Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

Good afternoon from the home office in Coral Springs, Fla. That call that I was supposed to get at 3 p.m., the one that pushed the chat back an hour? I didn't get it. So I'm not too happy with that. If he calls, I'll have to stop for 15 minutes or so. Sorry in advance is that comes to pass.

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

Let's get started ...

Jorge E. (Honduras)

hey tim...any rumors (or chance) the pats make a trade these days for a LB ??

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

There's a big rumor out there right now that the Cowboys want to trade Greg Ellis and that they've targeted the Patriots and Bengals as the best trade partners.

Lawrence (Bath,NY)

Why does the media continue to slam the Bills for not getting OT help? The coaching staff obviously believes they have all the talent that they need because they had a chance in the draft to pick up one of the top OT and didn't and haven't jumped on the Levi Jones train yet either. Shouldn't that be a hint that the staff and Front office is satisfied with what is already there?

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

Their coaching staff and front office have believed a lot of things. I don't think they've earned anybody's trust after nine straight years of missing the playoffs.

Matt (Santa Clara)

If the Bills finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs this year is Dick Jauron still the H.C. in 2010? If not, then who?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

I think the Bills could justify bringing Jauron back at 9-7 against one of the hardest schedules in the league and in a division that includes the Patriots.

JR (Florida)

Tim, I'm kind of glad Taylor decided to join the Dolphins. He could have choose the money and a chance to be a SB champion, but he choose his family instead. It's good to see it when athletes set a positive example.

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

It is good to see. I hope all of those Dolfans who mercilessly ripped Taylor of "Dancing With the Stars" can show the guy some of the respect he deserves. He was vilified here last year, and he was just a few months removed from winning the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Steve (NY)

Tim, is there really a noticeable difference with Gholston or is all the "looks great" and "will be a major contributor" stuff from Ryan just posturing?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

Ryan could be trying to prop up Gholston's psyche by saying these things in the media. I don't think we'll know whether Gholston is starting to "get it" until training camp.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Hey Tim, when is the grand unveiling of your new file photo?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

We have a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Larry (Charlotte,NC)

Who will have the better year- Felix Jones, Marion Barber or Tashard Choice?

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

I'm a big Felix Jones fan. Love the way he plays. I like his long-term future over the other two, but he's coming off that injury. We might not see Jones at his best for a bit.

Paul Kuharsky

I've seen that new photo. It's not any better. You can't improve that ugly mug...

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

As opposed to your photo, with the booking numbers cropped out under your chin.

Joe(Syracuse, Ny)

Hey Tim do you get a bonus if an AFC EAST team wins the super bowl?

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

My bonus would be covering the Super Bowl. That's about it. In fact, I'm sure my hourly wage would go way down based on the workload.

Nick (Boston)

Someone who plays video games for a living, and who gave himself the name "Victory X", has the front page over you. Worth mentioning.

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

That has to be the greatest job in the world.

Ogre (Adams College)

Video games are for NERDS!

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

I don't know. I'll bet Ogre played Pong back in the day.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

Are you going to watch the TO reality show when it airs?

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

I think I'll have to. I might have to write about it. What if he starts ripping Dick Jauron or Trent Edwards ... or the city? What if he predicts the Bills will win the Super Bowl? I'll have to monitor it.

Tom (Boston)

Roughly, what do practice squad players make? is it very variable?

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

They make $5,200 a week in season. Nothing out of season.

Matt (Santa Clara)

Have to? Its ok to admit it Tim, you WANT to.

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

I'll want to see the debut just to get an idea of what it's about, but after monitoring however-many weeks of Jason Taylor on "Dancing With the Stars" when I was covering the Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post, no thank you. I prefer to live my life.

Jake, Buffalo NY

What are your AFC EAST 2009 standings predictions? Do you think Terrell Owens will have a good year?

Tim Graham

  (4:15 PM)

1. Patriots, 2. Dolphins, 3. Jets, 4. Bills.

Tim Graham

  (4:15 PM)

I do believe Owens will have a good season. I predict he'll lead the team in catches, but Evans will lead in yards.

