Why is it that they play the Super Bowl at a nuetral site for warm weather conditions and fast track when the sport is known for being played in conditions such as rain, snow and fog. Other then a lightning storm causing a short delay when was the last time you saw one at an NFL game. Yet, They play the World Series games in god awful weather and yet many games a year are cancelled a year due to bad weather. Can you imagine the Super Bowl being broken up into two days because of rain? Play 3 quarters, delay it and then just continue on to the fourth the next day. Can anyone explain the reason these two sports seem to have it backwards?
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (1:59 PM)
Because of everything besides the actual game. Playing the Super Bowl in slop wouldn't look good to a huge audience, either, even if it would look great to real football fans.
Josh
Sorry this may be unpopular with Steeler fans but quite honestly the Cardinals are the hottest team in the NFL these playoffs. I do not see the steelers being able to score enough. Oh yes about that steelers D. This is not Flacco they are playing.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (2:01 PM)
You can't do that, though! Were the Cardinals hot when they played the Falcons in the first round? Not in the slightest. "Getting hot" is a myth, I'm sorry.
Football Outsiders Bill Barnwell (2:01 PM)
Alright -- it's your weekly dose of Schatz. Aaron is on his way.
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:02 PM)
Hey ho. I've got some Outkast on the box and some miso soup with shiritaki noodles for lunch, so let's talk about the weirdness.
James Baylock (Southington, CT)
The NFL is very lucky the Eagles did not win that game last night. Two teams from the same state? Without the pending history, and compelling story that last year's had. That would be a very low rated superbowl. Would Roger Goodell agree?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:04 PM)
Two teams from the same state, but not from the same market. Both teams have a larger national fanbase than the Cardinals or Ravens do. The Steelers also grab West Virginia, while the Eagles are the team for Delaware and half of Jersey. Philadelphia is a larger media market than Phoenix. From a TV perspective, Eagles-Steelers was the matchup they wanted.
David (Minneapolis, MN)
A lot is being made out of the Az receivers as being one of the best corps in the game. The Steelers bring the best blocking WRs around. Is that an under-rated skill set, or is it just not that important?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:05 PM)
Underrated skill set. Boldin is also an excellent blocker, though. When they do run, the Cardinals often motion him in tight like a tight end.
Chris (Atlanta (via Detroit))
Be honest with us. Do you get tired of talking about the Super Bowl or run out of things to debate when there is this 2 week break?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:08 PM)
ESPN I'm sure will be going full tilt on Super Bowl hype for the next two weeks, but honestly I don't think much about the game over the next few days. I use this extra week to take care of business aspects of Football Outsiders, like planning Pro Football Prospectus 2009 and finding a new college football writer or two. When I talk nothing but Arizona and Pittsburgh in the second week, I'm not tired of it.
Johnny (San Diego, CA)
Edgerrin James is having success this post season. Will he be a major factor for the Cards in Tampa?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:10 PM)
Honestly, I doubt it. There's no doubt that it was impressive to watch James pick up big chunks of yards in the first half against one of the league's top run defenses in 2008. However, he wasn't so great in the second half... with the Cardinals down by one on that last drive James had five carries for three yards. And the Steelers are an even better run defense than the Eagles.
PaulieP (Scottsdale)
Aaron, Boldin would look great in Seahawks blue next season, would the Cards trade him in the division?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:11 PM)
I doubt it, but only because the Cardinals no doubt still think that Boldin is a very talented player. We've seen in recent years that teams don't have trouble trading in their division when they think the player in question is overrated (see: Bledsoe, Drew and especially Jackson, Darrell).
Jerren (Columbus, GA)
So Aaron, be honest, are you a Big Ben hater like Bill?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:13 PM)
Hater? Well, it isn't like the dude ever did anything mean to my wife or stole my daughter's lunch money. He doesn't seem like a jerk, and I have no problem with him as a person. The title "hater" is honestly ridiculous. We're analysts who give our honest opinion on players based on what we see in our analysis. That being said, I think I have a more positive opinion of Roethlisberger than Bill does, but he wasn't as good this year as he was last year. The Steelers are an average offense combined with a phenomenal defense.
Koski (Mountain View)
Aaron, do you have the numbers on the Cardinals formations? Did they run less 3WR sets than usual yesterday? Beaston and Boldin didn't have many targets, but that could have ben that Fitz was so hot.
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:14 PM)
Yeah, we wouldn't have our game charting in that quickly -- we don't chart the games live -- so I don't know if the Cards ran fewer three-wide formations yesterday. I don't think they did. I just think Fitzgerald was on fire, and then in the second half they were having problems on offense.
Greg (pittsburgh)
Aaron,who should the steeler's pick in the upcoming draft, or should they trade?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:16 PM)
Of all the people who shouldn't be worrying about the draft yet... you know your team has one game left, right? The Steelers are going to be drafting 31st or 32nd, and given their roster, it makes sense to take whoever they think is the best player available. It would be a nice thing if that best player available was an offensive lineman.
Aaron Central Coast California
Do the cards even have a chance? The ravens were "the team no one wanted to play". Granted they had a few injuries, but the steelers hard hitting D gave them a few more. Sure the cards are on a "hot streak" but only because the panthers and eagles played terrible.
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:17 PM)
Dude, if we've learned anything this last two years, it is that you should never, ever use the words "does team X even have a chance."
Jesse (Indianapolis)
It seems to me the debate is over. Troy Polamalu > Ed Reed
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:18 PM)
The idea that one player is better than another player at the same position because he and his 44 teammates were better than the other guy and his 44 teammates on one given evening is a declaration so ridiculous that it strains the bounds of reality.
Adam NYC
Already looking to next season, im a miserable Giants fan who's now left watching the super bowl like its a reality television show finale. Disapointed, Ive been looking to the draft to get excited about something. We have 3 picks in the first 2 rounds. What positions are your first three picks? Mine is simple, WR, LB, WR...plaxico's a dud..someone tell him to get another gun and shoot his other leg.
