Chat with Tim Graham
Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN.com AFC East blogger Tim Graham will drop in to chat about all the latest news from the NFL.
Graham joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Miami Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. He previously spent eight years at the Buffalo News, where he was an award-winning NHL and boxing writer. The Baldwin-Wallace College grad also has worked for the Las Vegas Sun and Boston Herald.
Send your questions for Graham now and join him on Friday at 3 p.m. ET!
More Tim Graham: Columns | AFC East blog | Chat | NFL index
Tim Graham (3:00 PM)
Good afternoon, everybody. I'm dropping a line to let you know I'm here, but I need to grab a Coke and something to eat. I'll be geared up to chat in a second ...
Tim Graham (3:03 PM)
Any of you guys ever had deep-friend peanuts in the shell? My mom went on a trip to Georgia and picked some up for me. I have no idea what to make of these things.
Trent Edwards (NY)
Do I have what it takes to be a sold NFL quarterback? Will a new coach next year think I can start for the Bills?
Tim Graham (3:04 PM)
You might be sold, but I'm not buying.
Matt (Buffalo)
How much of Edward's struggles are on him and how much on the O-line? No QB can be their best when they have no time (i.e. Brady SB 42) but Rodgers O-line seems just as bad in GB and he's having a pretty good year.
Tim Graham (3:07 PM)
Edwards had a decent offensive line last year, especially compared to this one. I know Bills fans have a personal distaste for Jason Peters, but he's better than any two Bills O-linemen combined right now.
mz (boston)
Tim, you need to put a link to the chat in your blog. getting to this page through sportsnation is a pain
Tim Graham (3:08 PM)
Yeah, you're right. I used to post a direct link, but then got away from it. I'll start that back up for next week. But there is a direct link on ESPN.com's main NFL page.
Matt (Augusta, GA)
Did the Bills try to trade Parrish and there weren't any takers?
Tim Graham (3:10 PM)
When I spoke to Roscoe Parrish at training camp, he confirmed to me that all of the trade-block talk going around was orchestrated by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that the Bills had no intention of trading him. I'm not sure what happened since then, but his contract is way too much for another team to take on just for a punt returner. His receiver contributions would be limited for a new team this deep into the season.
John (Florida)
Saints rush defense vs the Wildcat looks to be a good matchup. Would you agree that the Saints run D might not be as good as the stats say because the saints are scoring so much?
Tim Graham (3:14 PM)
I would agree to a certain extent, but not necessarily because of their offense scoring. What's skewing their run D stats is that they've faced only 109 rushing attempts, second-fewest in the NFL.
Rodney (Tulare CA)
What's up Tim? Slayton or Grant this week? I need to win. Rice or Austin?
Tim Graham (3:15 PM)
Sorry, Rodney. We don't do fantasy stuff here. The only person who cares about your team is you.
perivito (little havanna,fl)
If the dolphins beat the saints on sunday,even at 3-3, should they be considered a contender?
Tim Graham (3:16 PM)
Depends on what you mean by contender. A Super Bowl contender? No. A playoff contender? Absolutely.
bill (fairfax, va)
TO has the same stats as Lee Evans, i think the Bills issues on offense are more o-line, QB and OC related. Would you agree?
Tim Graham (3:17 PM)
The only positions you left off were receiver and running back. You're not exactly limiting the problems to a solvable amount.
Brandon (Columbus)
Do you think the light has finally clicked on for Maroney?
Tim Graham (3:19 PM)
Perhaps, but I've been saying since training camp that I thought Maroney would emerge as the Patriots' go-to back eventually. And that was without taking injuries into account. I thought he was running with a purpose in camp and the preseason. He knows what the fans think of his style, and he has stated he'd love to prove them wrong.
Chris (NJ)
Is Fargas gonna roll through the Jets D w/o Jenkins?
Tim Graham (3:20 PM)
The Jets probably are going to shift more into a 4-3 look this weekend to help compensate for Jenkins' absence. But it will be a tough loss to overcome.
Jordan (NJ)
I'm not sure why you even took the fantasy question. Your response sounds a little harsh. Shame on you if he's crying.
