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Tim Graham

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everybody. I'm chatting today from my alma mater, Windham High, in northeast Ohio. I'm passing through on my way from Buffalo to Indianapolis for Sunday night's big game. Let's get started on the chat ...

Chris (Rockville,MD)

Tim- I need career advice. About to get laid off in January. Do I go with a sweet paying contract gig or take lesser money for full time security? Also, why do the Dolphins keep yanking Henne after every good throw he makes? Thanks!

Tim Graham

  (3:01 PM)

Does anybody have full-time security anymore? I guess I would go for whatever offered the most stability. Don't go for the fast money. ... As for Henne, I think the Dolphins know when they want to run the Wildcat and don't factor in whether Henne makes a good play or not when deciding. I think they expect him to make a good throw every time they call a pass play.

Hank Hill (via mobile)

Chris I think you should pursue a career in propane.

james (nyc)

if the pats lose to the colts, and the jets can take them down again, the afc east looks alot more open than it does today. If the this happens you just watch the jets take the division!!!

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

The Jets might need to run the table. Keep in mind that in losing to the Dolphins twice and the Bills once, they won't have much leeway in regards to tiebreakers. They not only have to catch the Patriots, they have to pass them.

Health Inspector (Indianapolis)

Tim, please check all of your luggage for mice before coming here. If I find any I'm going to have to cite you.

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

I heard that story on the local sports station. What's next? Snails on the plates of a fancy French restaurant?

John (Miami, FL)

Do you think the Dolphins should just let Henne loose this weekend to see what hes got?

Tim Graham

  (3:06 PM)

I know Dolfans would like to see that. The Wildcat has been tamed until the Dolphins can come up with something dramatic. Pat White out of the option was entertaining, but I do think the Dolphins need to see what Henne can do in an orthodox environment. Trouble is, he doesn't have the full complement of receivers he needs.

This Date in History (November 13th)

Someone asked Tim for career advice. In related news, Satan just purchased some ice skates.

mz (boston)

Tim, the powers that be have set the over/under for the Pats/Colts game at 49.5. I'm leaning towards visiting the friendly neighborhood bookmaker and playing the over. Any insight?

Tim Graham

  (3:08 PM)

Not just this game, but any game ... A wise man once explained to me why you never bet the under. If you're wagering to have fun, the under can be blown early and end your entertainment. You can always root for the over.

Jason (Northern MI)

Will Brian Scottenheimer be back in NY next season? I hope he finds work elsewhere but how much will a new coordinator and system slow down Sanchez's growth?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Based on Rex Ryan's comments in the offseason, I thought Brian Schottenheimer would serve this year and move on, perhaps even getting a head coaching gig, as Ryan asserted. But we've learned Ryan says a lot of glowing things that undermine his credibility (Vernon Gholston).

Thomas (State College)

If Indianapolis was still in the AFC East like they were before the re-allignment, would Brady v Manning be even bigger than it is now? Say like Kelly vs Marino?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

Absolutely. But I also think meeting once a year makes this game a little more special. It gives off its own vibe that I think is pretty cool, about as close to a playoff game as you can get in the regular season.

Matt (IN)

So, will the Graham-Kuharsky death match foot race actually take place this weekend? I will be at the game, hope to be able to come by and give you and PK a shout out.

Tim Graham

  (3:13 PM)

I doubt it. I'm getting to Indianapolis tomorrow morning, but he's not arriving until Sunday. Maybe we can lay down the starting blocks on Monday morning.

Jay (Louisville)

If the NFL re-alligned the teams gepgraphically, Indy would be in AFCN, Balt in AFCE, and Mia in AFCS. Can you explain why they didn't get that right? Or have you heard anything about them fixing this situation?

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

The NFL wanted to keep some traditional rivalries, including Dallas in the NFC East. I've always thought the switch should be Buffalo in the AFC North and Baltimore in the AFC East. But they wanted the Ravens to play the Browns twice a year.