D. William Parcells

I think there is a 67.9% chance that you will be a regular viewer of TO's reality show.

Clayton (Lake Charles, La) [via mobile]

Tim, do you think with the addition of Gibril Wilson,Eric Green and draft picks Davis and Smith,the Miami secondary will be able to contain offenses from getting big yards on long passes?

Tim Graham

  (4:17 PM)

There are a lot of questions at cornerback for Miami. Eric Green is decent, and it's hard to trust rookies at that spot. They're going to have their hands full. I'm not convinced they'll be OK until Davis or Smith shows he's ready to start.

Zack, NYC

They should re-name this chat "Anything Tim is interested in talking about.. and maybe some AFC east talk along the way".. really irritates me when you take horrible questions about video games over some legit football questions. You're fired.

Tim Graham

  (4:19 PM)

I didn't know this chat had a name to begin with.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul against Zack for whining about a chat that he doesn't have to sit through, 15 yards and repeat 2nd down.

Mike( Miami)

Tim, what is the loudest stadium in the NFL?

Tim Graham

  (4:21 PM)

That for me is hard to answer because I'm usually behind thick glass in the press box. Some press boxes let in more sound than others, but the loudest I've personally experienced as a fan is Three Rivers.

Drew (Buffalo)

Little follow up to Mikes question, how many stadiums have you been to?

Tim Graham

  (4:22 PM)

Off the top of my head, probably 25, including some that have been torn down.

Matt

Someone asked that AFC South guy (his name escapes me, haha) which he least liked reporting about, Brett Favre or Michael Vick. He said tie but then added on Vince Young and Pacman Jones later. Who or what do you least like reporting on?

Tim Graham

  (4:25 PM)

I don't get sick of players, but I do tire of story lines easily. The Favre saga last summer, where Jason Taylor would end up ... I dislike big questions that loom for a long time. But when I have a player who generates buzz such as Terrell Owens or Brett Favre in place, then I have no problem writing about him every day if that's what fans want.

Tim Graham

  (4:25 PM)

But I'll add this: I'm getting worn out by some of the Terrell Owens angles. The Associated Press went house shopping with him this week.

Victor Felix Calipatria CA [via mobile]

What are your predictions for the AFC west standings? Do you think the Oakland Raiders will at least have an 8-8 season?

Tim Graham

  (4:27 PM)

ESPN.com will unveil its preseason power rankings on Tuesday. I had them in this order: Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs without records. If Vegas presented me with an over-under of 8 wins for the Raiders, I'd take the under. While we're at it, my other AFC divisional winners were the Steelers and Colts (I mentioned the Patriots earlier).

Bill Belichick (aka God)

Hey Tim, I need some input. I'm looking back and forth at Burgess (raiders) and Ellis(cowboys), who do you think i should pick up to play some OLB? If your advice works out...I'll offer you a position as a scout next year.

Tim Graham

  (4:28 PM)

I'd go with Burgess based on youth.

Bill (Fairfax, VA)

Biggest impact rookie this year in the AFC East?

Tim Graham

  (4:31 PM)

There's such a learning curve for all of the top picks, I don't envision any of them stepping in like Jerod Mayo and making his presence felt ... Aaron Maybin will do the most good things. Mark Sanchez is the better player, but you have to expect a lot of shaky moments if he wins the job.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal use of the hands against Bill Belichick for referring to himself as God when everyone knows that the real God would never get caught wearing the clothes that Bill wears, 10 yards and it is now 3rd down.

Tim Graham

  (4:32 PM)

I'm going to throw the red flag, Ed. Jesus did wear some pretty ratty duds.

Jesse (Boise, ID)

With an over/under of 7, what are you taking for how long it takes the Jets fans to turn on Sanchez if he starts?

Tim Graham

  (4:33 PM)

7 what? Minutes? Under.

Tim's Cell Phone (Tim's Pocket)

I'm not going to ring....no interview today!!! Oh yeah, put the keys back in here I need someone to talk to.

Drew (Buffalo)

WHAT! The play is under review by chatter initiation?! A chat first?!