Tim Graham (3:22 PM)
I try to post one of those responses early in a chat to keep people from wasting their time. I've had that standing no-fantasy-roster-talk rule for over a year. From now on, I think I'm going to give the worst advice I can on purpose.
Adam (Miami)
Who replaces Patrick Cobbs as the 3rd RB option in the wildcat. Hartline(wr)>he can throw>hilliard(not proven)>sheets(also not proven). That person must be able to block. Only hartline has shown that. Polite can block and catch in the flat, but is obviously not a run threat but more of a blocker and short-yardage type of player.
Tim Graham (3:23 PM)
I think the first guy to get his chance will be Hilliard. But the loss of Cobbs is bigger than many people might think. He's a big contributor as a blocking back and on special teams.
Matt (Florida)
How much of an improvement has Jake Grove been over Samson Satele?
Tim Graham (3:24 PM)
I'm not an expert on center play, but the Dolphins' run game is better this year than it was last year, and I thought Grove did pretty well against Jenkins a couple weeks ago.
Xander (Philly)
Thoughts on Jarius Byrd? Looks like ball hawk safety that can emerge as a real playmaker.
Tim Graham (3:25 PM)
He has been quite impressive so far. He has a nose for the ball, and there haven't been too many defensive backs like that in the Bills' secondary.
Brandon (Columbus)
Seems like Ted Ginn as a field stretcher should be a good complement to the wildcat. You think MIA will plan on taking a few deep shots each game now that they have a QB with a big arm?
Tim Graham (3:26 PM)
I do think that will happen, but I also wonder who much a more legitimate deep threat would be helping the Dolphins now that Henne is the quarterback. The Dolphins tried to get some help there, but didn't like the price tags (whether it be on the FA market or what teams wanted for a trade).
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)
How are the Jets able to compete, let alone win games after losing Kenyon Coleman, C.J. Mosley, Brett Ratliff, Abram Elam, Jason Trusnik, Chauncey Stuckey, Eric Barton and David Bowens?
Tim Graham (3:27 PM)
It's amazing they still have a team. A lot of Pro Bowls in that crew.
Thomas Frank (State College)
I'm watching the "top ten controversial calls" on the NFL Network. What's your no. 1. controversial call?
Tim Graham (3:28 PM)
ESPN.com hiring me.
Mike (Albuquerque)
Do you think Tom Brady and Welker will have big games like they did last week?
Tim Graham (3:29 PM)
I do. I think this will be another Patriots rout. I'd be surprised if this game was close at halftime.
The Suits (Bristol)
We agree, Tim. Because of that, we are bringing in Sherm Lewis to decided which questions to answer in your chat.
Daniel (NYC)
What game will you be covering Sunday?
Tim Graham (3:30 PM)
I will be at Land Shark Stadium for Saints-Dolphins.
Chris (Rockville, MD)
Why isn't Patrick Turner seeing any playing time? Is his route running that poor?
Tim Graham (3:32 PM)
I'm not sure, Chris. There are any number of reasons that we wouldn't be privy to such as commitment issues, conditioning, not knowing the playbook, etc. But he might also just not be better than the others ahead of him at this time. I do love the guy's hands, though.
Jimbo (Brooklyn)
Suits wouldn't spring for the London trip eh? Bummer.
Tim Graham (3:33 PM)
I was looking forward to going. Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com will be there instead. No sense having two reporters at the same game.
Daniel (NYC)
Just want to point out that the Bills are a Leodis fumble away from first place. Strange league.
Tim Graham (3:33 PM)
First place would be 3-3. Nothing to get excited about.
Mike (Albuquerque)
Seeing how you are going to be at Land Shark Stadium. Do you think the Dolphins will be able to successfully run the ball against an improved Saints defense?
Tim Graham (3:35 PM)
I'm going to Land Shark Stadium to cover the game, not to play fullback. But I do think the Dolphins will be able to run against the Saints.
The Bills (One Bills Drive)
Tim, lot of hate on us this week in your articles, what gives?