Joe (Wichita, KS)

Tim, does Jairus Byrd brake the rookie record for interceptions?

Tim Graham

  (3:15 PM)

I'll predict no, but I hope he does. It would be a great story for a team that could use one.

Xander (Philly)

Gotta be honest Tim, the only thing getting me through this dismal Bills season is the absolute mediocrity of the Jets after fatty keeps opening his big mouth.

Mark (NYC)

Tim,We all know had bad a coach Mr. Jauron is, but after the season ends do you think Ralph Wilson starts looking at the front office for major changes as well? I mean, Tom Modrak hasn't exactly lit it up the past decade either, right?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

I'm not a Tom Modrak detractor as much as some others are. I've thought he's done well on many picks. Keep in mind that while he puts together the scouting reports, others in the organization have significant influence on the picks. Former GM Marv Levy is the one who wanted Donte Whitner, for instance.

James (Rochester)

What has to happen to get Byrd on the Pro Bowl ballot?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

He'll never be on this year's ballot. You have to write him in. When the ballot was put together, he was a backup. The starters were Donte Whitner and Bryan Scott, who are listed on the ballot.

Mark (Cheddar, England)

Hi Tim, If the dolphins had a big play receiver would they be right up there challenging for the division?

Tim Graham

  (3:19 PM)

As close as some of their games have been, I would have to say it would have made an impact. I don't know if it would swing two games in their favor, but the Dolphins' offense is not equipped to play from behind, and the biggest reason for that is they have too many receivers who work underneath.

Tom Brady (Foxborough)

Could you review the three primary rules for work place conduct?

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

Great "SNL" skit. It's archived on the show's site. If you haven't seen, I recommend finding it.

Xander (Philly)

You heard it hear first: If the Eagles dont make a serious push for the Superbowl (or maybe even get to there cause of the crazy local media) the Eagles will trade McNabb, and the Bills will be a big time player.

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

There you have it ...

HP (PA)

Do you think the Fins need a big fast WR or playmaking TE that can stretch the field more. I think this offense is built around the TE if you have the right ones.

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

I think the big receiver is more critical to improving the Dolphins' offense. They know it, too. They've tried to find help at the position, including Braylon Edwards. But the stakes have been too high for their licking. You have to give them credit for sticking to their framework. I can't argue with adhering to a Parcells blueprint.

Brandon (Albany)

Tim obviously you won't post my comments because I prove you wrong a number of times....the Colts and Pats are 1st and 2nd in the league in points allowed. You have to take the under. Do some research.

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

I didn't tell anybody what to take in that game. I merely shared my philosophy on whether to bet the over or the under for ANY game. But let me educate you ... The guys who set the line in Las Vegas do the research. They set the lines to the point that it's as close to a coin flip as possible. I'm sure they're aware where the Patriots and Colts rank. And I'm sure they're aware the Patriots and Colts have played some weak teams. And I'm sure you're aware that 25-24 wouldn't exactly be a barnburner.

Tank (Astoria)

Tim- prediction for the NYJ/JAX game?

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

That's a tough one, but I think the Jets have to not only win this game but make a statement in the process. They have a tough road ahead of them in their final eight games. They need a convincing victory to help erase some of the doubt swirling around.

Brandon (Albany)

My gambling research is topical at best, that's true.

Xander (Philly)

Awesome, someone besides me arguing with TG! Being the bad guy in the room can be brutal!

Brian (Orlando, FL)

I predict that Chris Johnson is going to break the single game rushing record this weekend - what do you think Tim?

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

This would be the game for it. The Bills are putrid against the run, and Johnson is on his way to finishing the season as the rushing leader with the second-highest average in NFL history -- behing Beattie Feathers.

Sully (Buffalo)

My chats destroy yours!

Tim Graham

  (3:30 PM)

That's a Buffalo News reference for the uninitiated.

Xander (Philly)

If the Bills were smart (obviously a massive 'If') they would just stack the box and make Vince Young throw the ball on our half-way decent secondary. Think they'll do that?