Josh (Pennsylvania)

Ricky Williams mentioned earlier this week that he plans to retire after the 2010 season. Currently he is signed through the end of the 2009 season. With his desire to play only two more seasons, do you see Miami extending his contract for that extra season, or could Ricky really play his final NFL season in another city?

Tim Graham

  (4:35 PM)

I'm guessing that when Ricky said that he wasn't even considering the terms of his contract. He generally speaks in philosophical terms and, at that moment, was saying he felt he had two more years left in him.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

After review Jesus wore understated clothes because he was modest and pious. Belichic is a notoriously arrogant millionaire. Penalty stands, chat host loses a time out. Still third down.

Tim Graham

  (4:36 PM)

Understated? I had no idea he was so fashion-conscious.

Drew (Buffalo)

WHOA. Hoch means business today.

Tim Graham

  (4:36 PM)

I actually received two different responses from people claiming to be Ed. I can only hope I picked the authentic version. [Post-chat edit: I have learned that was not the real Chat Ref, but that the Chat Ref agreed with the impostor's call, if not the misspelling.]

Kevin marionOhio [via mobile]

What chances do the browns have at winning season this year?

Tim Graham

  (4:37 PM)

14 percent

Mike (Rochester)

So you'll answer the exact same question about Ronnie Brown, but not about T.O.? Interesting......

Tim Graham

  (4:37 PM)

I see probably 10 percent of the questions and comments that get asked. Sorry.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Is there any question Miami has the best looking cheerleaders? Have you seen the women in New York and Boston? Ugh.

Tim Graham

  (4:39 PM)

I don't know if I have ever seen any ugly group of cheerleaders that would make me say "ugh."

Qwksilver: (Davie, Florida)

Tim, wouldn't Referee Ben Dreith "giving him the Business" do a better job at officiating this chat?

Tim Graham

  (4:40 PM)

Absolutely not. Ed's an institution around here, sir.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

What team do you think Vick will end up with, if any? Wouldn't Miami make the most sense since they started the Wildcat?

Tim Graham

  (4:41 PM)

Jeff Ireland told me a couple months ago there was no interest. A knowledgeable source with the Bills laughed at me when I asked. That leaves the Jets and Patriots as teams I can't answer to. A lot of analysts see Vick as a fit with the Patriots. I think it would be fun to see Belichick use him, but I'm not sure how Vick would fit in with the Patriots family.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

Go check out www.buffalojills.net, there are a few that will make you go "ugh" for sure and I'm a Bills fan.

Tim Graham

  (4:42 PM)

But you can't rank an entire team of cheerleaders as ugly. Well, beyond the high school level anyway. I saw some motley crews in the Portage County League.

Carlos (Atlanta)

Tim you might laugh at me for this, but mark my words.....Vick will be a Bill when he plays cause Vick + T.O. = sell-outs, tv ratings, and playoffs

Tim Graham

  (4:43 PM)

The Bills will sell out without him. They've already sold 50,000 season tickets.

Jarod NYC NY

Because of all this stupid ref stuff and stupid dumb bantor I will never come to this chat again. My first time and last time. I will find other things to do with my time like stare at a wall. Thanks for nothing.

Tim Graham

  (4:43 PM)

See ya.

Casey (Tamarac, FL)

Tim, I'll ask again. Did Ronnie Brown look overweight at the Dolphins OTA's?

Tim Graham

  (4:45 PM)

The Dolphins have had only one open OTA, and that was they day I was returning from meetings at ESPN headquarters. Can't help you.

Heather (Chapel Hill, NC)

I'm a Patriots fan, but I'm categorically against adding him to the team.

Nick (Boston)

Ooo, sorry Carlos. We were looking for 'felonies.' Felonies. Good effort though.

Mike (Rochester)

You're crazy Carlos. Buffalo doesn't sign thugs. They sign them BEFORE they become thugs.

JR (Florida)

On a scale of 1-10, how ironic would it be if Vick ended up with the Browns?

Tim Graham

  (4:46 PM)

It would open up a lot of marketing possibilities.

