ESPN

Tim Graham

  (2:57 PM)

Good afternoon, everybody. Let's get started a little early.

Jason (PHX)

I understand the Bills offense is historically bad, but the defense is at least keeping points off the board. Is there any reason to keep hope alive for a possible wild card birth?

Tim Graham

  (3:00 PM)

I don't think so, but not because I still believe the AFC East will send only one team to the playoffs. I will say the AFC South has turned out to be much softer than I expected. But the AFC North could send three.

Tank (Rochester)

You ready for the depressingly harsh Buffalo winter?

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

I'm not to affected by winter weather. I grew up in Cleveland and have lived in Las Vegas and South Florida. I take it or leave it, but I do need to buy my first snow scraper in a few years.

Nick (Buffalo)

Tim, I was noticing the banter between you and NYJMitch.... Is it true you really are not a fan of any team? I know you are supposed to remain neutral in regards to your articles, but do you really not have a team? What about when you were growing up, Browns?

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

I don't have to remain neutral, per se. But I just happen to not be a fan of any team in any sport. I grew up a Browns fan and stopped caring when they moved to Baltimore. That plus covering sports for a living, has caused a natural apathy in who wins or loses. No matter what happens on the scoreboard, there will be a good story to tell.

Tim Graham

  (3:05 PM)

That said, I'm not sure how I would handle covering the AFC North. I think I would probably show some Browns colors a little bit when writing about the past. But as far as the current Browns, I don't go out of my way to see what the score is. I was rooting for the city when the Cavs made the finals, though. Those people deserve to taste victory once in their lives.

Pat LaFontaine (next chat over)

So, Mr. Award Winning NHL writer, why didn't you come to my chat?

Tim Graham

  (3:06 PM)

You have my number, Pat. Give me a call. You need to tell me these things.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

So when you lived in Vegas, what was your favorite casino? How about favorite sports book (just to watch games of course because this is a family website)

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

I wasn't a huge casino guy. When you live there and can go whenever you want, it loses the allure. But when I go back, my favorite spot is the Mandalay Bay. Classy, but hip. Great poker room, too.

Derek (SD)

who is a better play monday night.....shockey or gonzalez

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Trade for Chris Cooley. He's my sleeper this week.

Bryan (East Bay, CA)

So did your hatred for Ted Ginn reach a whole new level last week like it did for me?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

I don't hate Ted Ginn. I just don't think he's a No. 1-caliber receiver. If I had a spot on my team for a third receiver or punt returner, I'd take him ... and pay him accordingly.

Rich Rodriguez (Ann Arbor)

People who ask Tim about fantasy sports need to get lives.

NYJMitch (Virginia Beach)

Who wins this weekend Tim, Jets or fins. I think that I would take the 6 and 3/4 games of good D compared to that one awful quarter. I think the Florida heat attributed to the Jets D being gassed. Whats your take?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

I think it will be a totally different game. With Kris Jenkins out, the Jets couldn't play the same defense even if they wanted to. They will look different and have a different scheme. And the presence of a healthy Jerricho Cotchery will make a difference offensively. As for a winner, whenever a rematch is too close for me to call, I go with the team that won the first time.

Chad (NY)

looking at the standing now on the afc east does it reflects how you picture it to be at a certain point this year?

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

My projected standings before the season began were Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, Bills with the Dolphins and Jets being close enough to flop. So they're about where I expected, but when you factor in all the bad breaks in the division so far, those standings could be all jumbled up with a bounce here or a call there.

ozzlo (florida)

Tim, can miami benefit from the change of weather up in NY?It's nice to out of the humidity for once

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

I don't see the weather being a factor at all. Maybe if it snows. But the weather up here has been mild. No advantage to either team.

Port Arthur, TX [via mobile]

Very big Titans fan, not to say that I can read minds but Vince Young did have that little breakdown last season, but he is a proven winner. His TD to INT ratio is equivalent to that of a pop warner QB playing versus pro, yet he wins he can throw the deep ball better than Kerry and can make plays with his legs, but his leadership skills had to have come into question leaders don't cry they suck it up and lead on. At least, at least Kerry Collins is doing that, quite possbly setting an example no matter what have the confidence of a starter believe you can come back and don't let frustrations of picks, fumbles, and whatever else destroy your confidence, and maybe Vince can learn that this season and hopefully, we aren't trying to get Colt McCoy. As for our defense Albert Haynesworth drew a lot of doubleteams, our line has to compensate for that, we need two extra rushers 15% more of the time, we need to preach stay in coverage, don't bite on playaction DB's! Chris Johnson is the man, get him the ball.