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:21 PM)
Why on earth are you miserable? Hello, dude, your team won last year. Remember? 18-1? Greatest upset in Super Bowl history? It was pretty exciting for everyone except us Patriots fans. Lord knows I wasn't sitting around self-flagellating when Oakland met Tampa Bay after the 2002 season. I was still giddy off the previous Super Bowl. I definitely think the Giants could use a youth influx at linebacker. Another tight end wouldn't be a bad idea, since they like to run two-tight sets. You can never go wrong with offensive line depth. And yes, wide receivers are often useful.
mike: queen creek, AZ [via mobile]
what channel/network is the superbowl on this year?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:22 PM)
NBC. I believe it will be called by the team of John Madden and Rachel Maddow.
jack (darien, ct) [via mobile]
In your opinion what team was more likely to get where they got. Rays or cardinals
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:24 PM)
Are you asking in terms of what we knew at the start of each regular season, or at the start of each playoffs? At the start of each regular season, the answer would be Arizona. Both teams had a lot of young talent and were just waiting for everything to gel, but the Cardinals just had to get past the Seahawks. The Rays had to get past the Yankees and Red Sox, who get to spend zillions of dollars. However, before the playoffs started, the answer is clearly the Rays. The Rays were one of the two or three best teams in baseball during the 2008 regular season. The Cardinals were not even one of the 12 best teams in football during the 2008 regular season, if we're considering all 17 weeks of the regular season instead of just the first two months.
Rob (Queensbury, NY)
Is it just me, or do you think this matchup could actually be very entertaining? I think the Cards Offense could deffinately hold their own against the Steelers D, and the Cards D has been suprising teams all postseason. I see another game going down to the last 2 minutes. Thoughts?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:26 PM)
At this point, any game that has Larry Fitzgerald in it has a very strong possibility of being "very entertaining." I don't know about another game going down to the last two minutes, but the last few Super Bowls have generally been good games.
Jared (Gilbert, Arizona)
First off, GO CARDS!!!!! I'm not a big fan of America's teams; Cowboys, 49ers, Patriot, etc. But atleast these teams have transitional rebuilding periods for decent stretches were they are absolutley wretched; in which I can revel. Why are the Steelers an exception; every year we have to put up with them an their fans; it can't all be the Rooney's...what are they doing that other teams aren't?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:29 PM)
It isn't one thing. It's pretty clear that while most NFL teams go up and down quickly due to parity and the salary cap, there are a handful of franchises that have learned how to work the system and established themselves as successful year after year, even if they occasionally have an offseason like Pittsburgh had in 2006. Pittsburgh is obviously in that category, New England, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and I think Seattle might even belong there. On the other hand, some franchises seem to have no clue what is going on and even when they dig out of the ditch, it only lasts a year -- Cincinnati, Oakland, and (hopefully no longer) Detroit. What Pittsburgh does is similar to what Indianapolis and New England do. Smart management, smart coaching, understanding of player values and economics, a stable system instead of constant changes that have them chasing after a new kind of player every year, etc.
Arizona Fans
Nobody loves us!! We don't get any respect! We finished the regular season 9-7!
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:32 PM)
Thanks for that. Now that Arizona fans have written as a group, perhaps all individual Arizona fans can relax for two weeks. Seriously, the whole "respect" thing is so played out. If you asked all professional athletes, you would learn that apparently nobody gives anybody any respect, except maybe Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Let's be honest about the Arizona "nobody believed in us" nonsense -- why should anybody have believed in you three weeks ago? Have you seen film of your game against New England? What about the game where you let Tarvaris Jackson throw for four touchdowns in your own building? We were supposed to "respect" you as the likely NFC champions after that? Come on, already.
Mike (Manchester, NH)
Hello, my friend and I always debate who is the better Quarterback, Donovan McNabb or Kurt Warner. He always brings up the point that McNabb has never had the targets that Warner has and this is why Warner has had the success that he has had. 2 Questions. Who do you think is the better Quarterback and why? And has Warner only been good because he has had big talent wide outs (Holt/Bruce, Fitzgerald/Boldin)
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:37 PM)
If I had to choose one of these two players and say who had the better career, I would say McNabb, for two reasons. 1) Like you note, Warner has played with two outstanding wide receiver tandems. While we're at it, in St. Louis he also had the best running back (Faulk) and the best left tackle (Pace) of their generation. 2) McNabb has enjoyed a far longer stretch of quality play, even though his best seasons can't touch Warner's best seasons. Kurt Warner has basically had five good seasons: 1999-2001 and 2007-2008. In between, he was injured, mediocre, or both. McNabb has been an above-average quarterback pretty much every season since 2002, maybe 2001. That doesn't mean that Warner has only been good because of his wideouts. But you can't deny that it has played a role, just as McNabb struggled in the early part of this decade because he was stuck throwing to Todd Pinkston and James Thrash.
Christian (Twin Cities, MN)
Boldin to MN??? There is plenty of Cap room, He is better than Berrian (not even close).
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:38 PM)
I like the idea. As an added bonus, he's a different type of receiver than Berrian -- he runs the routes in the middle of the field while Berrian specializes in go routes and outside stuff. Get to it, Vikings.
Corey . Pa,
Has Warner face anyone like Harrison and Woodley yet this season?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:41 PM)
Sure. The Cardinals played Dallas, so he faced DeMarcus Ware. They played the Giants, so we're talking about 4-3 DEs rather than 3-4 OLBs, but that's a great pass rush. He's faced the Panthers and Julius Peppers twice now. Trent Cole twice. It isn't like the guy hasn't had games against strong pass rushers.
Nate (Pittsburgh)
Aaron, earlier today there was a discussion about were Ben fits in the rankings of today's current quarter backs. would you rank him in the top 5 quarter backs in the NFL?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:42 PM)
No. I think he just takes too many chances and too many sacks. He's behind Manning, Brady (when healthy), Brees, and Rivers. That fifth spot could be Warner, or Cutler, or McNabb, or even Matt Ryan.
thomas Houston, Texas
Andre Johnson or Fitzgerald?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:44 PM)
As great as he has been these last couple weeks, I would take Andre Johnson. Johnson had more value than Fitzgerald this year according to the FO stats, and he did that even though Fitzgerald had a better quarterback and a better partner starting on the other side of the field.
Jeff (Harrisburg, Pa)
Do you guys ever get tired of listening to fans from losing team ask ridiculous questions like "who is the real AFC Champion? And do you think there will ever be a time where Patriot fans don't reek of jealousy any time their team isn't winning it all?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:47 PM)
I don't know. Am I coming off as jealous today? The problem is that there is a difference between "best team" and "champion." "Champion" is the team that made it into the postseason and then had the best three-game run. That's not necessarily the best team in a conference. However, it's hard to be whiny about the AFC. Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Tennessee were all very good this year, and Pittsburgh happened to be the team that won out. They're the "real champions" and they have a good darn argument to being the "best team" also.
Steve (Miami)
Who's you playoff MVP so far?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:48 PM)
Wait, is this a hard question? Are there people who would not answer this question "Larry Fitzgerald?"