Shawn (oh)

What's TO going to do with the key to Buffalo?

Tim Graham

  (4:47 PM)

Maybe use it to lock his medicine cabinet.

tee(phoenix,az)

if vick returns does he return to pre-prison form?

Tim Graham

  (4:48 PM)

Not a chance. There will be a lot of rust, and he's missing OTAs. He eventually will get back to that form because he's young enough, but it will take months.

George

Who is the least reliable source widely used for inside information in the league? *cough*Drew Rosenhaus*cough*

Tim Graham

  (4:49 PM)

I don't consider Drew unreliable at all. I consider him too passionate sometimes and tries to turn predictions into a self-fulfilling prophesy because, when it comes to getting his players traded, that approach sometimes works.

Jeremy (GA)

IF Vick does come back, and thats a big if. I hope he fins a home in the AFC and somewhere that doesn't come down south. Can you imagine the media circus for his return to the ATL in another uniform. That would be something!!!!

Tim Graham

  (4:51 PM)

That's another factor I haven't really considered. The AFC East plays the NFC South this year.

Michael (Leesburg, VA)

I know people are concerned about Mark Sanchez and his photo shoot giving him an inflated ego, but at least he didn't pose with a goat.

Tim Graham

  (4:52 PM)

Excellent point. But I think Tom Brady's Super Bowl rings let him get away with goat poses.

Tim Graham

  (4:54 PM)

Here's a hint for a few of you: If you've asked your question about Ricky Williams' drug tests or Michael Vick's dog problems 35 times and I haven't answered it yet, I'm not going to.

Tim Graham

  (4:55 PM)

When you keep sending the same questions over and over again, it bumps all the people who are nicely asking one at a time.

Jesse (Boise, ID)

What's the longest sitting you have ever had playing a video/computer game? What game?

Tim Graham

  (4:55 PM)

When I was still in high school and on Christmas break I'm sure I went more than 24 hours on the old Nintendo.

Scott (Colorado Spings, CO)

They should have a section on these chats where all the questions pop up so we can see what everyone posts. I think people would understand better why thier questions arn't answered.

Tim Graham

  (4:56 PM)

There are profanity/libel issues to letting people post whatever they want. But you would see how fast they come in.

Paul Kuharsky (Nashville)

Tell the truth, you have one eye on this chat and one eye on your Dungeons & Dragons game.

Tim Graham

  (4:57 PM)

I had to stop playing because my 12-sided die rolled under my desk.

Randy

Tim, do you ever visit the message boards to see what fans are discussing about their teams?

Tim Graham

  (4:59 PM)

I am a member of Two Bills Drive because I knew some people there from my days working for the Buffalo News and of FinHeaven from when I covered the Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. I'd love some recommendations for the best Patriots and Jets boards.

Shawn (oh)

Do you attend all of the AFC East training camps and if so who runs the best camp?

Tim Graham

  (5:01 PM)

The Jets have a new coach and are switching locales, so I can't rate them. The Bills provide the best access to the players and coaches from a media standpoint. I wish every team allowed that kind of interaction.

Rich, Batavia NY

What type of affects will it have on Sanchez if he cracks the 1st string and totally bombs his first year? Being NY and all w/ all the added pressure, do you think this makes for a more difficult ascent to regain credibility/good play?

Tim Graham

  (5:02 PM)

The good thing about Sanchez is if he struggled it shouldn't be because he's taking a beating a la David Carr. The Jets have a solid O-line. If Sanchez sputters it shouldn't be a situation where he exits the season shell shocked.

brian (de)

Who will be the slot receiver in Miami this year... Bess or Camarillo? Or will Cam be on the PUP list?

Tim Graham

  (5:03 PM)

I think it's Bess' position to lose because he played well enough after Camarillo went down with his knee injury, and Camarillo will need some time get back to full speed.

Anthony (NYC)

Tim if you were a D-Coordinator which scheme would you use 4-3 or 3-4? Why?

Tim Graham

  (5:05 PM)

3-4 ... I think it's tougher on opposing quarterbacks (ask Trent Edwards).

