Nathan (NC)

What? Not started early? What is the world coming to...

Jeff (Charleston, SC)

Hey Pat. Do you think Norwood will play on Sunday? If so, do you think Snelling and him put down a solid performance?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:55 PM)

Here we go -- 6 minutes early.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:55 PM)

Jeff, I think we'll see some Norwood, but mostly Snelling.

Garrett (Chicago)

Having previously covered the Panthers, can you explain to me why they let Delhomme throw the ball 42 times last night? Their RB went 25 rushes for 165 yards. Even if you take out Williams' 50 yarder, it was still 24 for 115, over 4.5 YPC... I'm dumbfounded that, on the first drive they threw 3 times in the redzone for negative yardage. What gives?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:56 PM)

I wish I could explain it. I'm dumbfounded, too. Same thing they did back in the playoff game. Should have learned a lesson from that.

CORY (sc)

Hey Pat with the Saints struggling to win the last 3 weeks do you see this game as trap game for them and they finally lose

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

Nope, it's the Bucs. Saints have to start playing better, but they can win this one still even if they're not at their best.

Bruce (Atlanta)

What's Turner's status for this week and the rest of the year? High ankle sprains can be pesky. He's saying all the right things, but how bad is the injury? Thanks.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

It's not a severe sprain, but I think he'll miss a game or two.

Sam (Apex)

Worse preformance last night OC Davidson or the tackling by the defence.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

OC. Kind of find it ironic that the same fans that wanted to run Dan Henning out of town are now doing the same with Davidson. It's not the OC by himself -- it's the style of play Fox wants that's the problem.

Rob B. (St Pete)

What do you think the future of Raheem is? I think if they were not stillpaying Gruden all that money he would be gone for a big name coach, but between Gruden's pay and the uncertain labor status I figure he has at least onem ore season right?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

Win another game or two and he's safe. If they wanted a big-name coach, they would have hired one -- or kept Gruden. They wanted somebody to rebuild.

Aaron Robinson (Nashville, TN)

Hey Pat..., do get the feeling that the Bucs are finally ready to bench Mike Clayton considering the sold play of Mo Stovall and the return of Antonio Bryant?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

If they're not considering it, they should.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Is this Jake's last year in Carolina? I thought he left a lot of big plays out there last night.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

Might be last year in Carolina for a lot of people.

Tyler (GA)

Pat what bandwagon are you on now? you jumped on carolina's last week after they beat ATL

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

Get over it, man.

Randy (Rock Hill)

With the Panthers owing John Fox around 5 million next year in the last season of his contract, what do you feel it will take for the Panthers record wise to finally cut him loose?(Hopefully along with Davidson)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

Anything less than a playoff berth.

CP (BROOKLYN, NY)

Pat don't you think it's a combination of play calling, teams having more film, and an extra week in some cases, that is contributing to Matt Ryan not playing very well right now?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

Yep, all of the above. Plus, I also think he locks in on Gonzo too much.

Josh G (New Orleans)

What's your take on all the people saying the saints need to lose a game or two now to have success in the playoffs? I feel like if we lose 1-2 games ok fine and if not, I am ok with that too. I think it is silly to think professionals should tank a game intentionally. Just play well and let the chips fall as they may.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

Absolutely silly. You never should want to lose. You want to carry as much momentum as possible into playoffs.

Nathan (NC)

Does Jeff Davidson have full play-calling control for the Panthers, or does Fox tell him run/pass, etc?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Fox has input and can overrule him. He also sets the basic tone for the offense.

Randy (Rock Hill)

You have met the Richardson's and know his personality. Do you really think he'll pull the trigger since we aren't going to make the playoffs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Yes, I truly do.

Jeff (Lansing, MI)

Hey Pat, still wondering if maybe Reggie Bush might get more involved in the offense as the season progresses?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

He's banged up right now. So let's see what that's all about first.

Steve (LA)

Saints just got Chris McAllister. How does he compare to Porter or Greer?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

Can't expect him to walk in off the street and be Porter or Greer. But he used to be a good player and he's smart. He gives them a little insurance behind Jenkins and Randall Gay.

Ryan (Napa, CA)

What's your opinion on the job OC Olsen has done since taking over at the start of the season?

Jane (NOLA )

Pat, do you think the Saints are just holding back right now to prepare for the Pats?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

Not holding back, but I think Payton will be cautious in playing injured guys this week.

abe (chicago)

is this week a true must-win for the falcons?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

I think that would be fair to say.

Jonny (NYC)

What is the timetable for Peppers hand to heal? Will it need offseason surgery? How do we know so little about the highest paid player and such a significant injury?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:10 PM)

Nobody knows. Fox is extremely guarded about injuries.