Ryan (Cleveland)
I really believe the Superbowl winner should host the game in London every year. It makes their schedule tougher and provides the best ambassador possible. What do you think? Otherwise it's just an arbitrary choice (SD vs. NO?)
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:49 PM)
Reasonable idea. I hate the stupid London game. The way to grow football as grass roots. If you present it as once-a-year spectacle, you'll get people who love it... as once-a-year spectacle.
Rory (Columbus, OH)
I think the case can be made that league award voting should be put off until after the super bowl. Every award winner besides Harrison sat on their couch and watched the Championship games. Is the voting process taking place to early? "Here we go STEELERS! here we go!"
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:50 PM)
Award voting is supposed to represent regular season success. The problem is the Pro Bowl voting, which doesn't even wait until the regular season is over. But I'm fine with award voting in early January instead of early February.
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh, PA)
Have the Cardinals played any 3-4 defense teams this year; if so how did they do?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:52 PM)
Heh. Nice psuedonym. Yes, the Cards have played 3-4 teams. They played Dallas and won in overtime. They played the Dolphins and won. They played the Jets and lost. They played the Patriots and were embarrassed like a Pop Warner team. Honestly, I'm waiting for someone from the Cardinals to come out and explain to us what happened against the Patriots. Were they just not trying? And if so, isn't that sort of an attempt to defraud the ticket buyers, putting on an exhibition game for the price of a real game?
Gary (Sacramento)
Better career when its all said and done Edgerin James or Willie Parker?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:54 PM)
Egads, is that easy. Edgerrin James. Far more consistent.
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:54 PM)
Egads, is that easy. Edgerrin James. Far more consistent.
Terrell Owens (Dallas ,TX)
Do you think the Eagles would have won yesterday if they had Brett Farve as their Quarterback?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:54 PM)
OK, that made me giggle.
Greg (Oklahoma City)
Patriots - Cards Game??? They were out of their element...
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:56 PM)
OK, so then, somebody please explain to me: Where was this Cardinals defense when they were letting Tarvaris Jackson throw for four touchdown passes in their own climate-controlled building?
Stan (San Fran)
Cardinals = Tampa Bay Rays True of False?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (2:58 PM)
False. Very false. The Tampa Bay Rays are a team that struggled for years then had an excellent regular season and went to the World Series. The Cardinals are a team that went into the tank in the second half of the regular season and then inexplicably started playing well in the playoffs. The Cardinals are more like the 87 Twins.
jason (phx)
What's with the Cards hate, are you an Eagles fan like Wojociechowski?
Football Outsiders Aaron Schatz (3:00 PM)
Snore. I'm a Pats fan, I've been honest about that since we started FO five years ago. Golly, isn't it obvious from the B.S. Report? I don't have "Cards hate." If they come out next year and play like the best team in the league -- like, say, the 2008 Giants did -- I'll say things like "the Arizona Cardinals are the best team in the league." I don't have to "hate" the Cardinals to point out that they lost by 21, 28, and 40 points in three of their final five regular season games.
Tom (Ocean, NJ)
2002-2003 Bucs vs. Steelers, who's gonna win?
Patrick (Red Bird Nation)
Who on the cardinals will in the hall of fame? Edge? Warner? Fitzy? Wilson? Docket? For the no's how close are they to playing to that level.
Mike Sando: (3:02 PM)
Kurt Warner, particularly if the Cardinals win this game. He is one strong season away from having numbers very close to the ones Steve Young put up. And he's already got the MVPs and SB ring. One more ring puts him in select company, particularly when you consider that he has played in pass-oriented offenses
Mike Sando (3:02 PM)
Last question. I don't know. That would be a great game. The Bucs had a better offense than this year's Steelers, because Johnson took fewer sacks and their running game was more consistent. I'd probably favor them narrowly. I'm outta here, folks. Thanks for the good questions. I leave you to my good friend and ambassador from the Pacific Northwest, Mike Sando...
Mike Sando (3:03 PM)
I am here. And because I am here. that last answer appears to be from me, even though Aaron wrote it (the one about it being the last question). I had already jumped in and answered a question about the Hall of Fame.
Matt (Philadelphia)
Kurt Warner has had 5 GREAT seasons. After getting hurt in St. Louis he had to leave because Bulger was playing well, and was considerably younger. In New York, Kurt got shafted. He was 6-4 when he was benched in favor of Eli, and in his 10 game stretch as the starter Warner posted a higher passer rasting than Eli has had in any of 5 seasons. After the move to the desert Denny Green tried to push him to the bench in favor of a mediocre Matt Leinart. Don't you think that if the Cardinals would've stuck with Kurt as the starter the past 4 seasons they would've enjoyed more success? (Also, it's time to start working on his bust for the HOF)
Mike Sando (3:05 PM)
Warner was 5-4 with the Giants, by the way. On the rest of it, , yes, Warner has always put up numbers. His career stats would be much better if he had played all that time. However, his experiences have shaped him into the QB he is today, and he is a smarter QB for what he went through even during camp.
Matt (Cleveland)
Now that we have reached a point where the team that had a so-so regular season but finishes strong has just as good of a chance as making the Super Bowl as a team that played high-quality football for 17 weeks, does the NFL need to change its playoff format (i.e., seeding based upon record)? Also, if 2010 and beyond is played capless will that lessen the chances of a team making a postseason championship run like the NYG did last year and AZ did this year? I'm all for Cinderellas, but feel the consistent teams should be rewarded.
Mike Sando (3:07 PM)
This is the new NFL. There are no great teams. And even when we think there's a great team (Patriots in 2007), that team can be exposed. I think this is what the NFL wants, a chance for every team to compete and win. The league simply does not have teams as great as the early 90s Cowboys or 80s 49ers. That makes it easier for teams such as Baltimore and Arizona to get hot and advance.
Steve (Miami)
How could the Cardinals run to the super bowl be more surprising than the Rays run to the World Series? The Rays had never had a .500 record up to last year, and at least the Cardinals were 8-8 last season. Also all it take to make the Super Bowl is 2 or 3 great games in the playoffs, while in baseball you need to win 7 games to make it to the World Series.
Mike Sando (3:08 PM)
I prefer the drama of a one-game, win-or-else situation. I would have a problem if a 13-3 team somehow missed the playoffs because an 8-8 team won its division, but we did not have that this season.
Martha, Irvine, CA
Are the Cardinals playing on barrowed time? They now play the best of the best "DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING" with the Steelers. Do the Steelers have the personnel to shut them down?
