Tim Graham

  (2:56 PM)

Let's get started a little early, shall we?

Xander (Philly)

I told you last week the Bills offense would be much better but you belittled me. I TOLD YOU. The least you could do is show everyone what a doofus you are.

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

You're right. The Bills' offense was better than I expected. Alex Van Pelt did better as a play-caller than anybody thought, and the line was decent. They'll probably look great against the Buccaneers, too. But if you think it makes me a doofus for doubting an offensive coordinator who hadn't called a play since he was with the Frankfurt Galaxy and a line with a combined 56 NFL starts, then you must experience some wild mood swings over the course of your day. I think my perspective was much more reasoned than yours. Wrong, perhaps (we'll see how good they are five or six games into the season), but your predictions were made strictly as a fan.

AK (NYC)

Your prediction for Jets/Pats? Any insider info on how long Mayo is going to be out for? Thanks.

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

Insider info on Patriots injuries is tough to come by. The most reliable report I've seen so far was from the Boston Globe: six to eight weeks.

Joe (Mansfield, MA)

Will Revis be able to handle Randy Moss in 1 on 1 situations on Sunday?

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

It will be tougher for him against Randy Moss than it was against Andre Johnson. I think Darrelle Revis is an elite cornerback. I've praised him many times on my blog. But Moss is one of those receivers who can make plays even when he's blanketed. Moss will get some catches. If he doesn't, then maybe Revis is even better than I think ... and I think he's great.

Reasonable (Miami)

I thought the Dolphins looked good on Defense but obviously killed themselves on offense. Going into the season I was pretty sure we hadnt improved enough on O to go further in the post season or even return. It looks like my fears about the offensive line being overpaid and not really an upgrade may also be true. Is 6-10 a reality? Is beating the Colts Monday feasible?

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

Let's not get too pessimistic after one game. The first three or four weeks of the season are a feeling-out process to some degree. I still think the Dolphins are good enough to win more games than they lose this season. That said, I think the Colts win Monday night.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul for excessive celebration against Xander. 15 yards and repeat 1st down.

christin sanders (grand rapids michigan)

any chance carolina panthers will ever get a good qb im so tired of jake delhomme all i want for christmas is a good qb please help.

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Christmas? You better start asking for Yom Kippur.

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Having some technical difficulties with my submit button. Bear with me ...

ozzie (The bottom,Florida)

why would you put some clown who wants to talk about the panthers on here?Let's talk some phish baby!If miami wins one under the MNF lights,can we be more optomistic when we go against the chargers and their "let's be lazy till we REALLY have to play" offense?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

A Dolphins victory on Monday night over the Colts would be huge for them in so many ways.

Brandon (Columbus)

What can the Dolphins do to get Ted Ginn more involved in the offense?

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

Widen the field by about 10 yards on each sideline. He seems to like running over there a lot.

Clinton (Philadelphia)

Kellen Clemens for Steve Smith. Done!

Tim Graham

  (3:10 PM)

I think that's a fair trade.

Joe (NY)

Should I be concerned about the Jets running game? I know they rushed for 190 yards, but if you take away those 2 long runs, Thomas Jones literally ran for a yard a carry. At what point will we see Greene get the majority of the carries?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

I agree with you there. Thomas Jones' stats were inflated. Prior to busting off those two runs when the Texans were jamming the middle, he was having a frustrating afternoon. I'm not so sure it was Jones' fault as much as it was the way the Texans were trying to eliminate the run and make Sanchez throw. Shonn Greene probably wouldn't have done much better in this instance.

KEVIN (HOBART, IN)

What do you make of Jay Cutler? Was it a team loss to the Pach or just him?

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

That was an awful game from Cutler. We're going to see how great he is without receivers like he had in Denver. He's pretty much on his own in that passing game.

George (NY)

Tough first four games for the Jets. Will it be considered a great start if they escape 2-2?

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

I wouldn't say "escape," but if I'm a Jets fan, then I would find 2-2 acceptable. But after that opener in Houston, expectations are way up.

