KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

Good afternoon! Was that Super Bowl a great way to end the season or what?

Tricie Cleveland, OH

I've just return from overseas and finally had the chance to catch up on my sports. I saw that eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Browns, is that a good move or bad move?

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

Yes and maybe. He has more to work with on defense than generally thought but it's whether or not he can get something out of the offense that will determine if he is successful. I think he will and I like the signing.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Forgive me if my enthusiasm about the Super Bowl is a bit tempered. The last time the Vikings played in one, I was still learning long division.

KC Joyner

  (4:03 PM)

Well, when you look at it from that perspective I guess it's a bad thing but I thought it was one of the most entertaining Super Bowls ever.

Ed (Saginaw, MI)

Hi KC.....Love your work. Two years ago you had Texans CB-Fred Bennett rated as one of the top corners in the game. Last year, was very rough for him. Can he bounce back? Do the Texan's even give him that chance?

KC Joyner

  (4:04 PM)

He ended up last year with an 8.0 YPA. To put that in perspective, it's just below the mid point of the league, so it's not as if he had a horrible season, just one that was appreciably worse than the one before. I'm thinking it was a soph slump more than anything and Houston will give him more chances to bounce back.

Steve (Moscow, ID)

What are the biggest differences between McDaniel's offense and Shanahan's offense? Big changes for Denver on offense or just little wrinkles?

KC Joyner

  (4:06 PM)

McDaniels uses more man blocking and it seems that he likes to go vertical more often. Another thought is that McDaniels will be willing to change his O to fit the talent, which is something Shanahan sometimes seemed unwilling to do.

Mike (az)

KC, Ive never known true sports pain like a super bowl defeat. Heck of a ride it was for us cardinals fans though and hopefully this will be something they can build on. Kind of strange to be a fan of a team with "expectations" going forward, never had that before. Hopefully your chats will continue through the off-season but thanks for all the in season chats.

KC Joyner

  (4:06 PM)

Mike, I'm always glad to have an Arizona perspective! You were writing in questions well before this run began so if anyone deserved to bask in a bit of Cardinals glory, it was you.

AJ (Pittsburgh, PA)

Do you believe in the Myron Cope curse? TJ Housh wipped his shoes with it, Bengals lost in playoffs. Titans stomped on it, lost in playoffs. Is there a spirit watching over the Steelers?

KC Joyner

  (4:07 PM)

It's not quite the SI cover curse but there is enough evidence that I wouldn't disrespect the towel if I were another team!

Ryan (San Diego)

I wonder if the Steelers will win a super bowl when the refs aren't being discussed heavily in the days after. Some of the calls were ridiculous against AZ and noncalls on pitt

KC Joyner

  (4:09 PM)

I've heard this contention but the roughing the passer call was the only one that seemed unnecessary. The Hood holding call was also borderline but you could see a handful of jersey being pulled so it was technically the correct call.

Damon (Butler, NJ)

What's up KC. Long time no speak! Quick question on my Jets. Do you think Rex Ryan can turn Gholston into a productive player? He was just brutal last year, and I don't need your metrics to tell me that! Thanks in advance.

KC Joyner

  (4:11 PM)

Gholston did have some pretty brutal metrics in the Jets games I broke down. I think what Ryan will try and do is find one or two things Gholston can do well and ask him to do those on a consistent basis. He'll get some kind of productivity but I wouldn't bet the farm Gholston is a Pro Bowler next year.

Mike (Cincinnati Ohio)

KC, Mike Brown has a reputation for being cheap in Cincinnati. Do you think it is possible that he would let TJ, one of the best recievers in the league go?

KC Joyner

  (4:12 PM)

The WR free agent market doesn't have a lot of top of the line talent, so Housh might get a much better offer this year than he might in other years. If that happens, it would not be a surprise to see him leave Cincy.

Mike (az)

I am not about to say the officiating determined the outcome of the game, although the roughing the passer was more than just suspect. My biggest grievance was the lack of excessive celebration penalty. The head of the refs association (his name escapes me) said it should have been called but "it happened so far after the play." That is simply not the case, in fact when you watch the video of the td celebration, you can clearly see the ref walking away right behind Holmes, just not paying attention. He simply failed to do his job and continue to watch the player after the play was finished.

KC Joyner

  (4:14 PM)

One of the problems officials have is that they really don't want to decide the outcome of a game. Pittsburgh had just made one of the best comeback drives in NFL history and the officials probably got caught up in that. Even with that, I didn't see the officiating deciding this game.

chauncey (teaneck)

Is Big Ben now an elite QB?