Aaron (Buffalo, NY)

I am impressed your Nintendo stayed on for 24 consecutive hours.

Tim Graham

  (5:06 PM)

Nintendos were pretty unreliable, weren't they? I HATED when the console would fry my Baseball Stars season every time before we got to the championship.

brian (de)

What is your name on FinHeaven and do you post on there?

Tim Graham

  (5:08 PM)

Any time I've signed up for a message board, it's always been TimGraham.

Scott (NM)

Favorite nintendo game Tim?

Tim Graham

  (5:08 PM)

Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, Tecmo Bowl or Baseball Stars ... although Pro Wrestling holds a special place in my heart.

stephen (keller tx) [via mobile]

Why does everyone assume brady will come back like nothing happened it takes everyone almost 2 yrs too come back from acl. He is not super human

Tim Graham

  (5:09 PM)

Peyton Manning came back from his knee injury and was MVP.

Dan (Gleasack)

Whowas your idol as a kid?

Tim Graham

  (5:12 PM)

I worshiped Walter Payton. I wore his number in high school. He was the perfect combination of athleticism and class. I also was a huge Dwight Gooden fan because he was the first star athlete that was remotely my age. When he dominated at 19, that was huge. But when the drug issues kicked in, I learned not to invest in just anybody.

Jorge taunton ma [via mobile]

I don't y im botherin askin the followin since it's an actuall football question n u dont seem 2 imterested in answering them. Have u seen any of the PATS ota's and if so what player stand out the most

Tim Graham

  (5:14 PM)

Since you asked so eloquently, no I haven't seen any Patriots OTAs. They have had only one that was open to the media, and it was for the young guys. I'll be there next week when all the players are there.

Drew (Buffalo)

The chess team had jerseys?!?!

Tim Graham

  (5:15 PM)

I'm a terrible chess player. That's why I play video games.

Brad(NM)

Who do you find is the most personable Buffalo Bill? Ever go out for drinks with any of the guys?

Tim Graham

  (5:16 PM)

They are loaded with great guys: Gibran Hamdan might be at the top. Fred Jackson, Donte Whitner, Josh Reed. I will purposely ignore the second question.

Scott (NM)

I actaully saw someone beat Tyson by decision. I have multiple witnesses. Did you even know it was programmed into the game that lil' Mac could win by decision?

Tim Graham

  (5:17 PM)

Two of my greatest accomplishments ever: It took me about two years to get to Tyson because I couldn't beat that guy before him. I kept quitting the game in disgust and coming back to it. Finally, I beat the guy and get to Tyson. And I knocked him out. His blinking tell was so obvious.

Tim Graham

  (5:18 PM)

And the other: The first time I ever bowled, I was a sophomore in college. About five or six frames in I converted a 7-10.

Craig (Quincy, MA)

Are you ignoring the second part of the question because you were the one responsible for Donte Whitner getting tased?

Tim Graham

  (5:19 PM)

I was not carrying a gun. That night.

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

Your greatest accomplishments ever where bowling and video games? Get a life.

Tim Graham

  (5:20 PM)

I'll tell you what, John. Let's take a look at your submissions and we'll see who needs to get a life.

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

If you people wanted to talk video games, why didn't you talk to the pro gamer who was just here? TALK SPORTS!!!

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

Buzzmaster, I know you run the chats. I know you're reading this. Start posting real stuff and not stuff about chess teams or any of that crap.

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

ESPN chats are kind of sad. People can talk about chess teams and stuff, but very few people talk about sports. Change that. CHANGE IT NOW!!!!!

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

I ADMIT THAT TOM BRADY, CAPTAIN KIRK, AND SKIP BAYLESS WAS ME!!! WHAT WILL THE PATS RECORD BE?!?!?!?!

John (BEHIND YOU!!!)

Who are your early predictions to win each division?

Tim Graham

  (5:22 PM)

Now, is yelling into the darkness your idea of having a life?

Tim Graham

  (5:23 PM)

Thanks to everybody for stopping by. Have a great holiday weekend.