Hayden (Logan, UT)

so, is this an AFC east only chat?

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

As regulars to this chat will attest, this isn't even sports-only, much less football-only or AFC East-only.

John (FL)

Do the Jets have a chance of embarrassing the patriots?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

I could see this game going either way. The Patriots are going to miss Jerod Mayo. And Brady will be pressed a lot more than he was by Buffalo. I think I'm leaning toward the Jets based strictly on what I saw in Week 1. But I'm also keeping in mind that what we see in Week 1 often isn't a true reflection of what a team is all about.

KEVIN (HOBART, IN)

Does Kanye West have a chance of showing up at a Rams game and telling everyone that another game is better?

Hayden (Logan, UT)

Nice, my favorite kind. What are you drinking tonight?

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

I don't know if I will, but I sure could use a double Patron, neat. Make it a quadruple. I lost my checkbook this week and failed to file my quarterly taxes on time.

KV (from IL)

Tim, Please get ESPN to update your picture on the NFL page. When I jump to the AFC East page you age 14 years and it freaks me out.

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

Believe it or not, I was 33 when that photo was taken. That's my old Buffalo News mug shot. I do like the updated version much more. Although I'm equally as pale.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

No flag this time, Tim. I just wanted to point out that during the Jets game I was tempted to rip off my shirt so that Sanchez could see what a real man looks like.

Fiona (VA)

If the Dolphins get to, say, 3-6, will they consider Chad Henne?

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

That's probably too soon. Pennington is the unquestioned leader of that team. You bench him, and you send the message you're working on the future and not 2009 anymore.

Hayden (Logan, UT)

Patron? Fancy, too fancy for my blood. Straight Pabst!!

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

If you're a Pabst drinker, then tap water is too fancy for you.

B.A Barackus (A-Team Van)

who's the Dolphins best corner? And is Jason Allen a bust??? I thought he was a safety/corner? Is he good at either position?

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

I think we safely can call Jason Allen a bust. He was the 16th overall draft pick in 2006, and he has started 11 NFL games. Will Allen is their best corner.

Rian (NYC)

Tim, How bad is the loss of Poz for the Bills? They have (much to the irritation of their fans) 0 veteran depth at linebacker. A lot of Bills fans are high on the rookie Nic Harris, but he was a 5th round safety. I think Poz has a much larger effect on the Bills' defense than is usually noted.

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

It's a huge loss. He's a captain and the guy who makes all the defensive calls. There's a huge dropoff between him and Marcus Buggs.

Tony (SO FLO)

What about an ice cold Blue? From the tap of course.

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

My man ...

Jared (NC)

In your opinion, who do you think is the best RB in the AFC East?

Tim Graham

  (3:26 PM)

Marshawn Lynch.

Richard Simmons (at George Takai's house)

Do you think Moss will get doubled? what are they going to do about Wes Welker? I think the Pats have too many weapons.

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

First, tell George that I loved him in the "Kate is Enough" video that's going around. Second, I agree that the Patriots have the tools to negate the Jets' defense. The best way to combat an attacking 3-4 is to spread the field. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Wes Welker and Julian Edelman on the field at the same time in four- and five-receiver sets.

Andy (NYC)

What did you think of the Bills young O-line Monday night?I thought they held their own.

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

They played very well, but they crumbled on that final drive.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

The Bills just signed Terrence McGee to an extension per text from the Bills

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

I just received an e-mail from the Bills to announce the extension. That's a good move for them.

Eric (Indy)

When will the NFL be smart enough to put the Colts and Pats back in the same AFC division? Could it happen when the Jaguars get axed from Jacksonville?

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

My divisional realignment would be to put the Bills in the AFC North and the Ravens in the AFC East.

Rob (Durham, NC)

I realize the Bills moved the ball fairly well, but how many points do they score without 2 questionable roughing the passes calls? I think they did OK taking what the Patriots gave them (everything except passes downfield - the safeties were deep and doubling the WRs all night). I think Xander is dead wrong. Three touchdowns - one defensive, and the other two on drives extended by personal fouls on the Patriots.