Mike Sando (3:10 PM)
The Steelers can shut down anyone, but I'll be honest. I thought the Eagles' defense was playing very well, and I thought the Eagles would give the Cardinals more problems. Arizona is very well coached offensively. Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm and Todd Haley will probably have a very good plan. I think that helps the Cardinals' chances.
Tom (Tampa, FL.)
Mr. Sando, I'm assuming that your a Seahawks fan. What happened to your team this year?
Mike Sando (3:12 PM)
You assume incorrectly. I grew up a Raiders fan. I did cover the Seahawks as a beat reporter and I follow them as part of the NFC West. They failed to deal with injuries as well as some other teams, including the Patriots and Ravens. They were also a QB-driven team, so their issues at that position affected them tremendously (until Seneca Wallace got healthy late).
Jacob (NYC)
Please post this: Big Ben isn't a top 5 player, nor is Willie Parker. They're good; they just not among the very best. So, Steeler fans, quit posting about their lack of respect.
Mike Sando (3:13 PM)
Steelers fans are complaining about a lack of respect. They should try spending a day in a Cardinals jersey. I think the Steelers are one of the most respected teams in the league, and they have earned it.
bruce(washington d.c.) [via mobile]
I know this sounds crazy, but the Card's D has been remarkable this postseason. Which defense will show up? How big of a chance do the Cardinals have?
Mike Sando (3:15 PM)
I give the Cardinals a good chance. Based on what I have seen from them lately, I expect them to stop the run effectively most of the time. They had a good plan for the Eagles. Instead of rushing upfield to get pressure and losing containment, as happened in the Week 13 game against the Eagles, Arizona stayed home and it paid off.
Mitchell (PHX ARIZONA!!!!)
I'm born and raised in Phoenix Az and been a fan since 1988. I can honestly say that i called it at the begining of the season that the Cardinals would go to the Super Bowl! But I say that every year and get dissapointed until now! We have been call the NFL's training camp franchise, now where NFC Champs Going to the Big Game!!! Larry Fitzgerald is the best WR in the NFL! Roger Cromartie Shuts down star WR. Tim Hightower picked up the slack when James wasn't putting out any offence. And Anquan Boldin is the most physical WR in the NFL. Do you think the Cardinals franchise will keep the player that brought them there and resign Boldin or trade and add room to there salary cap or trade for a 1 rd. draft pick from the Eagles?
Mike Sando (3:18 PM)
The Cardinals will have to take a deep breath after this season and make sure they do not overpay just because they made it to the Super Bowl. They do not have to make a quick decision on Boldin. He's under contract for two more seasons. They need to resolve Warner's situation, provided Warner wants to keep playing. Edgerrin James' contract calls for $5 million, so he could conceivably be gone. Cap room shouldn't prevent the Cardinals from operating.
Jerry (Bronx, NY)
When he was riding the bench,Edge repeatedly said he wanted out of Arizona at the end of this year. Does he change his mind now, and if so, do the Cardinals even WANT Edge back when they have Hightower?
Mike Sando (3:19 PM)
Hightower probably hasn't shown enough for Arizona to consider him The Man for next season. The Cardinals will bring him back, obviously, but I could see them drafting a running back. James' mindset could change.
AJ (New Orleans)
Boldin most physical receiver????...I do believe there is a man named Ward that will have something to say about that.
Mike Sando (3:19 PM)
And I would agree with you on that one. Boldin is physical. Ward is violent. There is a difference.
Pole - Hawaii
I wouldn't get to down on Boldin. He is a fierce competitor who wanted to get into the game. Contract dispute aside, I think this blows over and he contributes in the SB.
Mike Sando (3:20 PM)
I also think that situation blows over for now. As Whisenhunt said, it obviously didn't affect them. The team finished well enough to win.
Jason (State College, PA)
Everybody is talking about how much coach Wiz and Grimm know about the Steeler's weaknesses. Does anyone remember Pittsburgh still has Arians and Lebeau who would know their tendencies as coaches too?
Mike Sando (3:21 PM)
The advantage would be in knowledge of player personnel.
dave (nj)
mike,what do you make of correll buckhalter smiling,laughing and celebrating with edgerrin james after he just lost the nfc championship game yesterday? did you happen to notice that too or was it just me?
Mike Sando (3:22 PM)
That stuff can be annoying if you're a fan sitting there stunned and crestfallen when your team loses. But we've seen very good players do that after games. It reminds you that this is a business and players do not always react the way fans react.
Al (Pittsburgh, PA)
Is it an advantage that the Cards have the Steelers' former offensive coordinator as their head coach going into the Superbowl?
Mike Sando (3:23 PM)
I think Whisenhunt's knowledge of Ben Roethlisberger could help the Cardinals. The quarterback is the most important player on the field. Insights into a quarterback can help a defense.
James (Vt)
It amazes me that the Cards can make it the Superbowl on passing only. They have no running game and the defense is mediocre. Hats off the coaching, Warner, Fitz, and Boldin. Can't forget how hot Boldin started out.
Mike Sando (3:24 PM)
No running game at all? I think you are mistaken. The Cardinals have run the ball quite a bit in the playoffs. They have become balanced. That is why Kurt Warner is killing teams on play-action.
Harvey (Swords Creek, Va)
What do you think about a Super Bowl been played at Lambo??
Mike Sando (3:25 PM)
Too cold.
Matt, Steel City, PA
this game scares me being a steelers fan. Biggest reason is Ken Whisenhunt being on the opposite sideline. So who has the advantage Dick Lebeau Knowing Whisenhunts schemes or Whisenhunt maybe knowing a little about lebeaus packages
Mike Sando (3:26 PM)
I think the Cardinals' knowledge of the Steelers' personnel would give them a potential edge. But the players will win the game on the field.
Eddie (Orlando, FL)
With 7 playoff wins in his first 5 seasons, a Super Bowl win and yet another Super Bowl appearance this year, where do you think Ben Roethlisberger ranks among quarterbacks in the NFL?
Mike Sando (3:27 PM)
Near the top. He's terrific. He deserves respect as a winner. Like most winning QBs, he has also benefited from a strong supporting cast. Having a great defense allows a QB to get away with more mistakes. He knows the defense will have his back.
Tom (Tampa, Fl.)
I think Big Ben will have a huge day against Arizona. If you're Arizona? How do you stop him?
Mike Sando (3:28 PM)
You keep him in the pocket and force him to make decisions down the field against complex coverages.
Kyle (Indy)
Where are you going to be when the Super Bowl is being played?
