Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

Greetings from the home office in Coral Springs, Fla. I just returned home from South Beach, where the Dolphins had their long-overdue awards dinner. Don Shula, Dan Marino and new owner Stephen Ross were there along with coach Tony Sparano and the award winners. Nice event at the legendary Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant.

Tim Graham

  (2:52 PM)

Let's get started a little early.

Cosmo (NYC)

Word is, Ted Ginn Jr. is starting to "get it". Do you think he can turn into a true # 1 in the NFL. Do you think once Henne takes over, Ginns skill set could be maximized?

Tim Graham

  (2:54 PM)

Ginn is starting to get it. The game is slowing down for him. When he breaks the huddle he has a certain mental comfort that he knows where to line up, what keys to look for in the defense and how to adjust. He has reached that coveted reflex mode where he's just playing and not thinking so much.

Tim Graham

  (2:56 PM)

But my definition of a No. 1 receiver, as explained in my most recent AFC East mailbag, Matt Williamson from Scouts Inc. is another one who sees it similarly: A No. 1 receiver is a category that goes beyond simply being the team's best receiver, that there maybe are only 12 or 15 true No. 1 receivers in the league.

Tim Graham

  (2:56 PM)

So I wouldn't classify Ginn as a traditional No. 1, but I think he will be Miami's best receiver.

Jim Tampa

Why hasn't KC Brian Waters being traded to Buffalo happened yet? Roscoe wants out...don't you think a straight up trade makes sense for both teams?

Tim Graham

  (2:57 PM)

That trade makes zero sense. Waters is a four-time Pro Bowler, including last year, and two-time All Pro. Parrish is a backup slot receiver and punt returner.

Nick (Buffalo, NY)

You're the man Tim! Can't wait for you to come back to Buffalo! A topic of a personal debate recently: between Paul Posluszny of the Bills and Jerod Mayo of the Patriots, who's the more highly-regarded LB in league circles? Thanks!

Tim Graham

  (2:59 PM)

Jerod Mayo. What he did as a rookie last year was phenomenal. He needs to make more game-changing plays (sacks, turnovers), but he's dynamite as a tackler. Posluszny will be a very good linebacker for many years, but he hasn't shown as much as Mayo yet.

Dylan (New York)

How quickly will fans turn on Rex Ryan if he doesn't back up his statements? I love his confidence but he seems to be taking a huge risk by making all these bold predictions.

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

I think Jets fans will be patient for a bit (by their standards) because they like Ryan's act and their enamored with Sanchez. But if they're struggling after four games, sentiment will turn.

dave auburn

what do you think of the jets chances this year?

Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

If they can get consistent play from their quarterback, whoever he is, they can contend for a playoff spot because of their defense.

Chaz (Mom's Couch)

Want some meatloaf?

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

I don't. But I recently tried meatloaf pizza at Gillette Stadium, and it was sensational. I wish I could remember the pizzeria. Anybody out there know of a popular Foxborough pizza joint that makes a meatloaf pie?

Ryan (Buffalo, NY)

Tim, how's the housing search going?

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

Terrell Owens is having as much luck as I am. Believe it or not, the market in Buffalo is red hot. Houses selling in a week and with multiple offers. That makes it tough to buy from so far away. By the time I could see it in person, it's sold. The banks aren't being too kind to homeowners these days, either.

Xander (Philly)

How much will Harrison's retirement hurt NE?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

Not at all on the field. He'd already lost a step or two and was becoming a liability in the pass game. They did fine without him last year. They liked what they saw of Brandon Meriweather and added Patrick Chung in the draft. They'll be fine at safety.

TO (streets of Buffalo)

How do you feel about my extreme usage of "LOL" and exclamation points in my tweets?

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

It's like when they added the laugh track on "MASH." It drags down the show.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Look at you, with the new picture! Congrats on not looking like a acne-faced teenager. Keep up the good work. Word!

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

I still look like an greasy adolescent in real life.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Did you hear TO's interview on a Dallas radio station yesterday? The guy lives in denial. http://www.theticket.com/Podcasts/tabid/474/Default.aspx

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Maybe the housing market is better in denial than in suburban Buffalo.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

The new picture is kinda scary though, better than the Progressive chick in the banner at least.

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Better watch it, now. I'm a big Flo fan.