Tim Graham (3:36 PM)
I don't hate anybody. I cover the teams based on how they're performing. Not a lot of joyous Jets articles this week, either. Sorry if I hurt your feelings.
James (NJ)
How do you feel about all the what ifs and rankings? I am tired of all this revisionist history. the events happened get over it. Pats are in first and the Broncos are undefeated.
Tim Graham (3:37 PM)
I can justify looking back on what should have happened on opening night for a week, maybe two. But we're heading into Week 7. If you're still sad over what transpired two months ago, then you probably take this too seriously.
Matt (IN)
Wait, so the new guy from ESPN Boston gets the call for the London game over you? Tim, you need to have a meeting with The Suits!
Tim Graham (3:38 PM)
It does make sense. He covers only one team. I get four to choose from. But it would have been nice to go to London on the company dime.
Matt (Buffalo)
Any word on how James Hardy has looked in practice this week? If he comes off of PUP in a couple weeks who get's cut...Parrish?
Tim Graham (3:39 PM)
No news on how Hardy looked. The practices are closed to the media, so we wouldn't have any clue as to what kind of reps he's getting or how he's being used.
Xander (Philly)
Its odd that when they're playing anyone else, Sanchez is good, or if he performs well its cause the opposing defense is good, but when he throws 5 picks againts the Bills its cause he's a rookie and not cause the Bills did anything good.
Tim Graham (3:40 PM)
From the chat room's biggest whiner.
Frank (NE)
What is the word on Tate? Do you think he will make an impact?
Tim Graham (3:40 PM)
Word from London is that he'll probably play. With Edelman out, Tate could be the return man.
joe (NJ)
not a lot of jets questions. have the fans given up? should they?
Tim Graham (3:41 PM)
Jets fans never have been all that active on the chats or the comment section of the blog. The fans from the other three teams get involved.
Tim Graham (3:42 PM)
Xander, if you clean up your tantrum responses, I would post them. But you are, in fact, the biggest whiner on this chat -- week in and week out.
BJ (Salt Lake)
What are your impressions of Henne? Is it possible he will be able to avoid the horrendous young QB games, or should I start getting nervous that a 4-int game could be coming any sunday? He's the guy for sure, right?
Tim Graham (3:44 PM)
It's way too soon to say. I'm sure Dolfans have learned their lesson about getting too worked up too soon over young quarterbacks in the post-Marino era. I recall an awful lot of excitement about a young gunslinger names John Beck.
Matt (Augusta, GA)
Did Levi Jones ever sign anywhere? If not, wouldn't he be a good fit for the Bills?
Tim Graham (3:44 PM)
The Redskins signed him this week.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
The worst fantasy advice almost always includes someone from the Bills.
Tim Graham (3:45 PM)
It sure has been tough for those players. You can't start any of them and feel good about it. But I do foresee Marshawn Lynch eventually establishing himself as the lead man.
Daniel (NYC)
Blind speculation - between Ryan, Sparano and Belichick, who will be around the longest?
Tim Graham (3:46 PM)
Belichick. As long as Kraft is the owner, he'll have a job.
Xander (Philly)
Sorry I offended your fragile state...and in fact, I'm not a whiner at all. I point out your MASSIVE inefficiencies as a writer.
Tim Graham (3:47 PM)
Whiners don't offend me. They aggravate me. And I have deficiencies, not inefficiencies.
Matt (Buffalo)
Who do you write for again Xander?
Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)
Xander, it's Friday. Stop whining or hit the showers.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Tim, any news on Ben Watson? Is he playing this weekend?
Tim Graham (3:49 PM)
I don't see why not. He isn't on the injury report.
Matt (Buffalo)
What are your thoughts on the Fire Dick Jauron billboard. I feel the fans have no other option because if we don't buy tickets or merchandise, the team takes another step closer to moving especialy with the LA stadium deal moving forward. How else can the fans be heard?
Tim Graham (3:50 PM)
I'm not offended by it like some commentators in Buffalo are. I think it's fine. The guy is exercising his First Amendment rights and trying to send a message to an owner who isn't otherwise available to the fans. I hear another Jauron billboard is being planned for the Detroit area, where Wilson lives.