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

I didn't read a word of this guy's comment, but he texted it. Since it probably cost him $23 to send, I figured I should post it.

InFINcible (Boston, MA)

As a Fins' fan still reeling from the loss to the Saints, I'm surprisingly not up for this jets game. Do you get the sense the players have moved on and are ready to play or are they also still recovering??

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

I wasn't in the Dolphins locker room this week, so I can't say from personal observations, but from being around athletes, there has to be a certain level of denial (in a good way) about where they stand. I think they still believe they have a shot to make the playoffs and can look at the bad breaks to justify their wherewithal.

Tyler (Stratham, NH)

How terrible does Trent Edwards look now that Ryan Fitzpatrick(!!!!!) has led them to consecutive victories. For a team with the kind of playmakers they have in Lynch, Jackson, Evans and The-Receiver-Formerly-Known-As-Terrell-Owens it amazes me that they have been so pathetic offensively.

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

It's all about the offensive line. They are too young, too hurt and don't have nearly enough depth.

Dolphins4theWin (Work)

He hit the wrong number.. FWD it to the AFC South chat

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

The Texans do play the Bills this week. He worked hard on that post. Would have taken me 14 minutes.

NYJKAZADI (newyork/atlanta)

You have said you think 3 teams from the afc north might go to the playoffs ..... You dont think the ravens/steelers/ cinnatti/ will beat each other enough for the jets to get a wild card??

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

It's not uncommon for three teams from the same division to make the playoffs. I think all of them can go.

Jordan Reynolds (Mayville, NY)

Do you think Jairus Byrd has pro bowl potential?

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

I wrote a story on Jairus Byrd that ran Wednesday. I interviewed his mentor, Aeneas Williams, who claims he's perennial All-Pro material. Granted, Williams is admittedly biased, but I pressed him on that aspect of it and he insisted he would make the same claim if he'd never met Byrd.

lou (miami)

i have jennings hester and holt... which 2 do i start??

Tim Graham

  (3:23 PM)

Lester Holt.

Billy (Weston)

Did you make the same mistake we did your first year in South Florida and leave a carved pumpkin outside? They don't have the same shelf-life they do up north.

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

We carved one but didn't put it outside. We lived along a canal and had a lot of wildlife in our front yard. Had we put it outside, it would have turned into some sort of habitat.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

The Direct TV Tommy Boy commercial: is it PC to advertise and make money off of a dead comedian?

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

I assume the Farley estate is being compensated. This commercial has generated a bit of an uproar, but I didn't hear any complaints when DirecTV used the little girl from Poltergeist. Remember when Gene Kelly danced with a Hoover vacuum or something?

NYJeffs (Orlando)

Is it PC to ask about a Direct TV commercial in an NFL chat?

Bill (Conway, NH)

Any doubt in your mind the Pats win the division?

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

A little. Their schedule after the bye is pretty tough. A couple losses could open the door, but I don't see any of the other AFC East teams being capable of seizing that opportunity if it arises.

Nick (Buffalo)

Chances Ralph gets boooed for his half time ceremony this weekend? Im going to the game, I dont think I will boooo.

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

Fans probably won't boo. The last two wins have mollified them enough for one afternoon.

Jordan Reynolds (Mayville, NY)

Hey Jon, mighty putty is still advertising thanks to Billy Mays, is that PC?

Dolphins4theWin (Work)

I for one can say its a great commercial bing it puts money in the hands of the Farley familly

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Obviously Jon is not a loyal reader, clearly you are not the guy to ask about PC

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

Good point.

Anthony (Brooklyn)

Mark Sanchez going to be a Top 10 QB 3 years from now?

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

Top 10? That's not exactly shooting for the moon. Top third of the NFL. ... The Jets better hope so.

NYJeffs (Orlando)

Jon Basedow still advertises Fitness Made Simple, and based on the clothes he wears in those commercials he's been dead since 1984

Joseph (Ft Worth)

So who are the most arrogant fans in the division? How about the ones living in the most denial?

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

Great question. ... I don't detect any fan base being particularly arrogant. What I find is that they're all bandwagoners. But I have to hand it to the Dolfans who come on the AFC East blog and comment when they're losing. Fans of the other teams just disappear when they're losing. Most denial probably would be the Bills fans. They're so desperate for something good to happen, they look at every move as the key that will unlock the mysteries of the universe (Jason Peters trade, Terrell Owens, Turk Schonert firing, Ryan Fitzpatrick).

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Better blogger: Tim Graham or Brian Galliford?