Mike Sando (3:29 PM)
I will be in the press box.
Matt (Colorado Springs, CO)
As a Pittsburgh fan, i don't feel our TEAM gets a lack of respect. I know the team is the best in the NFL, and they play like it. And i know that everyone else respects them as a team. What i don't like is that the individual players on our team get no respect. Ben isn't a top 5 QB? Ward isn't a top 10 WR? And we can go down the list on our defense as to why there are people above Pittsburgh LBs and Safeties. I mean, really, HOW is Polamalu not in Ed Reed's league as a safety?
Mike Sando (3:29 PM)
The Steelers are about substance, not style, and perhaps that hurts them that way. But they aren't the only ones with beefs that way. Philip Rivers didn't even make the Pro Bowl
Rebuttle from James
Agree that the Cards are running more in the playoffs, but hardly anything to fear, in my opinion. What is the average yardage on the ground during their run? Seriously, the Steelers can use 3-4, dime, and quarter packages, with pass rushers up the middle, all day. No need to worry about the run.
Mike Sando (3:30 PM)
The yardage doesn't matter unless the Cardinals are losing yards on the ground. It's the threat of the run that forces defenses account for it, and that helps free up the passing game.
Jeremy (Newburgh, Indiana)
You can't say enough about Warner and all he's done for the Cards. But how much does he have left? He's 37 and is obviously better than Leinart but isn't Leinart supposed to be the future of the franchise? I think Kurt will get it done in the Super Bowl but we all know he isn't going to be around much longer. Leinart isn't the answer so you think they'll grab one of the studs in the 2010 draft?
Mike Sando (3:31 PM)
Not necessarily. Leinart has started 16 games. If Warner wants to keep playing, the Cardinals should bring him back and see what he has left. If Warner leaves, they'll need another veteran backup while they take a look at Leinart. That would be my thinking anyway.
Rob
Do you think the Steelers plan to stop the pass? If so do they AZ Cards have an advanatge in the run game?
Mike Sando (3:32 PM)
I would expect the Steelers to try to shut down the run and make the Cardinals one-dimensional, then get to Warner with pressure and force him into mistakes. That would be the goal, I think.
Alina (Hanover, PA)
I have a math final tomorrow and instead of studying, I have been reading this marathon thing all day. And I was wondering, if the cardinals win-who's the mvp. same for the steelers
Mike Sando (3:34 PM)
I'll go with Larry Fitzgerald if the Cardinals win the game. Troy Polamalu might get it if the Steelers win. Those would be two prime suspects.
Tj ( Pittsburgh, Pa)
Im a huge Steelers fan and i was at the game yesterday and i saw first hand how good the Steelers defense is. i dont see how the cards can win against them. Your thoughts.
Mike Sando (3:35 PM)
I did not see the Cardinals scoring 32 points on the Eagles. I did not see them scoring 33 against the Panthers at Carolina. They scored 30 against Atlanta the week before. They scored 29 on the Giants during the regular season. They scored 41 on the Dolphins. See where this is headed? At this point, I wouldn't put anything past Arizona.
Dan (Chandler, AZ)
I read somewhere earlier that Whisenhunt and Boldin don't really have that much of a relationship. How can that be? I mean, surely Whisenhunt doesn't shut Boldin out after the dedication he's shown to the team this year, right? Do you think Boldin is the one driving any coldness there?
Mike Sando (3:38 PM)
The Cardinals decided a heavy personnel group with 2RB and 2TE gave them the best chance to win the game. This was the group that produced the 62-yard touchdown pass in the first half. This was the group that helped close out the Panthers when Boldin missed the game. Once the Cardinals decided to use this group late in the Philly game -- and they used it nine times in the final 14 plays -- that meant only one WR was going to be on the field. They weren't going to take out Fitzgerald, that's for sure.
Bill (Pittsburgh)
Lifelong Steelers fan and agree with Colorado Matt...mostly. I believe the Steelers get respect. They have shown each season to be competitve and have had something like 4 head coaches over the last 40 years. It is truly a winning organization. Although Big Ben may manage a game well, shrug off injuries, and show maturity for such a young QB, but top 5 I don't think. And Willie Parker is not top 10. But Hines Ward is the complete package and should be considered a top receiver right now.
Mike Sando (3:39 PM)
I think Hines Ward is the epitome of what a general manager should look for in an NFL player.
Matt (Morgan, Ut)
I think the steelers will be able to get to Warner without having to blitz much. I think this gives them a big advantage because they won't have to leave openings in their pass coverage. Do you think the front line can cause havic without to much blitzing, or will they be forced to bring the house to disrupt warner.
Mike Sando (3:40 PM)
Totally agree with you in theory. That's the way I felt going into the Philly game, too. But the Cardinals' plan allowed them to find receivers before the pressure could get there, even in some jailbreak-type situations. I do not think the Cardinals can do that for a full game and beat the Steelers. But if they run the ball halfway decently and get more turnovers from their defense, then I think Arizona can solve the Steelers and win the game.
Al (Fairfax, VA)
Whisenhunt & Grimm vs. Tomlin. Tomlin "won" the Steelers headcoaching position. Russ Grimm and Whisenhunt have to have hard feelings against the Rooneys for not choosing either of them to be the post-Cowher head coach. What are your thoughts on this match up and how the past will play into this game?
Mike Sando (3:43 PM)
Grimm would have hard feelings. Whisenhunt explained today that he took the Arizona job before the Steelers dove into a full week of interviews, so he had pretty much made the decision to move on. You can't accuse the Steelers of making the wrong choice. They are in the Super Bowl -- again. The Cardinals could have a better feel for the Steelers' personnel, and if they can parlay that into disrupting Roethlisberger, that could influence the outcome. Mostly, though, I think those ties affect how the participants feel about winning or losing. Grimm will definitely savor this if the Cardinals win.
Marc (West Point, NY)
Another Super Bowl win gives Pittsburgh six, more than any other team, if they win do we call them the greatest franchise?
Mike Sando (3:44 PM)
I would have no problem with that. The Steelers make good decisions on hiring coaches and they have the patience to stick with coaches. That gives them stability, which is important.
Jason (Greeley, CO)
Mike, how well do you think the Cards TEs Pope and Patrick played yesterday? Spach had played so well and I thought the offense would hurt without them, but the offense still moved pretty well. Do you think they will need play a big part for the Cards to have success in the Super Bowl?