Ralphie's Dad (Indiana)
Fra-gee-lay. Tim is Italian.
Brian (de)
Do you expect Pat White to start contributing more to the Wildcat this year? It seemed odd putting him out there that last drive against the Jets after not playing all game.
Tim Graham (3:52 PM)
I agree with you that seeing White in that situation was odd. But the Dolphins said afterward they have their packages they want to establish, and he is a big part of what they want to do. If nothing else, it gives the next opponent something to think about.
Brad (NM)
Is it possible Buffalo's a better team with Fitzpatrick at QB? At least he was able to make something happen w/Evans
Tim Graham (3:53 PM)
I do think it's possible Fitzpatrick will provide a spark. Even if they run the same exact offense, a different set of eyes and a brain that makes different snap decisions could bring an improvement.
Matt (Augusta, GA)
Will Ralph sell the team before he passes? If not, who decides who the team is sold to? The NFL?
Tim Graham (3:54 PM)
Ralph has stated he will not sell the team. His estate would have that responsibility.
Brian (de)
So what are your predictions on the AFC East games this weekend? Obv you are taking NE but what about the other 3 games.
Tim Graham (3:55 PM)
I'm having trouble with Saints-Dolphins. I'm leaning toward the Saints, but I'm not convinced. I think the Raiders can beat the Jets with Jenkins out.
Gabe (ATL)
what do you think of the Braylon acquisition?
Tim Graham (3:56 PM)
Great pickup for the Jets' offense, but you couldn't tell from last week's game against the Bills because Cotchery was out. He'll be out again this weekend.
Brant (Raleigh, NC)
With all the new minor owners with the Dolphins, do you think somehow the uncapped 2010 season has something to do with it or just the economy?
Tim Graham (3:58 PM)
It's a combination of Ross losing his shirt in the current recession (I'm not an economist, so I'm not sure if we're meeting the technical criteria) and wanting to brand the Dolphins as chic. I don't think the celebrities are buying big enough stakes in the team to really have any impact on the team's operations.
Brian (de)
Not that I care, but you didn't pick the Bills game. That may just upset people more that think you hate the Bills.
Tim Graham (3:59 PM)
Ah ... True. For the past few weeks, there have been only two or three AFC East games. This is my first four-game weekend in a while ... I like the Panthers because of Williams and Stewart against the Bills' run D.
Jason (Dallas)
What has happened to Dustin Keller? He looks slow and lazy.
Tim Graham (4:01 PM)
Not slow and lazy at all. He's just a poor blocker, so when he's on the field, defenses know a pass is coming. He's getting doubled sometimes, and other times defenses are loading up that side of the line to make him stay in and protect. But Sanchez did look for him in key situations last week. Keller still is in the game plan.
Bobby (Albany,NY)
Who do you think has the edge in the AFC East now?
Tim Graham (4:01 PM)
Just based on current trends, the Patriots are pulling away, and it's probably going to be up to the Dolphins to catch them.
Bryan (East Bay, CA)
I'm skeptical about your patrick cobbs comment on how he is a bigger loss than people think. Lex Hillard looked like a stud in the preseason and this is his opportunity to get some real game time. It might even be a better option than Cobbs
Tim Graham (4:03 PM)
Hilliard can't block and doesn't return kicks. You'd be right if Cobbs carried the ball a lot, but that's not where he's valuable. Hilliard might get four touches a game in this offense. Cobbs was on the field A LOT in roles people don't pay attention to.
Marc (NJ)
Great response to that Keller question Tim. Should the Jets have kept Baker because of this?
Tim Graham (4:04 PM)
I'm sure they've second-guessed that decision quite a bit.
Adam (Florida)
You're absolutely right about Cobbs -- losing him is significant. What are you hearing on the whole Matt Roth issue? Is he DOA with the Dolphins at this point?
Tim Graham (4:06 PM)
Roth is in a bad spot with a front office that doesn't tolerate being hurt.