Tim Graham

  (3:37 PM)

When it comes to the individual team guys, I can't compete. Brian Galliford is better than I am on the Bills. I feel the same way about Mike Reiss and the Patriots. I wish I had enough time to devote that kind of analysis to all four teams, but it's impossible.

Jordan Reynolds (Mayville, NY)

Joseph, I know the Bills are mediocre, all of Buffalo knows. No one is in denial

Joseph (Ft Worth)

I know Ed might get upset, but the new chat pages are horrific. They mess up more than Jim Zorn trying to coach a 2 minute drill

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

I can't argue because I'm on the other end of this thing and don't know how the viewing experience is. Sorry if it has gotten worse. I'll send along a note to let the higher-ups know there's some discontent.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Wait a minute, Bills fans disappear when they're losing? If that were true, you wouldn't ever see us. And we're in denial? Please Tim. Every Bills fan is acutely aware of how horrible they are. Maybe there are a few fans who are optimistic in the off season. But once the games start, we all remember what crap looks like.

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

They disappear on my blog. Take it easy there. And I will agree that Bills fans mostly have come to realize the team's shortcomings, but before the season started, the line was going to be unstoppable, T.O. was going to be unstoppable and Alex Van Pelt was going to make a young Bill Walsh look like Coach Klein in "The Waterboy."

Jay (Buffalo)

I think the Bills have a shot at the division... Tim am I in Denial?

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

You got the capital "D" right, too.

BIG ED (APEX,NC)

SHOULD US STEELER FANS LOOK FORWARD TO RAISING ANOTHER BANNER IN THE STEEL CITY THIS YEAR.

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

The Steelers were my preseason pick to win it all.

The Fonz (via mobile)

Ayyyy, I thought Coach Klein was pretty good, Tim.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

After reviewing Joseph's post, there is no foul on the play. The new chat software is prone to screw ups from time to time. Sometimes the Chat Ref has found that it helps to refresh.

KingKev (TX)

This chat is FUBAR

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

Thank you.

Corey (D.C.)

I'm outtta here...see you later fake chat.

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

Well, we might as well shut 'er down now, boys.

BJ (SLC)

Hey Tim,Sure, the Saints game has to be tough on the Fins, but at the same time, they have to be encouraged by some of the things their offense and defense did at certain points of the game, right? Do you think they can put it together and make a little run over then next few weeks?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

They still have Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Carolina and the Bills. They can do some damage. But that two-game hole will be the problem.

Joe (Indiana)

Whats up with the Darren Sharper fumble picture? The line judge had to have seen that is was fumbled. Officials should take polygraphs to search for their true loyalties.

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

The play happens so fast. So fast that the replays couldn't detect it. I'm sure Ron Marinucci is ill over missing that call, but I can understand how it happens.

Xander (Philly)

Bills already played the Fins. Only got them once more.

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

Fixed.

killa E (winter haven)

i hate how espn is saying how the jets are running so well when all they did was get good runs agianst poor teams. the dolphins always seem to stop the run especially early in the game. the jets should be happy if they even get 70 yards rushing this weekend

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

In the history of the NFL, how many thousands of times do you think a team has played two weak opponents in a row? The Jets were the first team since the 1930s to run for that many yards in back-to-back weeks.

ozzlo (florida)

Hey tim in regards to that screw job by the refs,will there ever be any kind of repurcussions for missing such crucial calls ala SEC

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

I'm sure the league knows about it. Files and grades are kept on every official, and there are repercussions, most notably not being allowed to call playoff games.

Jay (Connecticut)

Blue Moon or Shock Top?

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

Blue Moon. Might be my all-time favorite. But I've been on a Stella Artois kick lately.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal procedure against "killa E' for whining about ESPN. We don't tolerate that around here. 5 yards and repeat 2nd down

killa E (winter haven)

tim think about it since the 1930s how many times have there been so many poor teams in the NFL

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

Think about all those expansion teams.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Has Dustin Keller's face appeared on a milk carton yet? Seems like someone forgot it was legal to throw to the TE.

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

Maybe that will change now that Cotchery is healthy again. Teams have been able to double Keller or overload his side of the line. When he's in, it's probably a pass because he can't block.

mz (boston)

you're obviously forgetting ken griffey baseball from SNES when breaking out the baseball stars

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

mz's referring to the chat announcement on my blog from earlier today ... I never played Ken Griffey. My favorites were Baseball Stars and Bases Loaded. But the game I still get wistful about is Earl Weaver Baseball for PCs. It was all about the stats.

Xander (Philly)

DONT FRUIT THE BEER!!!!!