Donald (New Orleans )

Pat why are people acting like the Saints giving up 150 rushing yards per game the past 4 games an amazing thing. I'm just saying we played 4 of the best RB in the game the past 4 weeks.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:11 PM)

Good point.

Wes (New Orleans)

I heard Ellis practiced this week? Any idea what the timetable for his return is?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

He's practiced on a limited basis. Chance you could see a little of him Sunday. But I think the real target is next week against New England.

Mookie (Snellville, Ga.)

Hey Patrick, What's Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper's status this week ?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

We'll know their official status in a couple of hours. But I'm guessing neither one plays.

Grant (Washington, DC)

Pat, we know that Mr. Richardson is going to pull the plug on the Fox Era unless Carolina makes the playoffs. Given the near certainty that the Panthers will be watching from home in January, does he pull the plug in the next couple weeks to get a jump start on courting the Big Names (like Buffalo is doing), or does he let Fox ride out the rest of the season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

I think he'll ride it out a little longer.

Greg (Tampa Bay)

Stil waiting for a 100 yard game from one of the backs. Does Greg Olson remain O coordinator if Raheem is stil coach?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

I think so. I think it's more the players than the coaches.

Big Mike (Destrehan)

What are the odds that Gregg Williams gets a head coaching job somewhere next season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Decent chance. He'll at least get some interviews.

Anthony (Californ-i-a)

Aaron sears is back!!! Gives us Tampa fans even more reason to be optimistic about where this team is headed. Do you see him getting any playing time this season??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

No, you won't see him this season. He's not in shape. They're just getting him ready for next year.

Andrew (Malcolm)

If Williams gets a head coach job next year...Does SP bring in Fox as the def coordinator?? HA!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

Wouldn't rule that one out. They are buddies.

Allen (New York)

Hey Pat, one of the few Fridays I get off from school, so happy to ask a question? You have seen a few Falcons games live what do you think is the case for John Abraham's lack of production?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

Age is catching up to him.

William (California )

Since Sears is back.. Where is he going to play??? Could he play Right Tackle??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

Again, he won't play this year. He'll be back next year -- as a guard.

cedric (New iberia)

Have the Saints wraped up the nfc South yet ? if not when do u think they will?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

Yes, this one's been over for a few weeks.

Blake (Tempe, Arizona)

Some ATL "fans" (translation: bitter Vick fans) have designated Ryan a bust. What's your take?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

I'd call them bitter Vick Fans.

Greg (Tampa Bay)

When do you think D Brooks will announce his retirement? It's clear he won't be playing this season.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

Thought he should have somehow tied it into their throwbacks game. Guess he didn't want to ruin Lee Roy's day.

William (California )

If your the Bucs do you draft DT or SS

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

DT all the way. Bigger need. Plus, you don't draft a strong safety with a top five pick.

Nathan (NC)

I was completely unaware that bitter Vick fans existed. Are they also bitter Petrino fans?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

Let's find out.

William (California )

I know hes not gonna play this year, Hes outta shape, But Zutta has been great all year, So again do you trade him or what??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

Sears wouldn't have any trade value. Maybe you consider Sears trying tackle or Zuttah playing center, but that's a long way off.

Dylan (Las Vegas)

What is your honest assessment of Freeman so far? Does he have what it takes to be the guy the Bucs build their team around?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Think it's too early to say that definitively. But I think he's shown some very promising things.

Carlton (Brooklyn, NY)

I'm getting no love today Pat, what's up with that??? Just wanted to know what you thought is leading to Matt Ryan's struggles...

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

My thought?

Michael (SC)

Why do you think Atlanta can't win even though they have all that talent?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

The schedule is a big factor.

Jacob (Michigan)

How much better is that Gaines Adams trade looking now? Seems like the type of move that could pay huge dividends if the draft is handled well.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

Liking it more every day. Stylez G. White's been better than Adams and they'll get a good player out of it in the draft.

Greg (Tampa Bay)

Is Chris McAllister statingh this sunday?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

No, think it will be Jenkins and Randall Gay.

William (California )

True, I say they put him at RT and let under productive Trueblood walk... what do you think??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:27 PM)

Wouldn't argue too much with that one.

Allen (New York)

Tough day huh? I would really like to know your take about John Abraham's lack of production

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:27 PM)

He's aging.

Jeff (Charleston, SC)

Why did Dimitroff let Foxworth walk?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

Didn't really let him walk. They wanted to keep him, but Foxworth wanted to go to where he grew up.