Tim Graham

  (3:32 PM)

The Bills have tried stacking the box before. But I think that is the best way to beat the Titans.

Kevin (Miami)

Tim, been reading your chat for a year, love it. Back to business...Is this the week Pats fans finally get to a substantial dosage of Brandon Tate? Have only seen him a few times since being reactivated.

Tim Graham

  (3:34 PM)

Hard to say what Belichick has in store. I think Tate will continue to return kicks, but whether he supplants Sam Aiken as the third receiver this week, I'm not so sure.

ozzie (i'm in miami trick)

hey tim.what's good with patrick turner?Can we give ginn the boot to ST's only and throw the big guy in for red zones?

Tim Graham

  (3:38 PM)

Great question. When I saw Turner in rookie camp, I was really impressed with his hands. We don't see practices on a daily basis, so maybe he's not standing out as much as the coaching staff would like, but I think the more likely reason is that the coaches simply like how Ginn, Hartline, Bess and Camarillo fit in. Plus, Turner doesn't play special teams.

Joseph (Ft Worth)

Any reasonable explanation as to why Ginn does not return punts? I have not heard a good one yet.

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

Trust. They trust Bess more than Ginn -- although that might be waning. Bess has been battling the dropsies.

nick (Hartford)

This is a silly one, i know, but do you think the patriots can slip up and let one of the other AFC east teams catch em and pass em?

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

Not silly at all. It's possible. I don't think it will happen, but the Patriots' upcoming schedule is pretty tough. If they lose a couple in a row, the door opens for somebody else. But I think the Dolphins have a better shot than the Jets because of the remaining schedule and the tiebreakers.

John (Boston)

Is Brendan Meriweather a pro-bowler??

Tim Graham

  (3:40 PM)

No question. Maybe All-Pro this year.

Jeff (Hempstead, NY)

Hey Tim, what do you think the Jets will do regarding the nose tackle position? Will Jenkins be able to return to form after tearing his ACL or do they need to start considering a replacement?

Tim Graham

  (3:42 PM)

They could go to more of a 4-3 base defense, but that's not what Ryan is all about. They'll fudge it for the rest of the season, but the smart way to proceed for next year and beyond is to prepare as though Jenkins isn't coming back but hope that he does.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Seeing as how Matt Cassel has flopped big-time since leaving the comforts of the Patriots, can one conclude that a great deal of Brady's success is being a product of the system? What I'm trying to say here is that Manning is better......

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

We can't even begin to compare the supporting casts in Kansas City and New England.

Ty (West Africa)

Loved the old football cards, I loved pawning Earl Coopers off as Earl Campbells..what's your thoughts on the Fins make the playoffs, it seems that date with the Steelers is gonna be big, if they really can pick it up between here and there

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

Thanks, Ty. I examined those cards so much that actually remembered some of those cartoon references off the top of my head. I don't think the Dolphins make it. The way it's shaking out, whoever wins the AFC East will be the only team from the division that goes.

Migas (league city)

Tim, you are the man. Should i stay employed as a DBA, where more than 5 goose eggs of my value keep me smiling, or become all that i can be, and become a couger hunter, hoping to find my sheila near waters of Clear Lake, TX. Also, will the Texans make it to the playoffs, or another heartbraker for the greatest state, where people may not have been born in Texas, but they got here as fast as they could. Adios

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

Join the service. That's what I'd do.

Eddie (Poland)

Did the Dolphins show any interest in pursuing Chambers when he was released? And any word whose going for Larry Johnson?

Tim Graham

  (3:46 PM)

We know they didn't put in a waiver claim, so they weren't willing to pay the remainder of his contract. But I'm sure they would have at least kicked the tires had he cleared waivers. No word on Larry Johnson aside from his agent saying he'll sign next week. They didn't want to rush it.

J (Milwaukee)

I assume you are going to be at the Marquee AFC East tilt this weekend, Bills and Titans?

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

No, Dolphins-Buccaneers.