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

Never. I decline it for Blue Moon and Hoegaarden, which I like better than Blue Moon but is harder to find on tap. I don't necessarily mind the orange being in there, but I hate having to find someplace to put them all when they start littering the bar.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Do you think Rex Ryan is upset that Sanchez got to eat a hot dog on the sidelines and he had to go a whole 3 hours without eating?

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

We don't know what goes on at halftime.

Joe (Indiana)

I'll take a Tim Graham live chat over a Warren Sapp live chat anyday!

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

I'm guessing Warren's outspokenness doesn't translate through the keyboard?

Chris (Oakland, NJ)

tim, when reading comments on your posts, what annoys you the most?

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

Usually accusations of me being a hater or a homer or having an agenda.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

If T.O. ate a hot dog on the sidelines, would that be considered cannibalism?

steve (cape cod)

Is Lee Evans the clear-cut #1 WR in Buffalo?

Bill (Fairfax, VA)

It looks like Fitz and Evans have some chemistry.

Tim Graham

  (4:04 PM)

There does seem to be something there. I'm not sure what it is or what Fitzpatrick sees that Edwards hasn't been able to, but it's working.

Everyone else here (Chat)

Wait, Sapp is chatting? Let's go!

Xander Fan (Virginia)

Xander is to Tim Graham what Andy Ritcher was to Conan... the show could go on without them, but it just isn't the same

NYJMitch (Virginia Beach)

Tim, what are you dressing up as for Halloween?

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

A pedestrian. It symbolizes my writing.

Chris (Rockville, MD)

Who is the fatest receiver on the Dolphins aside from Ginn?

Tim Graham

  (4:07 PM)

I'm not sure about 40 times, but I would think it's Brian Hartline. Maybe Davone Bess. But it's certainly not Greg Camarillo.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

I eat circus peanuts. I also eat candy corn and peeps. Derrick Rose has got nothing on me.

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

I was introduced to the chocolate candy corn this year. I can sign off on that. Not sure why you include Peeps on that list. I thought they were loved by all.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

You could always go as a homer, a hater or someone who has an agenda.

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

I hadn't thought of that.

Ryan (NY)

If you had to guess who the coach and QB are in Buffalo next year, would you answer be Jauron and Edwards?

Tim Graham

  (4:09 PM)

After much thought ... probably.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

More reprehensible action at work: Wearing a costume for Halloween or cooking fish in the microwave?

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

Nice one ... Gotta go with fish.

Bob (Lowell)

Disregard J. B.'s suggestion. A costume should require more than putting on your regular clothes.

Tim Graham

  (4:10 PM)

That was the joke you clearly missed 10 minutes ago. Thanks for dropping by.

NYJMitch (Virginia Beach)

Admit it, you hate the Jets, admit it. HAHA

Tim Graham

  (4:11 PM)

From a pure material standpoint, I wouldn't mind if the Jets played in every game possible this year.

Dolphins4theWin (Work)

What are your thoughts on Bart Scott "wanting to hurt" any player in the NFL?

Tim Graham

  (4:13 PM)

The same thing I thought when I heard Mike Tyson at a prefight news conference say he was going to kill his opponent. I didn't dial 911.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul for taunting against NYJMitch. I'm going to leave your capitalization of "haha" alone this time, but next time, you're outta here. 15 yards and repeat 2nd down

Tim Graham

  (4:14 PM)

Ed doesn't screw around. I don't always agree with his calls, but there are rules to enforce. Gotta abide.

The Dude (LA)

I abide.

Tim Graham

  (4:16 PM)

Sorry for the loss of that Sanchez question. I had a computer hiccup and accidentally deleted it. Operator error.

Joseph (Fort Worth)

The Jets could take some lessons from Channing Crowder. The stuff he says about his uncle and daddy are funny. Bart Scott is just an idiot for saying those things

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

You think that what Crowder said about the Saints rubbing each other was witty?

Bob (Newark)

Good lord is this lame. The stupid Hochuli thing has been completely played for months now. Never could figure out why you guys seem to think you're Jay Leno in these chats. Its awful. See ya next Friday. Not.

Tim Graham

  (4:18 PM)

The funniest use of the classic "Not" joke since Borat.

Matt (YO)

Tim pick an answer:A: Bills secondary is one of the best in the league2: For some reason opposing QBs are just playing terrible against themC: combo of both

Tim Graham

  (4:22 PM)

TWO! The Bills' secondary consists of three guys who were backups when the season started. They do have talent. Jairus Byrd is playing like a future star and Terrence McGee is underrated. But I can't say they're up there with the Packers or the Broncos.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

Sorry Bob, I guess my guns scared you away

Jay (Connecticut)

I think Bob (Newark) fruits his beer.

avi (boston, ma)

Tim, if you had a choice beetween the best safety in the league or the best wide reciever in the league, who would you pick, which one is more important to a team

Tim Graham

  (4:24 PM)

I would go with the best receiver. Safeties rely on the players around them a little more than a receiver does.

