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Dan (Philly)

It was big news that the Chiefs got Cassell this offseason. Am I the only one who thought that Thigpen did an admirable job last season and earned a chance to run that team? He put up 200 passing yards and 60 rushing yards per game and did so with a pretty awful offense. All to be thrown to the bench for a guy who put up good numbers in a system that I could put up good numbers in. I see Cassell having success, but I don't see him averaging any more than those numbers Thigpen averaged the last few games last year. KC would have been better off trading for a playmaking WR for Tyler to throw to. Am I making sense to you, or am I crazy?

Bill Williamson

  (1:03 PM)

Dan, I was a big fan of Thigpen last year. He did a nice job. But he didn't win enough games. So it was no surprise Scott Pioli opted to go with Cassel, the player he knew and trusted as he begins his new job. But there's nothing wrong with Thigpen. I think he can be a solid starter somewhere in the league. He reminds me some of Drew Brees.

Steve (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Hello Bill, great to chat with you again...overall what is the attitude of players/fans/media you speak with around the Broncos -- optimistic, pessimistic about what has occurred and how '09 will shape up?

Bill Williamson

  (1:04 PM)

I think the feel in Denver these days is mostly pessimistic ... What do fans in Denver think about this?

Steven (San Diego)

Hey Bill, any news from the chargers on how they plan to get merrriman, phillips, and english out on the field at the same time?

Bill Williamson

  (1:06 PM)

Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has been working on this plan since English was drafted. You will see all three of them on the field. Phillips will kind of roam, while Merirman and English will rush from the edge. it will be fun to watch.

MK (North Carolina)

Is Jarvis Moss done in Denver? If/when he is cut does he get picked up by anyone else or is he just an expensive 1st round mistake?

Bill Williamson

  (1:08 PM)

I think he is done, yes. He'll probably be given another chance elsewhere. After all, he is two years removed from being the No. 17 overall pick. But he has shown very little to make you think he can be an effective NFL player.

Z. Greinke (KC)

How is Larry Johnson handling the new schemes and coaches? Is he a 1,500 yard back this year?

Bill Williamson

  (1:10 PM)

The Chiefs have bene very pleased with Johnson thus far. He will get a chance to be an imapct player, I do believe.

Jose (San Diego)

Who do you see starting at strong safety: Clinton Hart, Kevin Ellsion, or Steve Gregory?

Bill Williamson

  (1:10 PM)

It's just a feel: Kevin Ellison.

Jacob (Columbia,SC)

How long of a leash do you suppose Josh McDaniels has in Denver? And what do you think the longterm solution is at quarterback?

Bill Williamson

  (1:12 PM)

The long-term solution for every team is the quarterback. Denver had the answer in Cutler, so, yes, McDaniels put himself in a tough spot, but he is a very confident man who beleives in his own way. McDaniels thinks he can win with Kyle Orton. Let's see if he can.

Matt (Council)

Do you think the Raiders made the move to get Jeff Garcia to seriously compete for the starting job this year or is he just there as a safety blanket and someone to make Russell feel that his seat is getting a little warm? Also, with their wide-receiving core the way it is, do you see that offense faring much better this year from last?

Bill Williamson

  (1:14 PM)

I think Oakland signed Garcia as a backup. If it changes later, it changes. But he was brought on as a backup.

ed (otown)

Am I nuts? I think there is much optimism for the Raiders WR's. DHB maybe was taken way too high, but he still was considered 1st rd talent. Higgins showed flashes of potential stardom last season. Murphy has been impressive during the OTA's (But their is UF WR jinx in the NFL). And I think Schilens will a stud that nobody ever of. Any thoughts?

Bill Williamson

  (1:15 PM)

There's reason to be optimistic. But I'm not sure if it will be a good group overall this season. I think the Raiders' receivers are still growing.

tony (albany, ny)

hey Bill, with three pass rushing linebackers on the field and cromartie actually healthy this year, is there any reason the chargers secondary cant become one of the elite units in the league

Bill Williamson

  (1:17 PM)

I think if everyone stays healthy, the secondary could be much better in San Diego. Rivera has bene working on this unit a lot this offseason.

Ryan (NJ)

Is Orton rly that bad? He wasnt great in CHI, but they also rly didnt help him there by getting good players around him, and meanwhile the past couple yrs DEN built around Cutler.

Bill Williamson

  (1:19 PM)

Orton is not bad. He just isn't as talented as Cutler.

Gary (sacramento)

Hey Bill, what is the status out of Oakland regarding Javon Walker? Do we expect to see him in the silver and black on opening day?

Bill Williamson

  (1:20 PM)

He is recovering from yet another knee surgery. I think the Raiders know that they can't count on him. If he does something this year on the field, it will be a bonus.

Vincent R. (Bakersfield,CA)

What type of numbers can we expect from Knowshon this year?

Bill Williamson

  (1:22 PM)

If he is the three-down back the team thinks he is, I think he can be a 1,000-yard back as a rookie.

Vincent R. (Bakersfield,CA)

Do you see the Broncos defense as better than last year's?

Bill Williamson

  (1:25 PM)

It may be better in the secondry and at linebacker. But that front three is scary. There is just not enough experience there.

Carl (Tampa,fl)

Is there any chance marshall is staying in denver?

Bill Williamson

  (1:25 PM)

Yes, I think there is a good chance he stays.

Kevin (Denver)

Why didn't Denver give up Chicago's 1st round pick in the Alphonso Smith trade? You've got to think their own pick is gonna end up being higher than the Bears.

Bill Williamson

  (1:29 PM)

I think they should have made a deal with Seattle, saying the lower of the two picks would be the choice. I'm sure Seattle would have done it. Now, if the Broncos finish with a top 10 pick and Chicago's choice in in the 20s, the Broncos are going to get a lot of grief.