Mr. Jasper (Madison, MS)

Tim, can you give us any info or insight on Shawn Nelson out of OTA's in Buffalo? Should we be concerned? Also, was that real estate agent just using the high pressure sales tactic on T.O. to buy instead of rent?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Dick Jauron said he missed practice for personal reasons and is expected back for minicamp next week. I wouldn't worry about it.

TO [via twitter]

LOLZ @ Tm Grahm. He dsnt lyk my LOLS and !!!!!!!!!! in my tweets. LOL!!!!!! WOW!!!!

Stevie Johnson (Buffalo, NY)

I see you are jumping on my bandwagon now. I am calling at least 6 TD's this year for me!! Mark my words!!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

Jumping on your bandwagon? I told people about you last year in training camp. So stick it.

Jacob: Washington, DC:

Which wide reciever tandem will put up better numbers this year: Moss/Welker or Evans/Owens?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

Great question ... The Bills have greater long-ball potential because you have two No. 1-types compared to a No. 1 and a slot. But the Patriots have Tom Brady, so I'm going with Moss and Welker.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul against TO for using Twitter, 15 yards and repeat 2nd down

Jethro (Los Altos CA)

Tim, is the saving of Vernon Gholsten Rex Ryan's white whale or something he might actually get done? I mean, if he could actually be a quality starter, that is a ferocious LB corps...

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

I'm not sure, but I think part of what Ryan is doing right now in talking up Gholston in the press is building up the kid's confidence. The raw talent is there. I'm sure Ryan is passionate about molding that into a force. But I don't think we'll know what kind of progress Gholston has made until we see him in training camp.

Eileen (Baltimore)

Hey Tim, do you see the Steelers and Patriots being seriously challenged by the Chargers this season?

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

I do. Shawne Merriman will mean about as much to San Diego's defense and Tom Brady will to New England's offense.

JP Losman (Who knows!?)

Tim, Will anyone sign me this year?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

The odds are long. Isolate yourself in a hyperbaric chamber and root for a pandemic.

Nick (Bills, NY) :

so tim, legit, how old were you in the old pic??

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

It was my Buffalo News photo after I'd been there a few years, so my guess is 32 or 33.

TO [via twitter]:

LOLZ @ jp lsman. He wil nvr get a job LOL!!!!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

I think he's begging for an ejection, Ed.

Dylan (New York)

Will Dustin Keller be a top 10 TE this year?

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

In terms of receiving, I absolutely can see it. First of all, he's good enough. But also helping his chances will be greater opportunity. The Jets have gotten rid of Chris Baker, and Bubba Franks can't stay on the field.

Matt (Augusta, GA)

Outside of Tom Brady again, what would be the most devastating injury for a team in the AFC East?

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

So many names are popping into my head ...

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

But THE biggest loss aside from Brady probably would be Ronnie Brown. I don't think Ricky Williams can carry the load by himself.

Dan (Philly)

Will the Jets upgrade at WR? If not who will be their most productive 2nd receiver?

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

Unless something dramatic happens (Plaxico Burress, Anquan Boldin), the second receiver probably will be Chansi Stuckey.

Jacob: Washington, DC

Tim, I noticed when you broke down the WR tandems you called Evans and Owens "Number-1 types" does that mean in your opinion that they aren't 2 of your 15 No. 1 recievers?

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

They're No. 1ish. Owens is a No. 1, but slowing down a bit. Evans has that ability, but he hasn't been a week in, week out game-changer ... yet.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim, got a wedding tomorrow and the reception is at Pearl Street. Do I go with the Lake Effect Pale Ale or Saber's Edge Double IPA?

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

Lake Effect is pretty good ...

Eric (Syracuse, NY)

Better prospect coming out of College, Aaron Maybin or Vernon Gholston (I hate the JEST)

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

Gholston, but we see how far that got him.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

We have two fouls on the play. We have a personal foul against TO for continued use of Twitter. We have another personal foul, also against TO, for unnecessary roughness in claiming that JP Losman will not find a job in the NFL. By rule, TO is ejected from the chat. First down

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

That's the third ejection in AFC East chat history. I keep stats on this stuff.

Mike (his cubicle)

Tim, do you have assistants who see the questions and then relay them to you? Or do you do this all on your own? Just curious as to how this all works on your end.

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

I do it all on my lonesome.

Clay (Charlotte)

Since Brady is the fashion guy, do you think he could pull of the full lenght mink coat on the sideline ala Broadway Joe?