Ray (Connecticut)

Do you believe that Mularkey is a big factor on their offense doing a little poorly these past few weeks?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

Yes, think he's got to make some adjustments.

Joe (Metairie)

Pat, do you think Colston will get out of this slump this week against Tampa Bay?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

That would seem like a good place to break a slump.

Pat (BoA Building)

I feel like I'm stuck in a terrible nightmare and then I wake up, see Delhomme and Fox sitting at a table with J. Pep just relaxing in a giant recliner made of money and realize I'm still in the nightmare! When am I finally going to have a good dream??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Maybe next year.

Big Mike (Destrehan LA)

Way back when. Haslett said that Devery Henderson would be a better pro than Mike Clayton even though Clayton outshined him at LSU. Chalk one up for Haslett. He didn't get too many right.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

Let's give Has credit for that one. I always liked Has.

Rum (N'awlins)

Hey Pat, what's your biggest match-up in Tampa on sunday?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

Deciding whether to take the interstate or the back way into the stadium!

Kyle (Montgomery, AL)

With the play of Bushrod this season what do you think the Saints will do with Jamal Brown next season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

Bring Brown back at LT. Maybe move Bushrod to RT or just keep him as a very good backup for LT and RT.

Johnathan (Washington, DC)

Biggest issue on the ATL defense, corner or defensive end?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

Hmmm, tough one. I'll go DE. If you've got a good pass rush, you can make CBs look better than they are.

Cecil (Acworth Ga.)

Pat, Can the Falcons win on the road in New York Sunday? No one gave them a chance in New Orleans and Falcons played them tough.Also the birds in Atlanta will be in the big game but those birds may just be the Hawks!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Interesting stat -- the road team in the Falcons-Giants series has won the last 12 times. Pretty amazing.

Ryan (Charleston, WV)

What do you think of the play of Josh Freeman ? if the team can compete in the rest of the games, does that help out Morris ?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Yes, absolutely. Freeman's play so far definitely has helped out Morris.

Allen (New York)

Would you vote for Babineaux to the Pro-Bowl. Maybe I rate him too highly, but I just think he is starting to really shine

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Yes, I would. Think he's most underrated player in NFC South. Plus, he's doing it without having Jerry next to him, which would have helped him even more.

Cody (NOLA)

Ont he Bushrod thing, if you care to know, my thoughts are trade him. Yeah, crazy, but Jammal Brown is a stud and our anchor, and our staff under Coach Sean has found all this talent late in the draft. If we coudl get a second rounder for Bushrod I say trade him. Do you think Im nuts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Not really, but only if you can get a good price for him. It's nice to have quality backups.

Ken (NY)

Personally and I might be a little favoring as a panther fan, but i truly feel that Deanglo is the best RB right now in the NFL. I really want to know on third and 1 why would you throw it deep when you have Williams in the backfield?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

Yep, I could not believe that call.

James (Temple, GA)

Listen Pat, ALOT of people are hating on Ryan and the DEF right now but the Falcons are one of them most injury riddled teams in the NFL right now. They haven't had Norwood for awhile, Mughelli missed several weeks, Harry Douglas has been gone most of the season and we've lost 3 starters on DEF for the season(Jerry, Williams, and Moore). Can we start being optomistic and say Matt Ryan and Brian Van Gorder have both done a great job even keeping us above .500??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

Some good points.

Marcus Fisher (NC)

Pat if you was the owner of the Panthers would you get rid of Jake Delhomme and get another QB?? Because when you throw more picks than TD's then as a owner thats where I would draw the line.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

I think you'll see a new QB there next year.

Loren (New Orleans)

With the probowl the week before the superbowl this year, can (and would they) a team elect to not allow players to play? or maybe the players decline the invite to play? i think its pretty stupid of the commish to do it that way this year. Not saying my Saints make it to the superbowl, but cant help but wonder and remember the last time Brees started in a probowl and ended up with an injury in the 1st quarter.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

Players from Super Bowl teams won't play in Pro Bowl. They'll be busy practicing for Super Bowl.

Casey (New Orleans)

It seems the saints run the ball better since Bushrod has replaced Jammal Brown, any thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

Wouldn't go saying Bushrod's main reason for that. I think Pierre and Mike Bell and the play calling have more to do with it.

Allen (New York)

Who would you say is a bigger breakout player for the Falcons this year? Kroy Bierrman or Thomas Decoud? I am leaning toward DeCoud more

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

I'm with you on DeCoud.

Wayne (Mooresviell, NC)

Pat, if Carolina end up with a high first round pick, that will go to San Francisco, do you think they will do anything to try and get a first round pick to try and find a quarterback?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

All depends on who's running the show. If Fox is still there, I think you'll see them go after a QB in free agency and not the draft.