Bryan (Grand Rapids)

Bill, do the Chargers plan to decrease LTs carries this year?

Bill Williamson

  (1:31 PM)

Maybe some, but nothing too dramactic. I think it's just a case of mixing Tomlinson and Sproles together more.

Sean (South River NJ)

HI Bill thanks for the time as always and the great read. My team is the Dolphins but I remeber this division in the past being feirce and very competitve. The rivalries are amazing, but it has not been that way in a long time when do you see it being that way again? Remember when people were actually scared to play at arrowhead awsome stuff.

Bill Williamson

  (1:33 PM)

Thanks, Sean ... It wasn't long ago when this was a power division. But these things go in cycles. There is some good young talent in this division. it could be strong again in a couple of years.

Eric (Chicago)

He may not be as talented...but he has a better record...Bill I'd rather have Orton back than Cutler.

Bill Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

Interesting ... Remember, Orton had a much better defense than Cutler did. That can not be discounted.

Mike (california)

Bill, Why do you refer to Washington post articles on an AFC West Blog? Is this your way of offering a cheapshot to the Raider nation?

Bill Williamson

  (1:37 PM)

Oh boy, Riaders fans are uspet again. Guys, settle down. Did I agree wiuth the article, Mike? Did I?

Scott (Santa Barbara)

If you were the San Diego Chargers and you have a very solid young player like Antoine Cason (3rd cb last season) who comes from in NFL family and shows tremendous football smarts, and an extremely gifted athlete with his share mental lapses in Antonio Cromartie; which player would you rather see play opposite Quentin Jammer at right cb?

Bill Williamson

  (1:38 PM)

If Cromartie, Cason will get more playing time. But I think you will see Cromartie rebound some and Cason continue to play well as a nickel.

kyle (san francisco)

whats the latest on D burgess being traded?

Bill Williamson

  (1:39 PM)

Nothing really new. But with Ellis in the mix, I wouldn't be surprised if he was dealt.

Bill Williamson

  (1:39 PM)

Nothing really new. But with Ellis in the mix, I wouldn't be surprised if he was dealt.

Bill Williamson

  (1:39 PM)

Nothing really new. But with Ellis in the mix, I wouldn't be surprised if he was dealt.

Jose (San Diego)

Do you think the Chargers can use Gartrell Johnson like they used Michael Turner?

Bill Williamson

  (1:42 PM)

I think they'd love to, but it might be unrealistic to think Johnson can fill that roll right away.

Mike (california)

Bill, Do you ever find yourself throwing darts at Al Davis posters? Be honest Bill.

Bill Williamson

  (1:42 PM)

Sad, Mike, sad.

kyle (san francisco)

where do the raiders plan on playing K.Barnes?

Bill Williamson

  (1:43 PM)

The word right now is he may try to play right tackle with Mario Henderson playing on the left side.

Mike (Ohio)

Not trying to get you into trouble here, but if you had to pick one move made this off season by an AFC West team that WONT work out, what would you pick?

Bill Williamson

  (1:44 PM)

Trouble? I always get in trouble, Mike ... The Cutlee trade.

Jose (San Diego)

If the Chargers had not gotten Ellison do you think that they could've put Cason at free safety and switched Weddle to strong safety

Bill Williamson

  (1:45 PM)

I think they considered moving him for the short term.

Ty (Providence)

If Big Ben wins again, should he be mention in the breath with Tom Brady?

Bill Williamson

  (1:46 PM)

He'd have three rings, so yes.

Matt (Germany)

And honestly, what was your first thoughts on the Raiders first round draft pick????

Bill Williamson

  (1:50 PM)

Matt, I don't think honesty is one of my weaknesses. It's my honesty that fires people up around here ... I think Darrius Heyward-Bey has a chance to be good. But there will likely be a growing period. Would have I taken him over Crabtreee? No, I wouldn't have. Just being honest. But I think he can help the Raiders down the road if he works on his weaknesses. He is fast and he has a lot of talent. He was surely a first-round talent.

Joe (Muscatine, IA)

Hey Bill, I love the chats. Do you agree with the majority that Glenn Dorsey was a bust even though he led all rookie DTs in tkl's? How long will they give him in the transition to DE before they trade him?

Bill Williamson

  (1:53 PM)

Thanks, Joe, there is no way Dorsey is a bust. He has to be given time at DE. It's only fair. I think Dorsey will be fine.

Mike (Oakland)

Is Zach Miller becoming the best TE in the west?

Bill Williamson

  (1:54 PM)

He is good. I really like him. But Mr. Antonio Gates still resides in the division.

Joe (Muscatine, IA)

Hey Bill, Thanks for some reasurance, Do you like that KC is moving training camp back to St Jo, MO?

Bill Williamson

  (1:56 PM)

I really like the setup in Wisconsin. But I think it is time for the Chiefs to go back home for camp. I look forward to visiting next year.

Mike (Oakland)

Any word on the Al Davis and Lane Kiffin court drama

Bill Williamson

  (1:57 PM)

I think it might be a few more months before we know anything.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Hey Bill, I enjoy your columns. I'm a 49ers fan, but the Raiders have many intriguing scenarios. How do you rate Nnamdi Asomugha among the elite Cornerbacks? He's great, but is he the BEST like his salary would indicate?

Bill Williamson

  (1:57 PM)

I think he's the best CB playing in the NFL today.

Greg (NY)

Bill, why do the chiefs still have 36 million in cap space? does this make sense to you

Bill Williamson

  (2:00 PM)

No, it really doesn't. I don't get it, either. There are plenty of holes on the team that could be filled.

Bill Williamson

  (2:01 PM)

Thanks everyone. Another great hour ... Talk to you all in a few weeks when I return from vacation.