KC Joyner

  (4:15 PM)

Absolutely. There are very few QBs who could have won the Super Bowl with that O line and that says he can carry a team on his shoulders.

Aaron (KC)

KC, Whats up? Based on your research what positions should the Vikings be targeting via trade,draft or free agency? Answer then feel free to que book plug...

KC Joyner

  (4:17 PM)

The Vikes are in a really good position in that it doesn't look like they have a strong need at any position (assuming Jackson works out as the QB). That means they can go for depth and youth in their O line and secondary.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Joyner: While the finish in this past Super Bowl was entertaining, I don't think the overall game even makes it into the top five. Giants-Pats from last year, Pats/Panthers, Giants/Bills, 49ers/Bengals ('The John Candy Game'), and Rams/Titans were all better games just off of the top of my head. Why do you think this one was the best ever?

KC Joyner

  (4:19 PM)

I don't think it was the best ever, as I'd take Super Bowl 14 or 25 over it. I also thought it had a much more entertaining first half than did 49ers-Bengals and Rams-Titans. The finish was also better than 49ers-Bengals because both teams came up with the lead.

Mike (Cincinnati Ohio)

Buy or Sell... Calvin Johnson is the best wide reciever in the league. He's done what Fitz and Johnson have, minus the O-line and offense support.

KC Joyner

  (4:20 PM)

I'd sell on that based on the postseason but on a regular season basis, I'd be very tempted to buy.

Jeff (Macon, GA)

A lot of analysts have Miami picking a WR with the #1 pick. I think they go best player on defense (although trading down for more picks is a big possibility). What's your take?

KC Joyner

  (4:21 PM)

With no offense to Greg Camarillo, when he is your best wideout, you have a draft need at that position. I see the Fins going in that direction.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

'assuming Jackson works out as the QB.' Thanks for making me spit soda all over my keyboard.

KC Joyner

  (4:22 PM)

I'm not responsible for any computer damage that occurs during these chats!

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Do you foresee the Steelers looking at any OL in free agency? If so, can you name a few?

KC Joyner

  (4:24 PM)

I'd be shocked if they didn't go after an OL in FA. I don't have any inside skinny on this but given how poorly Hartwig played this year, I wouldn't be shocked to see them pursue Jeff Saturday.

Mike (Cincinnati Ohio)

Another Super Bowl note... before the James Harrison fumble return, he was involved in a scuffle where he repeatedly punched an Arizona Cardinal player. In my opinion it was flagerent enough to where he should have been ejected. Result: Harrisson never returns the fumble, Cardinals go in the half up 4.

KC Joyner

  (4:25 PM)

I've got to give you that one.

Jared (Harrisonburg)

Hey KC! Where do your see Florida's Percy Harvin ending up in the draft? Do you think it was a mistake for him to leave early?

KC Joyner

  (4:26 PM)

Harvin right now looks to be drafted in the first two rounds and has a decent shot at going in the first round. His value wasn't going to go up much more so coming out now seems to be a good move for him.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

You mean you don't think Devone Bess can be a viable WR option for the Dolphins?

KC Joyner

  (4:26 PM)

Now you're trying to make me spill stuff on my keyboard!

Dave (Pittsburgh)

What do you see Pittsburgh doing to shore up their offensive line, Ben can't keep getting sacked 50 times a year.

KC Joyner

  (4:28 PM)

I see them taking a shotgun approach and trying to shore the OL up in both the draft and free agency. Their current starters simply have too many weaknesses to not address the issue.

Stan (Cumberland,MD)

Ok everyone is talking about the clipping on the James Harrison INT return but what about Fitzgerald engage in the tackle while still out of bounds or not getting back inbounds in a timely matter?

KC Joyner

  (4:29 PM)

Good point from Stan on a non-call against Arizona. Not a good day to be an official, that's for sure.

Dee (Greenville, NC)

I thought that Harrison stuff happened in the second half? Doesn't matter anyways...not really sure why they wouldn't just throw a fade to Larry in the corner of the endzone instead of trying to rifle a pass in the middle of coverage in the first place. It's not like Harrison ran from the other side of the field to make the pick.....he was right there in Kurt's line of sight. Be smart throw the ball away and take the FG instead of being greedy.

KC Joyner

  (4:30 PM)

I'm with you on that fade. I even told my son to be on the lookout for that before the play, as I was hoping it would show him what a fade route was. The Cards did it later in the game for a TD and that just hammered the point home they should have done it earlier as well.