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

I've seen Randy Moss do it after Patriots games, so all Brady would have to do it grab one out of Moss' locker. I think Brady would make it work ... unless he also had a little dog tucked under his arm.

David (Buffalo)

How do you see the suspension playing out for Beastmode? Will he be able to get it down to 1 game?

Tim Graham

  (3:31 PM)

I highly doubt it. Goodell might knock it down to two, but I'm not so sure of that, either.

Steven - Rhode Island

Tim, Is Donald Thomas out for the year for the Phins? Who will take his spot at right guard?

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

Thomas is not out for the year, but he's expected to miss most of the summer. He has been working out on his own.

Big Dick, Fort Mohave, AZ.

will anyone in buffalo rent a place to t.o. or will he have to commute from his driveway

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

Well, if he doesn't have a place to live, then he wouldn't have a driveway.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

Tim, are you a Guinness drinker? If so, I'd suggest the 250 anniversary stout. Best beer I ever drank out of a bottle.

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

Not a Guiness drinker. I'm all about volume, and a beer that heavy affects my nightly production.

Fred Jackson (OTAs)

I'm better than Leon Washington and the perfect complement to Marshawn Lynch. Both of us are going for over 1,000 yards on the ground this year.

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

That's what Ricky Williams said about him and Ronnie Brown last year. (Insert your own joke here.)

John Daly (An alley)

"Tim Graham: (3:33 PM ET ) Not a Guiness drinker. I'm all about volume, and a beer that heavy affects my nightly production." - I knew there was a reason I liked you.

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

An alley? That's an upgrade from the tree lawn.

Sean (Williamsville, NY)

Timmmay!!! Whats going on man! Whats your take on Greg Ellis? Who do you think will land him? Buffalo, NE, or someone else? Go Sabres!

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

The Patriots would have the inside track. They still need pass rush help. If the Bills pursue Ellis, I'd begin to worry about the impression Aaron Maybin is making on the Bills coaches.

Nick (Bills, NY) :

Tim, you host a solid man chat...Football, beers, videogames, im into it... great friday! oh and i was at the post square festivities last night, still have not gone to bed!

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

You're a trooper ... By the way, tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of Tetris.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

So what is your favorite widely available beer?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

I love Stella on tap. It might not be my favorite, but it's what I've been drinking lately. Hoegaarden, Yuengling ...

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

For the record, no fruit in the Hoegaarden. Same with Blue Moon.

Mutt

So with Thomas hurt again and Smiley missing significant time the last few years are we likely to see a Berger and Frye guard combo in Miami?

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

That's good. It goes with that Lemon-Peelle pass combination from 2007.

Jeff(Boston)

Give me a PBR on tap.

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

The first beer I ever tasted. So it has a special place in my heart. But that's not a beer I would choose if I had options.

David (Lake Minnetonka)

Who is more likely to be a starting NFL QB this fall...Favre or Vick?

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

Favre. If Vick finds employment, he will need to knock off an awful lot of rust to get on the field.

Sean, (Greensboro, NC)

Tim either go back to Buffalo or come to Greensboro(I read Buffalo News online)!! Your columns are awesome! This once a week crap ain't cuttin it! I need more T.G.!!! Anyways do you see the Bills going after anymore Free Agents before minicamp? Thanks

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

You're obviously a moron, but I'll answer your question anyway. I think the Bills will make minor adjustments between now and training camp because, with the exception of a guy like Greg Ellis, everybody has been picked over. Maybe if another teams makes a surprise cut ...

Bored ( at work)

How come you haven't mentioned on the day of the draft, Dick Jauron took Levitre and got Wood. This stuff writes itself Tim

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

That it does.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Which writer was/is more miserable: Jerry Sullivan or Ernest Hemingway?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

As a writer or as a person?

HP in PA

If another "acorn" fell off a tree, what would be the position the Dolphins would most like to see it at?

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

Guard

Matt (Tobaccoville,NC)

Has the Miami line been beefed up enough to give Ronnie the support he needs to have an awesome season? Do you see Miami using Ricky as a support role, giving Ronnie atleast 20 carried?

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

The Dolphins view the addition of Jake Grove at center to be the key to their run game. He's an ox. The tackles are set. Now they need their guards to stay healthy, and they're already encountering turbulence there. But the Dolphins like what they have to work with.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

Does Henne really have a shot at starting this season? All I need is another QB from my favorite college FB team coming back to haunt me.