Tim Graham

  (3:34 PM)

There's something to what you're saying. The Wilfork call was wrong, in my opinion. The Thomas penalty was a judgment call that I can't argue with. Thomas put the referee in a position where he had to make a decision that wasn't black or white.

Xander (Philly)

First CB they kept in a while...is McGee better than Nate Clements and Antoine Winfield or is it just a change of philosophy in the organization?

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

I think in many cases the Bills simply wing it. I'm not sure they have a plan in mind when it comes to players approaching free agency. They take it on a case-by-case basis. I don't think McGee is better than Winfield or Clements.

Jay (Louisville)

really, shouldn't Indy be in the North, Bal in East and Miami in the south?

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

I could go along with that.

Dick Jauron (Buffalo)

My division realignment would have the Bills in the CFL.

Jesse (Boise)

Bills Fans-The best fanbase in the AFC East who put up with the worst losses?

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

Why limit it to the AFC East?

Alec (Rochester)

Tim are you going to the bills game sunday? And how do you think the bills are going to do?

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

Bills game is the only one I won't be attending. I will be at Pats-Jets on Sunday and Colts-Dolphins on Monday. I think the Bills should beat the Bucs, and the Bills' offense should look great in the process based on what the Cowboys did to them.

Jimmy (NYC)

Buffalo Latitude 42.88 Boston Latitude: 42.35That would be the thinnest line between geographical divisions ever, no?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

I don't know how to respond to that ... Impressive work. I think.

Bills Fan (Buffalo)

RE Jesse - It's not hard to put up with the mediocrity when you are forced to buy tickets out of fear your team might move...

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

You better not mess up the end of this chat Tim or I'll come spray paint your lawn!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

Some punks came over and turfed it at 3:15 because of my poor start.

Greg (Buffalo)

Do you think the fantastic effort of the Bills last week will provide a springboard to future success and confidence or do you think they will struggle with a hang over the next couple games.

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

A postgame quote from Trent Edwards keeps rattling around in my brain. He mentioned the Bills "put all of their eggs in one basket." That comment, plus Dick Jauron speaking about how they didn't bother to game plan for the preseason games makes me wonder how much of their summer was dedicated to that one game.

Lou (Boston)

From now on maybe you could take a page from Rex (Jabba the Hut) Ryan and call everybody on Thursday night asking them to get excited about your upcoming chat?

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How much intensity do you think New England will play with after the Jets' comments this week?

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

Those comments from Rex Ryan and Kerry Rhodes will be used in the Patriots' meeting and locker rooms. Believe me.

Paul (Boston)

Do you agree with the roughing the passer calls against Wilfork and Thomas? I think Wilforks was a joke and I didn't think there was an excessive throw down in Thomas's case.

Tim Graham

  (3:44 PM)

We addressed that earlier, Paul. I thought the Wilfork call was a bad one. The Thomas throwdown was justified either way.

Yogi (Alaska)

Tim, I dont even like TO, but ESPN treats him like he is the leader of Iran. They guy cant even say he prefers Dunkin Donuts over Starbucks without being treated like a misift who needs to be banned from society and shipped to some island. At some point enough is enough and ESPN just needs to move on. For the last 2 years they simply make something out of nothing. It is kind of embarassing to watch.

Tim Graham

  (3:46 PM)

I don't have a response, really. Just wanted to post a dissenting viewpoint. But the reason you see so much T.O. and Favre and Manny Ramirez and LeBron James on ESPN is because the numbers don't lie. People watch, read, comment, etc. whenever they are on.

Brett Favre (Minneapolis)

What the heck is Yogi talking about?

Matthew (y.o.)

preach it yogi

Jared (NC)

Who is your biggest x-factor this week of the 4 teams on the offensive side of the ball?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

Great question. Let me think a moment ...

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

Chansi Stuckey.