Tim Graham (4:07 PM)
Sorry it took me so long to answer that last question. Got an automated phone call, and the machine kept asking me yes or no questions. When I answered one too quickly, the female voice said "I'm sorry, but I'm just a computer. You'll need to talk slower." ... What's with a computer trying to give me a guilt trip?
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Are you going to hang for a while? There's really no one chatting up to quitting time.
Tim Graham (4:08 PM)
Yeah, I'll stick around for a bit longer.
Xander (Philly)
Dang Tim, stop whining about the automatic phone call!
Tim Graham (4:09 PM)
Are you still here?
Tim Graham (4:10 PM)
The guy waited 45 minutes for his chance to deliver a zinger.
Z man McLean virginia [via mobile]
Who do you think is a worse owner: Dan snyder or Jerry jones?
Tim Graham (4:10 PM)
Snyder by far.
Xander (Philly)
I'll be here every week from start to finish...get used to it.
Tim Graham (4:11 PM)
Thanks! I guess I'm supposed to be knocked on my heels by someone telling me they're going to visit my chats every week and stay for the duration.
Brian (de)
Didn't you say Marshawn Lynch was the best back in the AFC east? Do you still believe that or do you see Ronnie Brown as better?
Tim Graham (4:13 PM)
I'm changing my mind on that. Lynch lost a lot of ground during his suspension. But Lynch is a special runner, one of the hardest few runners in the league.
Ryan (NYC)
Xander is the T.O. of this chat room. He's entertaining but doesn't contribute much
Tim Graham (4:13 PM)
Anything that will keep the chat moving, I'm all for it. I'm thrilled he's here for us to make fun of.
Louie (Tampa, FL)
Xander is getting more press then that ballon boy's dad right now.
BJ (Salt Lake)
Hey Xander, stop wasting our time. Tim, do you think Miami will pursue a big WR in free agency, or are they going to stick to the company line about not paying big $ for a WR and depend on the draft?
Tim Graham (4:15 PM)
Please, Xander is the gift that keeps on giving. Without him, I probably would've wrapped up my chat by now. ... I think the Dolphins will stick to their plan. They will wait until they get good value. That could be through the draft, free agency or a trade. But they're committed to their front office strategy.
Bryan (East Bay, CA)
Give us your top 5 MVP peeps in the AFC east.
Tim Graham (4:17 PM)
This is fast off the top of my head, so I reserve the right to modify ... 1. Ronnie Brown, 2. Tom Brady, 3. Vince Wilfork, 4. Darrelle Revis, 5. Randy Moss.
Xander (Philly)
See that Tim, all I'm doing is helping out...Lets be clear. You started this feud by call me a whiner because I defend the Bills. And lets be clear about another thing: I will always defend the Bills even if they are 0-16.
Tim Graham (4:19 PM)
This isn't a feud. I'm happy for you that you're a Bills fan. But you need to understand I don't care if the Bills win or lose. I don't care if any AFC East team wins or loses. You, however, pout because you think I'm out to get the Bills. Let me repeat: I ... don't ... care. When they start to win, the coverage will get more positive. That's how it works.
Rich Rodriguez (Ann Arbor)
Xander, the weekend is here. Try to get a life.
nick (buffalo)
ay ay ay ayyyy, thank you xander!!! (standing ovation fo xander)
BJ (Salt Lake)
First time all year the words "defend" and "Bills" have been used in the same sentence. Nice job Xander!
Frazier (Philly)
Yo Xander you are making Philly residents look like a bunch of whining idiots. Any word on when the injured RBs for the Patriots will return?
Tim Graham (4:21 PM)
Taylor might be out for the year, but there's a chance he can be back in December or for the playoffs. That's why he hasn't gone on IR. As frequently happens with the Patriots, we don't know much about Morris' injury.
Majeed (SD)
Tim, Can Miami pound the ball/control the clock and keep Brees off the field similar to the Indy game?
Tim Graham (4:23 PM)
I'm sure that will be the game plan. Based on what we saw against the Colts, I think the Dolphins can do it versus the Saints, too. I doubt we'll see the T.O.P. so lopsided ... maybe not ever again.
milo (nj)
majeed, miami lost that game...