Doc (TN)

The Harrison penalty happened after the return. Also, it was an interception and not a fumble.

KC Joyner

  (4:30 PM)

Good eye from Doc!

Kyle (Baltimore, MD)

Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson... why? Can Bralyon Edwards stop dropping the ball?

KC Joyner

  (4:31 PM)

Quinn because Anderson can't seem to get his bad decision rate in check. And Braylon will always have problems with the drops. His hands just don't work together well.

Mike (Cincinnati Ohio)

Yes the Colts and Titans are excellent teams, but look out for the Houston Texans next year. They finally found a rushing attack which they have lacked for several years, asserting themselves as one of the best offenses in the league. They already have a great defensive line and with a little help in the secondary, they might sneak into the playoffs

KC Joyner

  (4:33 PM)

Houston needs two things to make a playoff run. First, their D line needs to play up to its talent level (other than Williams, who is already doing that). They also need more interceptions (I believe they had only 12 of those last year) so they need a CB or safety who can grab some picks. If they hit on both of those, they'll be in the postseason in 2009.

Adam (Detroit)

Who do the lions take 1st overall?...Or do they trade the pick?

KC Joyner

  (4:34 PM)

Percy Harvin. Oh, wait, Millen isn't with them anymore.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Was Al Davis a good choice for head coach of the Raiders, and yes I do mean Al Davis and not Tom Cable?

KC Joyner

  (4:35 PM)

Let's give Cable some credit. He had that team playing hard the second half of the year and it was a key reason they finished strong and upset TB in week 17. Al made a good choice in keeping him on board.

Ben (Indianapolis, IN)

Bill Polian mentioned in an interview that a quality wide receiver is a top priority for them. I know they don't have much cap room but if they cut Marvin, do you think the Colts may spring for Boldin or Housh? Maybe Haynesworth?

KC Joyner

  (4:36 PM)

The Colts will spend big money on great players and since Marvin simply isn't what he used to be anymore, either of those scenarios would not surprise me.

Jared (Harrisonburg)

Why do you think Arizona's (and previous Steeler coach) Russ Grimm continues to be interviewed but not selected as a head coach?

KC Joyner

  (4:37 PM)

This year the issue was that he was not immediately available due to the playoff run. If the Cards do well for another year or two, Grimm will get his HC shot.

Adam (Detroit)

Harvin does not fit the mold for a lions 1st pick. He is way too small...they'll take Crabtree for sure...then take Harvin at 20.

KC Joyner

  (4:38 PM)

More Lions bashing from the Great Lakes state!

Steve (Moscow, ID)

Tom Cable?! As a University of Idaho grad and a Broncos fan I can't WAIT to see what Cable does with the Raiders. Tom Cable's Idaho teams were SO bad that first downs were celebrated like Super Bowl wins.

KC Joyner

  (4:40 PM)

That's rough but I still can't get that week 17 win out of my head. It was one of the best games the Raiders have played in a while and it was on the road against a team that had a ton to play for.

Evan (IN)

Do you think Kyle Orton can be a consistent, successful QB in the NFL? If so, do you see him doing it in a Bears uniform?

KC Joyner

  (4:40 PM)

If you had asked me that a couple of seasons ago I would have say no way but last year changed my mind on Orton. He'll get the Bears to the playoffs sooner rather than later.

Anthony (NYC)

KC with the metrics that you have on Fitzgerald over the past three seasons, is there any other WR putting up comparable numbers to him? or is there WR when the same neighborhood as Fitz?

KC Joyner

  (4:42 PM)

Reggie Wayne has comparable stats to Fitz over the past three years, so from that standpoint he's not in a class by himself.

J (Milwaukee)

Should the Bills sign Greer and let McGee walk next year? They have 30 mil under the cap so signing him wouldnt cripple any further moves.

KC Joyner

  (4:44 PM)

You can never have too many good CBs and Greer is definitely one of those, so they should sign him if they can.

CB (Maine)

Whats your opinion on Tom Brady's comeback. Cassel last year proved to be a very mobile QB that opened up another dimension in the Pat's offense, do you see him getting a possible nod over Brady?

KC Joyner

  (4:45 PM)

If Tom Brady came back healthy and ready to go, he's the starter hands down. Cassel had one good year but you don't bench a Brady unless you absolutely have to.

Jonathan (WV)

Is the Cowboys goin to the superbowl next year?

KC Joyner

  (4:46 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas didn't even with the division next year. The NFC East is the toughest division in the league and the Boys will have their hands full.