TO ( Buffalo)

Dunkin Donuts, please ! I'm in Buffalo... Give me Timmy Ho's!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

I'd be with you, there. This might sound minor, but Tim Hortons has lousy cups. The tear-off lid makes it dribble down your shirt and it doesn't stay warm very long. Dunkin Donuts has awesome cups.

Jimbo (Brooklyn)

So Gholston was still non-existent, though the D picked up his slack. Have you seen ANYTHING from him to make you think he's close?

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

He did have a tackle for a loss, but I hear you. He was rather invisible. Like you said, though, the defensive performance in general overshadowed anything most individuals did.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

Do you get any time to play video games during the NFL season or are you to busy? If so, what are you playing?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

I played the new Madden the weekend it came out and haven't picked up a controller since. Sadly.

Peter (DC)

Tim, What are your thoughts on Rex Ryan's phone message and the rest of the Jets comments all week?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

I thought it was odd. Other than that, I still don't know what to make of it.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim Hortons cups are terrible. They're not insulated so they burn the crap out of your hand. But the DD cups are too insulated. I've purchased a coffee at a DD in Amherst, driven to Rochester without opening the lid, opened the lid once in Rochester, and the coffee was still piping hot. Imagine what would have happened if I put that coffee in my waist band and it spilled on me.

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

I posted that as my public-service announcement for the day.

Matthew (y.o.)

tim, did u get any satisfaction looking around foxboro and seeing those sad patriot fan faces for the first 58 minutes of that game? they all looked like kids who had just been told santa doesn't exist. i enjoyed it, til it ended.

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

Readers often don't comprehend this, but I honestly don't care who wins or loses, only that it's a great game with an interesting storyline. I certainly got that Monday night.

Chris (Rockville, MD)

Was Jake Long's performance last week an aberration?

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

Compared to last year it certainly was, but he didn't face the type of pass-rusher he'll see much more frequently this year. We'll learn more about Jake Long on Monday night, when he tangles with Dwight Freeney.

Chuck (WI)

Who do you think is the best safety in the AFC East?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

Brandon Meriweather.

Urban Meyer (Gainesville)

You're either for public service announcements or against them. If you're for them, I've got one to make: We are going for 2 at least 8 times tomorrow.

Dick Jauron (Buffalo)

Even if my team by some chance makes the playoffs do I get fired at the end of this season?

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

No way. If you make the playoffs, you might get ANOTHER extension.

Art (Sactown, Ca)

Fred Jackson is a very talented player. I say he gets more receptions than Lynch when he returns. And the carries will be split. What do you think?

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

Lynch is the type of runner than wears a defense down. I still think he's the feature back when he returns.

Frank (New York)

Tim, I know you are a patriots fan. However, if they don't make the playoff this year, will they be in rebuilding mode?

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

And you know this how? Because I acknowledge how good they are on a regular basis. That might have something to do with the fact that they, you know, are pretty good. Even so, I've picked the Jets to win this week. Just like a diehard Pats fan would, right?

Clay (Charlotte)

Does it bug you when people don't understand what objective means?

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim, thoughts on UB's chances in the MAC this year and will you attend any games?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

I wanted to attend the Pitt game but had a travel conflict. I think they'll be middle of the pack. You can't count on so many breaks going their way two years in a row.

Mike (New York)

Brandon Meriweather the best safety, Tim? Come on. Who is this guy?

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

If you don't know, you'll find out.

Scott (Colorado Springs, CO)

AFC East coaches as Nintendo characters Rex Ryan - WarioTony Sparano - MarioBill Belichick - Koopa Troopa (Hoodie)Dick Jaron - Belmont (Castlevania)Have any different ones?

Tim Graham

  (4:03 PM)

I'll just let those stand. Pretty good.

Clinton (Philadelphia)

Kerry Rhoeds is the best safety in the division. Ask Steve Smith!

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

You might be right there. I was torn when making my pick and then went with the up-and-comer.