Tim Graham (4:24 PM)
That was a freaky result.
The Judge (Halls of Justice)
For being a whiner, I sentence Xander to a lifetime of watching Trent Edwards check down to a running back on third-and-twelve.
Brian (Orlando, FL)
Are the Bills at all concerned about Trent Edwards' viability as a starting QB in this league? Talent aside, it looks like he may be a high risk for future concussions - that hit he took against the Jets didn't really seem to be that bad.....
Tim Graham (4:26 PM)
The Bills have to be concerned with Edwards being their quarterback of the future on two counts: 1) ability; 2) injuries. If the Bills still are satisfied with Edwards for the long-term, then this front office is even less coherent than I thought.
Bryan (East Bay, CA)
Dare you to find a better combo than Ricky and Ronnie.
Tim Graham (4:28 PM)
Right now, I can't. Maybe grilled cheese and tomato soup? There are some backfield tandems out there that might have better potential, but they're the most productive.
Jon (Tempe, AZ)
Any thoughts on the Wildcat going forward? Are you aware that this formation exists?
Tim Graham (4:29 PM)
Have you even bothered to ready my blog?
Tim Graham (4:30 PM)
Just for you, Jon: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/5060/wildcat-pulling-away-from-defenses-so-far ... But this was posted a long, long time ago ... This morning.
Jimbo (Brooklyn)
So say the Jets do lose to the Raiders, do we hear calls for Rex to be fired/Sanchez to be benched in this ever so patient NY media?
Tim Graham (4:32 PM)
No way there should be calls for Rex to get the axe. First-year coaches rarely get fired. You have to give him three or four years. But there will be cries for Sanchez to be benched if he has another bad game or -- gasp! -- gets outplayed by JaMarcus Russell.
Everyone Viewing ESPN (The Internet)
You think people really read your blog?
Tim Graham (4:32 PM)
I get about 2.5 million hits a month from somebody.
Jon (Tempe, AZ)
Thanks much Tim, I hadn't read your blog today..... I stand corrected
Tim Graham (4:34 PM)
My pleasure. There's a search field on my blog. Type in Wildcat or anything else (for example, a player's name) to see other items I've written in the past.
Matt (Spokane)
Is Chad Pennington done? He can't have much of an arm left.
Tim Graham (4:35 PM)
He might be able to find a job as a backup. Maybe he comes back to the Dolphins and remains Henne's mentor.
Bryan (East Bay, CA)
So after you completely disowned Ted Ginn calling him a bust and overrated, how are your feelings now on him? Henne made him look like he had some promise by having a QB who can throw deep to him. Whether that remains a pattern we will soon know.
Tim Graham (4:36 PM)
I'm still not a fan. The ninth overall pick of any draft should make a great play every now and then. And that's all we've gotten from him so far.
Jon (Tempe, AZ)
By the way, I just wanted to know what YOU thought of the criticism heaped on the Wildcat. I know Calvin Pace doesn't like it, he said so from his back after Ronnie ran through him. Just curious what you personally think of it... fad or legit formation? I know its effective, but will we be seeing it in 2012, for example?
Tim Graham (4:38 PM)
My opinion isn't worth much, but here are two takes from guys with more credibility than me ... http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/4823/esiason-cowher-defend-wildcat-as-legit
Tim Graham (4:40 PM)
I'll push this to 5 p.m. so we can stop at an even two hours.
Jimmy Buffet (Margaritaville)
Tim, Whiskey or Tequila?
Tim Graham (4:41 PM)
Depends on how it's being served. Shots? Whiskey. In a rocks glass? Tequila.
King Hippo (Punch out)
Last week you compared me to Rex Ryan, and he lost..... my feelings are kinda hurt..... Got any pineapples?
Majeed (SD)
Did you copy Salguero's post on the 3rd and 2 column or vice versa? Certainly, both of you couldn't have come up with that on your own on the same day.
Tim Graham (4:43 PM)
That info was distributed by the NFL in their weekly statistical press release. They send out a quirky stat for each conference every week. They don't always pertain to a team I cover, but this one did. That Armando and I used it on the same day was coincidence.