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

He has a shot, but neither scenario I see would be positive for Dolfans. Either Pennington gets hurt or stops getting the job done. I don't see Henne beating our Pennington at camp. Pennington is the team leader and took them to the playoffs last year.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Just wanted to put this out there : Jimmy Fallon is terrible......

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

I've started to warm up to him, but NBC did him some favors this week by booking some strong guests to make sure Conan watchers stuck around. But he's incredibly awkward.

ron (buffalo)

Any word on Levi Jones going anywhere let alone Buffalo

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

I've heard nothing about Levi Jones for a couple weeks, but I know that he didn't intend to sign anywhere until after minicamps anyway.

chaz (sa tx)

greg ellis release from dallas a salary cap move or an age move? couldn't they have traded him for some young talent?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

They tried to trade him but couldn't find any takers. I think they decided to part ways because of a combination of wanting to get younger players involved and money.

Bryan- MA

Tim, what are your thoughts on Rex Ryan's comments about the Patriots?

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

I liked what he had to say. It sends a message back to his players more than anything else. He's telling the world that he believes in his guys. It's easy to see why Ravens players were so loyal to him.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

A quick search of alumni on the Baldwin-Wallace College website reveals...0 results for Tim Graham. Care to explain?

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

I'm on the Wikipedia page, right above the guy Joe Pesci played in JFK.

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

But I wouldn't claim me either.

Alaska (Nebraska)

Is Sean Smith practicing with the first team already a good sign for the rookie or a warning sign for the secondary?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

Good sign for Smith. It means he has shown more than Vontae Davis so far.

Kyle (Boston, MA)

Tim, my meeting is over - I can't wait to waste some time reading this week's chat.

Tim Graham

  (4:03 PM)

"Waste some time" is right.

Drew (Buffalo)

What about high school? Did you go to St Ignatius?

Tim Graham

  (4:03 PM)

No, small school in Portage County: Windham.

Jeremy (Easton, Pa)

I'm a big fan of Conan but he seems to be one of those "love him or hate him" personalities. Do you think he has what it takes to become the new king of late-night?

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

He has been really impressive this week. But they've had a long time to gear up for the first few shows. I think we need to wait until he starts grinding it out in July or August.

mr.245/Cucamong,calfornia

Now please give me a honest answer,Do u think Miami can win 10 games this season?

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

Of course, they can. It will be difficult, but they're talented enough to contend.

matt (grand rapids, mi)

Is this a sports chat, or Tim Graham spped dating?? How strange that all these sport guys want to know your high school, fave beer, tv programs, yada, yada, yada ....

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

You've obviously stuck around long enough to follow what's been going on. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to drop a line.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim, matt in grand rapids is on to us. You might want to delete those emails.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Can you let Matt know that most people are killing time at work on Friday afternoon and would rather NOT talk about the AFC East?

Ryan (Buffalo, NY)

Tim, how long does this chat go on?

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

I need to bail at 4:30.

Nick (Bills, NY) :

hey matt if you dont like it go back to work BRO

Matt (Augusta, GA)

Why haven't Zubaz pants made a comeback?

Tim Graham

  (4:09 PM)

They're too hot for the summer and too thin for the winter.

ron (buffalo)

What is all this Vick to buffalo garbage? Do you think there is any whey that would happen?

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

I've been informed by a reliable team source there's no way in hades that's happening.

Sean (Williamsville, NY)

Who is your fantasy sleeper of the year this year? Oh and get a hold of T.O. and tell him my retired parents have a house in Amherst if he wants it! They love drama!

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

I love Felix Jones.

Kevin Ryan, Seattle

Seriously Tim who do I talk to at ESPN to ask them how you get paid to do a AFC East NFL Chat and talk about other things? It is like hiring a lawyer and having him give you finance tips. If I wanted finance tips I would hire a financial adviser.

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

I don't get paid for this. I volunteer. I don't have to do them at all.

D. William Parcells

Tim, I think there is a 3.9 percent chance that Zubaz makes a comeback. However, if they do I am going to wear them all the time.

Brett (Minn.)

You mentioned Ronnie Browns' importance to the Fins which begs the question: Who has the deepest running back corps in the AFCE?