Mike Sando (3:45 PM)
Arizona went away from its 1RB,1TE,3WR offense Sunday and I think Stephen Spach's absence might have influenced their thinking some. The tight ends did not stand out to me on a first-watch basis. I'll look at them more closely when I watch the game again. I know Todd Haley said they were concerned about losing Spach because Spach was blocking well in the run game.
John (San Francisco, California)
Alright, a couple of questions here. First, can Warner and Fitzgerald still dominate against Pitt's D? And even if they do, will it be enough for the Cards to win?
Mike Sando (3:47 PM)
Fitzgerald can dominate against anyone. I thought the Cardinals did a very good job creating favorable matchups and I think they'll have some success that way in this game. I was highly impressed with Arizona's ability to find receivers quickly against pressure.
(AP) Boynton Beach,Florida
Mike this has all the makings of the Oakland-Tampa Bay Buccaneers superbowl back in 2003 where Jon Gruden beat his old team what do you think?
Mike Sando (3:49 PM)
Not really. Gruden was new to the Bucs, but the Raiders were the high-flying offensive team in that one, and the Bucs' defense overwhelmed them.
Garret (Washington, DC)
Hi Mike. How much of a factor will crowd play in SB, especially if as expected, Steelers fans outnumber heavily Arizona fans?
Mike Sando (3:50 PM)
I think Steelers fans will dominate the stands and turn this into a friendly atmosphere for their team.
Dennis (Des Moines)
Big Bears fan and I don't hate either one of these teams I am going for AZ, but the question I have with you is a matchup not many ppl talk about who would you take Breaston or Deshea b/c I think whoever wins the game one of those 2 ppl will be a big reason why. I dont know why I think that but its just a feeling
Mike Sando (3:50 PM)
That depends to a degree on how much the Cardinals use three or more receivers. They went with two or fewer receivers about 50 percent of the time Sunday.
kevin Wilmore PA
Dont u think Dick Lebeau would have the advantage noing whiz's tendencies? its been two years since whiz and ben and i think ben has matured!
Mike Sando (3:51 PM)
You probably make a great point about Roethlisberger having matured. Whisenhunt alluded to that today. A more mature Roethlisberger could make it harder for the Cardinals to scheme him based on anything Whisenhunt might know about him.
Chaz (St. Louis, MO)
What was the stadium like on Sunday? I had heard it was going to be mostly Philly fans, what were the percentages of each team roughly?
Mike Sando (3:53 PM)
It had to be about 90-95 percent Cardinals fans. Eagles fans made themselves heard at times, but the stands were a sea of red. There weren't nearly as many Eagles fans as some expected. The Cardinals limited ticket sales to Arizona residents. The Vikings and Cowboys had far more of their fans at University of Phoenix Stadium when Minnesota and Dallas played the Cardinals earlier in the season.
petrack
Mike, If I'm Arizona, I'm keeping my head on a swivel! that Pittsburgh team is violent on all sides of the ball!
Mike Sando (3:53 PM)
Yes. They remind me of Adrian Wilson.
Prince (Pittsburgh)
I don't think it's fair to call Ben a game manager. Unlike Trent Dilfer and others that have that tag, Ben can and will, drive the team down the field in the fourth quarter and win games. I'm pretty sure he has a record for fourth quarter comebacks.
Mike Sando (3:54 PM)
Ben can also extend plays with his feet. That's why I think the Cardinals might be better off keeping him in the pocket.
Mitch (San Francisco, CA)
How can the Cardinals defense stop Willie Parker if the Steelers commit to running him like they did in the Chargers game? Honestly, I don't know the Cards D personnel - have they had much success against the run?
Mike Sando (3:56 PM)
They are very, very good against the run when they stay disciplined. They were one of three teams to hold the Giants to 90 or fewer yards on the ground. They shut down Michael Turner. They got ahead early on the Panthers, taking DeAngelo Williams out of the game. Teams can gash the Cardinals for big plays if Arizona starts trying to make big plays at the expense of their assignments. That is the internal battle Arizona fights.
Bill (Portland)
How will the Steelers slow down Larry FItzgerald?
Mike Sando (3:57 PM)
By getting to Kurt Warner. They will also probably try to jam Fitzgerald at the line. DBs can't afford to turn and try to find the ball against Fitzgerald. They have to hit him and then see the ball early.
Shawn (Pittsburgh)
The Cards have never gone up against a defense like The Steelers have Warner will get sacked and will be under presure and if Larry goes over the middle Troy and Clark will knock his head off
Mike Sando (3:58 PM)
Pressure up the middle can make an older QB look his age. The Steelers have a chance to do that in this game. But Warner had an answer for the Eagles.
Mike Sando (3:59 PM)
I'll be handing off the baton to AFC North blogging legend James Walker. Have a good one.
James Walker (4:00 PM)
Thanks, Mike. I will see you in Tampa next week. Until then, let's keep the party going.
Steiny (NYC)
Do you think Kokinis is a good fit in Cleveland?
James Walker (4:03 PM)
Steiny, my friend. What's going on? I won't be going into too many Cleveland questions today. But since Kokinis works for Baltimore, which played yesterday, I'll get to this one. The big question mark with Kokinis is how much of his fingerprints were really on the Ravens. It was the same question with Phil Savage. So until you see a person get full control of the 53-man roster, you don't know for sure. But in talking to a few people, it could be a decent hire.
Don (Harrisburg PA)
James, How much influence and advantage do you think Whisenhunt and Grimm have, having both coached there just two years ago. In addition with some of the ex-Steelers that they scooped up? AKA Pittsburgh West of the Arizona Steelers (ooh, that gave me a chill).
James Walker (4:06 PM)
I think this is perhaps the biggest advantage Arizona has. Whiz and Grimm know Pittsburgh's personnel, and that's very important. They know what key players do well and don't do well, and they can prepare to take away those things in the Super Bowl.
Charlie (Mesa, AZ)
Would the Steelers have rathered face the Cards or the Eagles, and why.
James Walker (4:08 PM)
Good question. Philadelphia would have presented Pittsburgh with a lot more problems, I believe. It showed in the regular season meeting. But Arizona is a tough matchup as well, but any team at this point (the Super Bowl) would have been a tough matchup. Pittsburgh could have a lot more success offensively against Arizona's defense.
Cayne (Federal Way, WA)
VICE VERSA: Who were the Cardinals rooting for to win the AFC?
James Walker (4:10 PM)
The Cardinals would have preferred Baltimore, but not by much. Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore are mirror images, except the Steelers have a veteran quarterback and a little bit better defense.