Lindy Ruff (Buffalo)
Tim, have I ever smiled?
Tim Graham (4:44 PM)
I've witnessed it. Lindy has a great sense of humor.
justin (Worcester, ma)
Ive heard this said before, but is it really the Wildcat if a guy who plays primarily QB (pat White, Vick) is taking the snap?
Tim Graham (4:45 PM)
The Dolphins do not consider plays in which White takes the snap as Wildcat. Other teams might, but the general rule is that a direct snap has to go to a running back.
Majeed (SD)
Thanks for the clarification. I knew the best ESPN blogger wouldn't steal someone else's column. Mando is pretty good btw too, expcept he has only 1 team to cover.
Tim Graham (4:47 PM)
What's even funnier is that based on the timestamp on Armando's blog, we would have been writing our posts at the exact same time (if he posted his immediately). I scheduled mine to post later in the morning.
BJ (Salt Lake)
Do you see improvement in Miami's safeties over the last couple weeks, and do you think they'll have better luck covering Shockey than they did with Gonzalez and Clark?
Tim Graham (4:47 PM)
I thought Gibril Wilson had another bad game against the Jets.
Frazier (Philly)
What position would you play offensively and defensively if you played football?
Tim Graham (4:49 PM)
When I did play, I was a receiver and a defensive back mostly. I was the quarterback my junior year, but I think I had most fun at safety. There was something about intercepting a pass that was more fun than a reception.
justin (Worcester, ma)
Whats up with Ron Brace?
Tim Graham (4:51 PM)
An excellent question. He just hasn't gained Bill Belichick's trust enough to get on the field. I thought Brace would have made more of an impression by now.
Jeff (Dallas)
Tim, you meant 5pm CDT, right?
Tim Graham (4:53 PM)
As much as I'd love to, I do have to eat dinner at some point. But regulars on this chat know I have gone three hours before.
Jon (Tempe, AZ)
Prediction for Saints vs. Dolphins?
Tim Graham (4:54 PM)
As mentioned before, I'm going with the Saints, but not with conviction. Something about this game is making me think the Dolphins get to 3-3.
BJ (Salt Lake)
Who is your favorite AFC East personality right now, and who is your alltime favorite athlete to interview or listen to?
Tim Graham (4:56 PM)
Rex Ryan right now because almost everything that comes out of his mouth can be its own blog item, and I'm always looking for interesting material. My favorite all-time interview probably would be Don King. Joey Porter would be in my starting lineup somewhere.
Brad (NM)
Do you think Buffalo allows Carolina to run all over them Sunday? That D seems to be stopping the pass but giving up big run days.
Tim Graham (4:57 PM)
They're stopping the pass because there are only so many snaps in a game. The Bills are second in the NFL in most rushing attempts against.
Bryan (East Bay, CA)
Kind of surprised you are leaning towards the Saints. The Fins are coming off a bye and seem to really be playing good ball. If their defense can make some plays they should have this one.
Tim Graham (4:58 PM)
Byes aren't always good. I do agree an extra week of first-team snaps will help Henne, but a bye can be a speedbump for momentum.
Tim Graham (5:00 PM)
That's going to be it, guys. I appreciate everybody dropping by and taking the time to participate. For those of you in the Eastern time zone, I hope I got you to happy hour. See you next week.