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

Here's a story on wrote on Meriweather as my prediction for breakout player of the AFC East this year: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/2270/meriweather-an-all-around-force-for-patriots-2

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

A passage from the story: "He didn't become their starting strong safety until Week 8, yet he led the Patriots in interceptions and takeaways, made more tackles than Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel and recorded as many sacks as Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren."

Brian (New York)

Did Kerry Rhodes turn you off cause he said he was going to embarrass the patriots?

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

Quite the contrary, I think Kerry Rhodes is a great player. I've written a lot about him, too.

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/2043/jets-to-unleash-rhodes-to-be-playmaker-again

Internet Conspiracy Theory Guy (Cyberspace)

But Tim, if you're not a Patriots fan then why were you on ESPNBoston yesterday? Hmmmm.....

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

Gasp!

Hayden (Logan, UT)

ever drink with any athletes?

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

Never in Utah.

Sean (South River)

Wow you have to defend your position every second in this room huh

Tim Graham

  (4:09 PM)

I choose the questions and comments, so I could just ignore dissenting viewpoints. But I think the discussion is more interesting when you let people have their say.

Jim (Halifax)

Why is there an espnBoston?

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

Just the next in a line of ESPN regional sites you'll be seeing. Next up: ESPNDallas.

Mista Mista ( )

Because the rights to ESPNHalifax.com were taken

Sean (South River)

Oh I find it entertaining but just odd how one minute your a bills fan the next your Pats fan and all the while defending why you chose a player before another one

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

Don't forget how much I hate the Dolphins. ... and the Bills ... and the Salvation Army ...

Xander (Philly)

I think Sean has a man crush on you TG...he's sad you get attacked so much.

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

I'm a sympathetic figure.

Jim (Halifax)

Regional Sites seem redundant to me, if you want your local take, read the paper or turn on talk radio...

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

ESPNChicago is outdrawing the local papers' sites in traffic.

Mista Mista (Waynes world)

Is there anything that you could possibly care less to hear about than someone elses fantasy team?

Tim Graham

  (4:15 PM)

Whether they took the points or not.

Reasonable (Miami)

Someone's cell phone plan!

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

Listening to someone's cell phone conversation when we're waiting to get off the plane.

Jim (Halifax)

That's sad... support printed ink people... or people like TG would have never made it this far

Tim Graham

  (4:17 PM)

That's true in my case. But the way I came up in the profession isn't the way it's done anymore.

Rob (Boston, MA)

To Jim from Halifax - for better or worse espnBoston took Boston's best Patriots writer from the Globe so now I obviously read espnBoston over the globe.

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

A few more, and I gots to go ...

Clay (Charlotte)

Newspapers are a dead technology. Like 8-tracks and flattop fades.

Tim Graham

  (4:19 PM)

I think they're more like cassette tapes. People still have stereos that play them. They just choose not to.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim, lets say your bosses don't read this...who is your least favorite ESPN personality? Okay...you don't have to say it...but if its Skip Bayless...wink twice.

Rich Rodriguez (Ann Arbor)

People who chat on the internet need to get lives.

Sean (South River)

Think Parcells stays another year to keep rebuilding or is he done after this one?

Tim Graham

  (4:22 PM)

I think he'll stick around. His winter home was in South Florida before he signed up. He has a great deal. He already has weened himself off coaching. I sense he's slowing down, and changing teams would be a huge ordeal at this stage of his life.

Clay (Charlotte)

Okay serious question. What's your opinion on the Brady rule? I understand the league trying to protect their investments, but do you think they are turning QB into more important players than other positions? It's a team sport.

Tim Graham

  (4:23 PM)

Quarterback is more important than the other positions. If the league can't keep it's quarterbacks healthy, then it becomes far less interesting. The Brady Rule is about protecting the stars of the show, and the NFL is more show than sport anymore.

Paul Kuharsky (AFC South)

I am Tim's favorite ESPN personality....he aspires to be like me (he'll never make it though).

Tim Graham

  (4:24 PM)

Sadly, he's right.

Tim Graham

  (4:25 PM)

All right, folks. Time to wrap it up. As always, you made it a blast. Thanks for stopping over.