Anthony Pittsburgh, PA
Mr. Walker, you've been covering the AFC North all season. Do you think the Steelers are at the top of their game going into the Super Bowl?
James Walker (4:13 PM)
Pittsburgh has been consistent all year. But this is as good as I've seen the Steelers play against elite competition. They are winning in the playoffs relatively comfortably. They've had double-digit leads at some point in every game. I would be nervous about another two weeks off though. I don't think Pittsburgh needs it, with the exception of Hines Ward.
ryan (boston)
espn recently rated steelers fans #1 in the NFL...do you think we'll see the same fan turnout we did for SB XL in Detroit...where 85% of fans were waving Terrible Towels?
James Walker (4:15 PM)
I expect a dominant Steelers crowd in Tampa. Steeler Nation travels better than any fanbase. And, not to down the Cardinals, but they're following is not very strong. It's no secret.
Feltope: (Chandler, Arizona)
Oh come on James, you don't think Big Ben is a product of his environment (don't get me wrong I am not invoking the scheme BS that people do) I mean a bad ass defense making his job a whole lot easier.
James Walker (4:18 PM)
It's hard to win games in the NFL, and Ben is doing it at a higher rate than anyone right now. You can point to a lot of things positive and negative, but winning matters most in my book.
Steve (LA)
JW, how do you see Arizona's offensive strategy vs. PIT defense?
James Walker (4:20 PM)
The Cardinals are not going to change what got them here. That wouldn't be smart. They're going to air it out to Fitzgerald and the rest of their WRs and see if Pittsburgh can stop it. No one has so far this postseason.
Alex, Danville , IN
Leftwich looks good every time he plays, should he be the starter?
James Walker (4:21 PM)
In the words of ESPN's Cris Carter, "C'mon, man!"
Nick
When will Big Ben's o-line start blcoking for him? It seems every other play he gets nailed in the backfield.
James Walker (4:24 PM)
Nick, the o-line is playing pretty well. Ben was only sacked once against San Diego, and Ben held the ball a lot against a fast defense in Baltimore. Some of Ben's plays lasted eight, nine, 10 seconds on Sunday.
James Walker (4:24 PM)
You know what, Nick. The o-line is playing pretty well. Ben was only sacked once against San Diego, and Ben held the ball a lot against a fast defense in Baltimore. Some of Ben's plays lasted eight, nine, 10 seconds on Sunday.
Ryan, Pitt
Where do you rank this Steelers D with regards to other top ranked Ds in the past?
James Walker (4:26 PM)
It's a great defense, Ryan. One of the best I've seen in recent years. But I'm not going to go any further until I see if they can finish the job. The best defenses of all-time (Steel Curtain, 85 Bears, 2000 Ravens) all won championships.
Aaron slc ut [via mobile]
Why all the question about steelers and cards not belonging in sb? Steelers made everyone look bad even in loses. Cards just impressed.
James Walker (4:29 PM)
I haven't heard many questions about the Steelers not belonging. ESPN.com picked a Steelers-Giants Super Bowl at the midseason point. As far as the Cards, I think they're getting a lot more respect than they did a week ago.
James Walker (4:31 PM)
Man, time is going fast. It's already time to pass it off to Kevin. I could go another hour easily. But I would hold up the process here.
Kevin Seifert (4:33 PM)
Hi everyone. Kevin Seifert here to finish out the marathon. I wish I could say there is a speed-related reason why I'm the anchor, but I think it's just a random occurrence. Anyway. Let's get back to it.
Brian (Michigan)
Kevin, after watching the Cardinals, I'm a little more optimistic about my Lions. I mean, they have two very important things going for them. They get no respect! Nobody believes in them! Lions in Super Bowl 2012. It could happen.
Kevin Seifert (4:34 PM)
Hold on there, Brian. Remember, the Cardinals were 8-8 last season and seemed to be building something. The Lions were 0-16. If the finish 8-8 in 2009, then maybe you'll be on to something.
Jerry (Bronx, NY)
Kevin, maybe you'll answer this for me Chris Mortensen reports Rex Ryan has agreed to a four-year contract to become the next head coach of the Jets. Where does that leave the Ravens D next year, especially with Suggs and Lewis in free-agency?
Kevin Seifert (4:35 PM)
I think the Ravens will be in serious rebuilding mode, at least on defense. Check out Tim Graham's blog post on them over on the AFC North blog. This might have been the last go-around for this nucleus.
Tom (Asbury Park, NJ)
Do you think that Anquan Boldin will be a Buccaneer in 2009? The Bucs have $46 mil in cap room, a winning QB, a young coach with whom he can relate to, and an offense built perfectly for his style of play.
Kevin Seifert (4:36 PM)
We don't know what the Bucs' new GM has in store but I do think it's very clear that Boldin doesn't want to be with the Cardinals next season. He didn't seem very celebratory after Sunday's game.
JR (Hampton Beach)
I'll be the first to say it.. Anquan Boldin for super bowl MVP!
Kevin Seifert (4:37 PM)
That would be the best way to get a big offer in the offseason.
MrsIshman,B'ham,AL
I guess noone is going to answer my question? I wanted to know what does it take for the Steelers D to curb the Cardinals. I know Fitz can't be shut out, but it must be something we can do. I've seen that Kurt has an answer for the blitz....so now what?
Kevin Seifert (4:39 PM)
Yes, the problem is that Warner was the best QB against the blitz this season. So that leaves two options: The Steelers can use the next two weeks to come up with some blitz packages that he hasn't seen before. Or, he can take a page out of a few opponents' gameplans in 2008. A little known fact is that Warner can be confused by coverages. I know of at least one team, the Vikings, who changed the way their safeties lined up before the snap and totally threw off Warner's reads. Something as simple as that could make him uncomfortable in the pocket against the Steelers, whether or not they get a big rush on him.
DP, Arizona
Regardless of of the SB outcome, do you see Kurt Warner going to the Hall of Fame?
Kevin Seifert (4:40 PM)
I think you can make an argument that Warner is now one of the best quarterbacks of his era. That's a pretty solid criteria for the Hall of Fame. Remember, no quarterback has started and won the Super Bowl for two different teams. Warner could be the first.
robin (pittsburgh, PA)
Kevin, what do think about Cowher picking the CARDS?
Kevin Seifert (4:41 PM)
I think it's great and on a side note, it's one of the reasons Cowher is a good, credible television analyst. He tells it like it is and doesn't feel obligated to lean one way or the other based on his past associations. I didn't hear what his justifications were but it's definitely not the easy answer for him, so I like that.