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- 12:00 PMBoxing with Dan Rafael
- 12:00 PMChris Forsberg on Celtics
- 1:00 PMNFL with Pat Yasinskas
- 1:00 PMSport Science's John Brenkus
- 2:00 PMPage 2's Jemele Hill
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Terry Blount
- 3:00 PMNFL blogger Tim Graham
- 3:00 PMESPNDallas' Calvin Watkins
- 3:00 PMNBA with J.A. Adande
- 3:00 PMESPN L.A.'s Tony Jackson
- 4:00 PMNCAA BB with Fran Fraschilla
- 4:00 PMESPN L.A.'s Mark Saxon
- 5:00 PMESPNLA's Mason, Ireland
- 6:00 PML.A.'s Andrew Siciliano
- 10:00 AMThe Your Take Buzz
- 12:00 PMNCAA with Heather Dinich
- 1:00 PMNFL with Jeremy Green
- 1:00 PMNCAA FB with Chris Low
- 1:30 PMESPN L.A.'s Arash Markazi
- 2:00 PMPage 2's Scoop Jackson
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Ryan McGee
- 3:00 PMBracketologist Joe Lunardi
- 3:00 PMNBA with Chris Sheridan
- 4:00 PMNHL with Scott Burnside
- 4:00 PMRapper/Actor Ice Cube
- 4:30 PMNFL with Gary Horton
- 10:00 AMThe Your Take Buzz
- 12:00 PMNFL blogger Matt Mosley
- 12:30 PMNASCAR's Ron Malec
- 1:00 PMNBA Insider Chad Ford
- 1:00 PMNCAAF w/Graham Watson
- 1:00 PMMLB with Gordon Edes
- 2:00 PMNASCAR w/David Newton
- 2:00 PMNBA with John Hollinger
- 3:00 PMNHL with EJ Hradek
- 3:00 PMESPNChicago MLB Chat
- 4:00 PMNFL with James Walker
- 4:00 PMSoftball's Natasha Watley
- 5:00 PMESPNDallas' Tim MacMahon
- 10:00 AMThe Your Take Buzz
- 11:00 AMNFL with Chris Mortensen
- 11:00 AMNCAA BB with Andy Katz
- 12:00 PMNFL with Matt Williamson
- 12:00 PMNBA Insider David Thorpe
- 12:00 PMFormer Globetrotter Curly Neal
- 12:00 PMNCAA FB with Tim Griffin
- 12:00 PMNCAA FB with Tim Griffin
- 1:00 PMMMA Live host Jon Anik
- 1:00 PMFootball guru Mel Kiper
- 1:30 PMKamenetzky Brothers
- 2:00 PMESPNChicago Hawks Chat
- 2:00 PMMLB with Jim Callis
- 2:00 PMNCAA BB with Dana O'Neil
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Terry Blount
- 2:00 PMNCAA FB with Schlabach
- 3:00 PMScouts' football recruiting
- 3:00 PMFantasy Sports Focus
- 3:00 PMFantasy NASCAR Focus
- 3:00 PMNCAA FB with Beano Cook
- 4:00 PMGolf columnist Bob Harig
- 4:00 PMNCAA FB with Bennett
- 4:00 PMRadio's Ryen Russillo
- 10:00 AMThe Your Take Buzz
- 12:00 PMMLB Insider Rob Neyer
- 12:00 PMESPNBoston's Mike Reiss
- 12:00 PMMLB Insider Rob Neyer
- 1:00 PMMLB Insider Keith Law
- 1:00 PMNFL blogger Mike Sando
- 2:00 PMNFL with Bill Williamson
- 2:00 PMFormer NBA ref Ken Hudson
- 2:00 PMInside Lacrosse
- 2:30 PMInside College Hockey
- 3:00 PMNFL with Paul Kuharsky
- 3:00 PMESPN's Hockey Night
- 3:00 PMNCAA FB with Ted Miller
- 3:00 PMESPNDallas' Richard Durrett
- 4:00 PMFootball Scientist KC Joyner
- 4:00 PMNCAA FB with Rittenberg
- 4:00 PMNCAA BB with Jay Bilas
- 4:00 PMESPNChicago Bulls Chat
"SportsNation" on ESPN2!
Watch "SportsNation" Monday-Friday at 4 p.m. and midnight ET on ESPN2 with Colin and Michelle!
Tuesday's Results:
- Will Kobe play in All-Star Game? Nope, skip it!
- Is Peyton Manning a sore sport? No way.
- Chambers' or LeBron's dunk? Chambers' slam!
SUPER BOWL CENTRAL
SAINTS BEAT COLTS
Now that the Super Bowl is over, what did SportsNation think of the proceedings?
PLACE IN HISTORY
Now that Super Bowl XLIV is in the books, where does it stand among its peers?




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