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

For those who are foolish enough to take me seriously ... I will be in Indianapolis.

Joel (Providence)

My Topps John Hannah card said that he weighed in @ 11 pounds @ birth and 35 pounds on his 1st birthday.........is that true??

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

If it was next to a Topps cartoon, it's irrefutable.

Mark (Cheddar, England)

Why does no one outside New England realise that brandon is a brilliant safety, Brandon McGowan! He is playing much better than Meriweather. Would you not agree Tim?

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

I just got done writing an item about McGowan that will be posted at 4 p.m. in the Final Word. He could be the MVP of Sunday night's game.

Xander (Philly)

Best football movie ever: Little Giants..."Spike's in hell. Spike's in football hell"

Tim Graham

  (3:49 PM)

No way. Best football movie line is "I think he broke his [expletive] neck."

Jeff (Las Vegas)

So Tim, did you head back to your old HS to collect some old Topps cards you hid in your locker back in the day?

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

No, I shot a video blog on the old high school field. Should be up tomorrow. Nothing special, but it provided a football backdrop for my take on why the Bills screwed up by not taking Michael Oher.

John (Boston)

Who is the starting left tackle in 2010 for the Pats, Light or Vullmer?

Tim Graham

  (3:51 PM)

My prediction is Light at left tackle, Vollmer at right tackle.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

If Xander wants to recite movie lines, he should prolly get them right. It's: "Spikes in hell. Spike's in PEE WEE hell."

Frank (PA)

Tim, a lot has been made of the Dolphins rookies in the secondary. Smith and Davis get all the press, but what do you think about Clemons?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

I still need to see more. I thought he looked pretty good in rookie camp and training camp. A little raw, but I know the Dolphins are optimistic they found a late-round steal.

Peyton Manning (Indianpolis)

Why didn't you tell me before posting it that I wouldn't be the MVP of Sunday night's game? We haven't been communicating well and I feel left in the dark.

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

I tried telling you, but you were to preoccupied with trying to prevent the San Diego Chicken from assaulting an electronics consumer.

bill (cincy)

what is the toughest division to play in in the afc is it the east or the north

Tim Graham

  (3:54 PM)

Looks like the North this year. Three playoff teams possible.

Thomas (State College)

who has the more boring press conferences? Andy Ried, Dick Jauron, or Bill Bilechick

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

Jauron by far. Not only boring, but zero information. Belichick can be insightful if you ask him about X's and O's or history. He only throws up the wall is you ask him about game strategy or to critique a player on his roster.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Nice to see Peyton has a little time to himself outside of his Indianapolis Colts, Sony, Oreo, Direct TV, ESPN, Sprint, Mastercard, and Reebok duties.

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

Couple more questions and I have to split.

Eddie (Poland)

after the Dan Marino Era, who would you say the worst QB starter for the Dolphins was?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

Gotta be John Beck, with Cleo Lemon second. What a wonderful season 2007 was.

Jon (Rochester, NY)

Tim, I found Mighty Ducks (the movie) t-shirts online. Who should I get: Kenny Wu, Gordon Bombay, Fulton Reed, or Gunner Stahl?

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

I'd order the jersey, complete with fighting straps.

Xander (Philly)

So if the refs got the call RIGHT and the stupid Music City Miracle never happened, think the Bills franchise wouldnt have taken a big dump or was it inevitable?

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

I think the refs did get that one right, but I'm not 100 percent convinced. ... To answer your question, though, I'm a big believer in the butterfly effect. If the Bills win that game, I do think it would have changed the course of history. That Bills team had a shot to get to the Super Bowl. Things would have changed for Wade Phillips, John Butler and Rob Johnson.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a 5 yard penalty against Xander for trying to revise history. As a result of the play, the Bills have been sentenced to 10 more years of Dick Jauron. Repeat 1st down.

Mark (Cheddar, England)

There he is!

Tim Graham

  (4:06 PM)

OK, guys, I have to wrap it up. Thanks for stopping by. See you next week!