Kelvin (Dayton)
Do you think McNabb deserves the blame for the loss to the Cards? I think that he made up for his first half with that second half performance. The D was the one that seemed to ignore the fact that you should double Fitz.
Kevin Seifert (4:42 PM)
No, I wouldn't say it was McNabb's fault. He led them back from an 18-point deficit and got them a lead in the fourth quarter. If anything, the Eagles' defense failed them by allowing that long drive.
Dan NY
Do you believe these are the best two teams in each conference?
Kevin Seifert (4:44 PM)
Tennessee had a better record, but I think you can make the argument that Pittsburgh was the best AFC team throughout the regular season. No one would suggest that Arizona was the best NFC team, but that doesn't matter. It's about who plays best in the playoffs, and that's what the Cardinals have done.
Deanna Pittsburgh,PA
Kevin, Why does it seem that everyone on this blog thinks the Cardinals are a better team? They are hot now but it is different in the Super Bowl
Kevin Seifert (4:45 PM)
You can't underestimate a team being on a roll. See the Giants last year. But I would argue that the Steelers are playing at a pretty high level, too. I don't think the Cardinals are a better team. But they are playing well enough that they could beat the Steelers. That's all that matters.
Nev, NY
do you think that the steelers will double fitzgerald knowing that boldin is on the other side(which was one of the leaders in touchdown cathces this season)?
Kevin Seifert (4:46 PM)
They should try, but I've been really impressed with how the Cardinals' offensive coaches have gotten Fitzgerald into single coverage almost against the will of the defense. It's not like Warner is throwing to Fitzgerald when he's triple-covered. And it's not like defenses are intentionally leaving him singled up. The Cardinals are scheming new ways to get him in those situations, which is a huge credit to them.
Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh)
Should I hire a new offensive coordinator this offseason?
Kevin Seifert (4:47 PM)
That's going to be an interesting dilemma. He sort of inherited Bruce Arians. I wonder if he'll scour the league for a more dynamic play-caller.
Jordan (Des Moines, IA)
If you were the GM of the Cardinals, what's the biggest challenge facing Arizona this offseason? what weakness would you address in the off season? or are they fine the way they are?
Kevin Seifert (4:48 PM)
Honestly, it's going to be a challenge to deal with Warner. He's a pending free agent and has probably made himself a lot of money during the playoffs. I don't see how the Cardinals can't bring him back, but you never know what they could be thinking with Matt Leinart sitting on the bench.
Derek, MN
Why did Boldin yell at the Cards' offensive coordinator?
Kevin Seifert (4:49 PM)
I don't know with 100 percent certainty, but most people were presuming he was upset to be on the sideline while the Cardinals were running a 1-receiver formation.
Bryan, Phoenix
Regardless of the SB outcome, how do you think the Cards will be viewed coming into next year? A top level team, or a mediocre over-achiever?
Kevin Seifert (4:50 PM)
Interesting question.They'll be favored to win the West again, I would guess. But I don't think they'll be considered a Super Bowl favorite. Preseason predictions don't mean much, but I'm sure people will still have their doubts.
Steiny (NYC)
Hey Kevin, how are you doing today?
Kevin Seifert (4:51 PM)
Little tired, Steiny, but I'll make it. Good to see you.
Jayson New York, NY
I don't think the cardinals can deal with the steelers pass rush
Kevin Seifert (4:52 PM)
Could be. But we should point out that Warner has dealt pretty well with the rush this season.
Dennis (Modesto, CA)
Could coach Whiz have thrown a challenge flag to question the spot of the ball on that out of bounds kick...just to get the refs to view their mistake?
Kevin Seifert (4:52 PM)
No. Once the ball was ruled to have been out of bounds, the play is dead and it's not reviewable.
Scott (Baltimore)
What are we to make of Limus Sweed? The guy has found a way to get open everytime he has been on the field, but can't catch the darn ball. (I do like that Hines taught him how to block!)
Kevin Seifert (4:53 PM)
My experience is that you can either catch the ball or you can't. If you see a guy consistently dropping it, that's a huge warning sign. He might make a big play every now and then, but you can't count on him. And improving your hands is not something that you should be working on at the NFL level.
Joe, MN
Are you related to george?
Kevin Seifert (4:54 PM)
Nope, sorry.
Dennis Green (former Phoenix resident)
Why is Ken Whisenhunt having so much more success than i had? i mean the Cardinals are who i thought they were. what makes this guy have the "it" factor?
Kevin Seifert (4:54 PM)
He's brought a level of toughness and competitiveness that the Cardinals haven't had since, well, 1947. I think Russ Grimm has a lot to do with that as well.
sam (larchmont, NY)
what team has the biggest weakness and if so what is it?
Kevin Seifert (4:55 PM)
The Cardinals' defense pretty much collapsed in the second half against Philly. They have to have a more consistent game in the Super Bowl.
Tom (Ocean, NJ)
Do you think Donovan is done in Philly? If so, do you think he'll wind up playing for Tampa under Raheem Morris in 2009?
Kevin Seifert (4:56 PM)
I don't think he's done there, and I don't know that Tampa would be the best fit. (First we have to know who Morris is going to hire as his offensive coordinator.) Don't rule out Chicago or Minnesota if McNabb eventually does become available.
Nev, NY
which quarterback is playing better right now? kurt or ben?
Kevin Seifert (4:57 PM)
Based on the championship game, I don't think you can put anyone ahead of Kurt Warner right now.
David (Berkeley, Ca)
Hi Kevin. I would really like to get your thoughts on Arizona's offensive line. I can see Harrison having a monster game--3-4 sacks. What do you think?
Kevin Seifert (4:58 PM)
Yes, they're going to need tight end help and they've lost their main blocker, Stephen Spach. That's a good matchup to watch on the edges.
Gabe (STL, MO)
I know you have trouble answering questions, but I haven't seen this one asked to any of the "experts." You guys answer the same questions. Could the game be determined by who has a better game, Troy Polamula or Adrian Wilson?
Kevin Seifert (4:58 PM)
If one of them makes a game-changing play, sure.
Terrell Owens (Dallas, TX)
Kevin! what's all this Fitzgerald #1 receiver talk? you know I'm the best! show everyone your list of top 5 receivers in the NFL. if you put me first, i'll workout in my drive way with all the reporters around me!
Kevin Seifert (4:59 PM)
Funny, TO. Right now, Fitzgerald is the best in the business.
Kevin Seifert (4:59 PM)
Ok, thanks everyone for chatting during this monster edition of the NFL chat. Have at great evening!
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