Drew (Buffalo) [via mobile]

Hey Tim. Haven't been around in a while, good to see you're chats are still awesome. Ill have a double patron in your honor tonight. In fact, ill have 7. Have a good weekend.

Tim Graham

  (4:26 PM)

My man ... (bumps chest with inside of fist)

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Tim: Follow-up to avi's question: What if your starting QB is Jamarcus Russell (sorry this isn't an AFC East QB).

Tim Graham

  (4:26 PM)

I'd move him to safety.

Trent Edwards (via mobile)

I'm with Bob, I've checked down to a pro video gamer chat.

Tim Graham

  (4:27 PM)

OK, fellas (I have a hard time believing there are any ladies here), a few more and I gots to run.

DM (Earth)

Sure, you're not a dullfan....and Mike Reiss is not a Patriots fan. Homer.

Tim Graham

  (4:28 PM)

What gave it away? All of my glowing Ted Ginn coverage?

leib (albany)

hey i have a question about who to start in fantasy

Tim Graham

  (4:29 PM)

By all means ...

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

What do you see as Pat White's ceiling in the NFL? Can he be a difference maker or nothing more than a gimmick guy for a few plays per game?

Tim Graham

  (4:31 PM)

Based on what I've seen of him in rookie camp, mini camp and the preseason, he has a loooooooong way to go before I can consider him a viable NFL quarterback option. He also has a kicker's body type. I remember talking to some other reporters one day at training camp and asked if anybody could think of a non-kicker as slightly built as White. We couldn't come up with anybody.

R (Winter Haven, FL)

Do you see the Miami O-Line becoming the best in the division and maybe the league considering the way their playing and how they are being coached. (Sparano)

Tim Graham

  (4:33 PM)

Sparano leaves the O-line coaching to Dave DeGuglielmo, but they do have the potential to be rated up there with the Giants or Jets, just to name a couple. They have a lot of youth that will improve over the years with experience.

Dolfan (Miami)

Ted Ginn is built like a kicker

Tim Graham

  (4:34 PM)

But he's not as thin as Pat White.

Nick (Buffalo)

Forgot to say really liked the J Byrd piece... They are not selling his jersey for 4-6 weeks!!

Tim Graham

  (4:34 PM)

Thanks, Nick. Is that for real? Did you try to place an order? if that's the case, then they're going to miss out on some dough.

Tim Graham

  (4:35 PM)

But four to six weeks is enough time for Christmas.

avi (boston, ma)

whose going to be the best running back this week in the dolphins-jets game

Tim Graham

  (4:35 PM)

Wow. Great question ... I'm going to say Ronnie Brown, but that's just a hunch. Maybe he throws a touchdown to separate himself.

leib (albany)

ok tim. its between collie, greene, matt stafford, carlson or crabtree. i need to win and im playing the #1 team. what do i do?

Tim Graham

  (4:37 PM)

Start Stafford and Crabtree for sure. Cut Collie and Carlson.

NYJMitch (Virginia Beach)

If the fins lose this weekend, can we officially stop saying the Miami dolphins are a good team? I don't understand the bravado at 2-4.

Tim Graham

  (4:39 PM)

So what are you saying? Any team that loses to the jets is no good? What would that say about the Jets?

BJ (SLC)

What's your take on Henning defending Ginn by saying he made fewer mistakes than 9 players on offense in the Saints game?

Tim Graham

  (4:40 PM)

Technically, I'm sure there were 30 Bills who made more mistakes than Scott Norwood did in their first Super Bowl.

R (WH. Florida)

Cant remember when was the last time the fins drafted so well back to back years, i really like the way scouters evaluate players.

Tim Graham

  (4:40 PM)

It still doesn't make up for that 2007 draft. Blech.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Remind NYJ Mitch that his Jets lost to the Bills and the Dolphins while the Dolphins killed the Bills and beat the Jets.

Bill (Buffalo)

Bad as they may be, the Bills are two special teams fumbles away from being 5-2 right now

Tim Graham

  (4:42 PM)

Not entirely true. They still would have needed to find a way to beat the Browns. The game was tied when Parrish muffed.

Tim Graham

  (4:44 PM)

Time to wrap it up. Thanks for stopping by. Hope I got you close enough to happy hour. See you next week. Well, everybody except Bob from Newark.