Tim Graham

  (4:12 PM)

Tough choice between the Bills and Patriots. I'll go with the Patriots because they go four deep.

Cosmo (anytown, USA)

We have 20 minutes - I suggest we spend it trying to guess what Matt from Michigan's fave beer/tv shows are and where he went to HS. I'm going with Schlitz, Maury, and he got a GED when he was 20. Am I right, Matty?

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

I have to defend Maury. I watch him not once, but twice a day down here.

Maury

Tim....you are....NOT the father!

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal procedure against Kevin in Seattle for whining about a chat he doesn't have to be in, 5 yards and repeat 2nd down

Brett (Minn.)

Does that mean you're banking on Laurence Maroney to finally have a healthy season?

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

I'd never bank on that.

Matt (Augusta, GA)

Milwaukee's Best, Magnum P.I. re-runs, homeschooled.

Corey WV

You think the Jets could be the best defense in the NFL?

Aaron Miami Fl

Pat White, gloves or no gloves?

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

I can't imagine him playing in the humidity down here with those gloves on. Kurt Warner does it in Arizona, so I guess it's possible, but I get the impression Tony Sparano would rather White not wear gloves.

Tim Graham

  (4:19 PM)

But -- and this is a big but -- if you want to keep the defense guessing, the best way would be for White to wear gloves all the time. He'd probably prefer them to catch, so keeping them on would remove a potential tell.

Dave

Do the Fins and joey porter know that people learned how to beat the wildcat?

Tim Graham

  (4:21 PM)

The Wildcat was such a minor part of their offense. Sure, it made for great highlights, but go back and check out Chad Pennington's passing stats. He had one long Wildcat throw. Other than that, it was all conventional offense.

none of ya

come on now man why do you have to ignore people. i try you all the time and have never got one response im done reading your stuff and supporting you

Tim Graham

  (4:21 PM)

I wish I knew who you were so I could miss you.

GR365 Goffstown NH

Tim, what has Rex done to deserve instant credibility in the AFC east? The only D coor. from Balto. with a ring is Marvin Lewis, No?

Tim Graham

  (4:23 PM)

As a coordinator, that's true. But Ryan was there for 10 years and has been involved with some great defenses. But I think what also sets him apart is his personality. Players love him and want to play for him. Will that matter? Maybe, maybe not. Herm Edwards' players loved him, too.

Anthony (NYC)

Tim prior to the draft I felt Sean Smith was one of the top 3 DBs, yet he was a late 2nd rd pick. Was that due to the fact that he played at Utah? And is Vontae Davis really that much better than him?

Tim Graham

  (4:25 PM)

Smith has gotten some first-team reps, so I don't think Davis is that much better than him. I'm sure playing in the Mountain West Conference didn't help Smith, and maybe teams weren't sure whether to use him at safety or corner. But he has made a strong first impression.

Ethan (Warren)

Is Cameron Wake looking to be as good as joey porter makes him out to be?

Tim Graham

  (4:27 PM)

I don't think Joey Porter knows yet. I just spoke to Porter about Wake on Tuesday, and he said he won't know until training camp. Not sure where you might have seen different comments from Porter, but three days ago he indicated to me he's waiting to see what Wake can do. But Porter does think Wake is an amazing athlete.

Khary, Atlanta

Your choice to win the division??

Tim Graham

  (4:28 PM)

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

Tim Graham

  (4:28 PM)

But it's June.

Corey WV

Do you think the Jets could have the best defense in the NFL? I think they, before the season, have a better defense than the Steelers

Tim Graham

  (4:29 PM)

They could emerge as such. I like all of their parts, especially their secondary. But I'm not ready to label them the best when about half of them haven't played together.

Matthew, NY-NY

Thank you for being one of the few NFL voices that realize the wildcast what only a minor part of the dolphins offense

Tim Graham

  (4:30 PM)

I can understand why people think the Wildcat is all the Dolphins run. When you watch the highlights, those are the plays that get shown.

Sonehal, (England)

TG, tell me about Cameron Wake. Can he be a force this year? What's the word around the league about him?

Tim Graham

  (4:31 PM)

Like I just said, Joey Porter isn't ready to say yet, and he has been on the field with Wake. Too early to project.

Tim Graham

  (4:32 PM)

I have to run, everybody. Thanks for dropping by. Chatting next Friday might be tough because I will be at Dolphins minicamp, but I'll give it a try.