Scott (Bloomington, IN)

I'm not sure how you can say the Dolphins will draft a WR with their #1 pick. Camarillo is certainly not their best WR. I'd say thats a toss up between Devone Bess and Ginn. If they don't pick a WR, shouldn't they try and bolster that O-Line for Ricky and Ronnie to run through?

KC Joyner

  (4:48 PM)

I've graded just over half of the Fins games this year and their O line graded out very well in run blocking. I'm not sold that Bess or Ginn is ready to be a #1 wideout but whether or not they draft one will probably depend on who falls their way.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Rumor has it that the Cowboys have added four weeks of vacation to Tony Romo's contract. The only stipulation is that he must take them all in December.

KC Joyner

  (4:49 PM)

Ouch! Before we throw Romo under the bus, let's not forget how the Boys played in week 16. He's got some things to prove but metric-wise, Romo is still one of the best out there.

Joey (SCar)

Why did the Jets not leap at the chance and drag in Bill Cowher at head coach? Or was it more that Cowher didnt want to coach?

KC Joyner

  (4:51 PM)

It probably had to do with Cowher not wanting to coach but I'd also point out something from my book Blindsided. I took a look at the historical records of 10+ year coaches and it showed that after that amount of time in the league, a head coach simply isn't nearly as good as he was earlier in his career. In other words, Cowher would have been the big name but history shows it would not have been the best hire.

Sean (Philly)

I have been looking around for something to do my last hour at work and I have been missing the Football Scientist...

KC Joyner

  (4:52 PM)

We're in a recession and yet still my chat drains productive hours away from employees. Well, just don't blame me if it turns into a depression!

Mike (Cincinnati Ohio)

In your opinion, does Kurt Warner deserve to make the Hall of Fame?

KC Joyner

  (4:54 PM)

My issue with this is if we look at the past 10 years and name the five best QBs, it isn't at all clear Warner makes the list. Brady and Peyton are 1-2, Ben could make a strong case for 3 and McNabb easily makes the top five. Warner might fit in there but do we put him in Canton if that is the best showing we can make for him? I'm not sold on that.

Shovick (Emporia, KS)

what do you think chiefs should focus there number 3 pick on besides a QB?

KC Joyner

  (4:55 PM)

This may sound crazy but I wouldn't necessarily draft a QB. Thigpen looked great after a rough start and given how many holes the Chiefs have, they could afford to pass over the QB spot if they so desired.

AK (NYC)

Sorry, late to the chat: For all the Cards fans complaining about the calls, re-watch the game and see how many times Harrison didn't get a warranted holding call when rushing the QB. He gets held literally EVERY TIME.

KC Joyner

  (4:55 PM)

AK, I somewhat agree with you but Arizona did get hit with a lot of holding penalties.

John (NY)

In case Farve doesnt come back next year, whats ur take on Clemons getting the start? Or should they look for someone else in the draft?

KC Joyner

  (4:57 PM)

Max Kellerman asked me this very question on ESPN Radio NYC a couple of weeks ago and my take then was the Jets should take a hard look at JP Losman. Losman's metrics have been great and he's a fiery guy who could rally the offense around him if given the chance. I'd take him over Clemens any day of the week.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Joyner: If I were you, I'd add extra security around my house. The entire city of Philadelphia may be there with torches and pitchforks for putting McNabb in your top five QBs (for the record, I agree with you).

KC Joyner

  (4:58 PM)

Yeah, that will be the case until he pilots them to another win over Dallas to cinch a playoff berth.

Scott( OkC)

Bad decision metric question: Is it ever a bad decision to throw the ball up to Fitzgerald even if he's doubled? Is there anyway to account for this?

KC Joyner

  (4:59 PM)

It's a bad decision only if it turns into a turnover or a near turnover (e.g. dropped interception), so as long as Fitz catches it, it's a good decision.

Adam (Jersey)

What do you make of the Bucs QB situation? Should they try to bring back Garcia or develop McCown/Josh Johnson?

KC Joyner

  (5:00 PM)

It depends on what TB wants. Garcia is the best pick right at this moment but he's got very little tread left on that tire. I'd consider getting a younger QB in there.

David (TX)

When is Andre Johnson going to be recognized as the best WR in football like I have?

KC Joyner

  (5:02 PM)

It will probably take the Texans to make some kind of postseason run. Once he shows his wares to a national audience, he'll lay at least a partial claim to that moniker. Well, I've got to hit the road now. Hope to see you all next week!