Greg (Tampa Bay)

Do you think Jon Gruden will ever coach in the NFL again?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Yes, I think he will ...at some point.

ben (camp atterbury)

would we (Tampa ) take mays or berry and move tanard back to college position of corner

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

What makes you think Tanard can play CB in the NFL.

Bill (Laplace, LA)

Pat, any idea as to why the Saints defense against the run is so bad during the first half? There has been significant improvement after halftime. Can't thse adjustments be made before then?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

Not sure. If I knew, I'd let Gregg Williams know.

Zack (St. Pete)

why would you move T-jack to corner? He is a playmaker back at the safety position

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:44 PM)

Exactly.

Mike (Charlotte nc)

Pat Assuming that Fox is fired as he should be.Do you think that panthers will go after Cower??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:44 PM)

I really don't think you'll see Cowher with Panthers.

J.J.C. (Spring Lake, NC)

After a couple more excruciatingly painful losses, do we see Matt Moore start?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Could happen when they're officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Scott (Cocoa Beach, FL)

>>> Bucs upset the undefeated Saints this week! Mark it down.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

Scott, I expect you to be back on here next week, no matter what happens. Promise?

CJ (Opelousas. home of the best boudin)

Pat, Since the pro bowl is a week before the Super Bowl, If the Saints do make it to the Super bowl do they have to let their players play in the pro bowl?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

No, again, the players from the teams playing in the Super Bowl will NOT play in the Pro Bowl. They'll be practicing with their teams for the Super Bowl.

Zack (St. Pete)

Bucs first pick has to be Suh right?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

Honestly, haven't had time to really study draft prospects yet.

Jeff (Charleston, SC)

The Falcons have shown a lot of intensity in a number of games this year. Do you think this game in NY will display the most intensity thus far?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

Probably, this game's very important for them.

John (Melbourne FL)

Is Allen from New York the only one you are taking Falcon's questions from? Also would you consider a 9-7 and missing the playoffs still a good season for the Falcons considering they have never had back to back winning seasons and Atlanta was considered a 3-4 Project anyway before last year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

9-7 wouldn't set off any celebrations, but it would be respectable and show that they're close -- with another good offseason.

ben (camp atterbury)

with all the long term contracts tampa gave to crap players is that why they are hesitant to make deal with ruud

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Have you seen anything truly outstanding out of him this year? Be honest.

Wayne (Mooresville, NC)

Pat, if Mr. Richardson gets rid of Fox who do you think would be the best fit for Carolina to take over as head coach. Do you think they will go after Cower or Shannahan?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

My guess is they wouldn't go the big-name route. They'd go for a rising coordinator.

William (California )

Scott i agree Bucs Win! And no matter way i will be here.. Like i am every Friday!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Good man. Hey, stay tuned for schedule of next week's chat. Not sure if we'll have to change it because of Thanksgiving. I'll update on the blog as soon as I know.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Is it just rumor or true that Tampa is Millions upon Millions under the cap? If so can the NFL step in and do anything?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

They're about $22 million under the cap. But they've met the cap floor for this year, so, no.

Michael (Atlanta)

Pat, why didn't Atlanta pick up McAlister with all of their DB problems?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

He's only a short-term fix or insurance.

El Jefe (Winter Park, FL)

What's the over/under on Tampa fans shutting up about cap space/perceived Glazer cheapness when in 5 years they've got a roster loaded with stud early round picks?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

Um, pretty slim, judging by all I hear around Tampa.

Joe (Tampa)

Does Bates get the boot after the season? Forcing a group of Tampa 2 DL to play in a two gap system that turned marginal players into bad players is the definition of hard headedness. No DC should set up his players to fail becuse of his precious system.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

Hey, the head coach had to sign off on all that, too.

Dave (Columbus, OH)

Pat,Martin Fennelly of the Tamp Trib wrote an article this year critizing Raheem stating again and again that he does not have good enough players on defense to win. Martin's point which I thought was valid, is that Raheem and Dominick blew up this team in the off season on purpose and he should quit using that excuse. Your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

I would never disagree with Martin -- excellent writer and a very good friend.

Steve (Dallas Texas)

If Charlie Weis gets fired for Notre Dame, being that him and Fox know each other, what are the chances that the Panthers end up with Weis and an Offensive Coord.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

Well, you'd be assuming that Fox stays in Carolina and I think that's a pretty big assumption right now.

ByHenSr (Metairie)

Every week I come here, and every week I'm ignored. I just wanna be heard! (Really depressing)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

There you're heard. In all seriousness, I try to answer as many questions as humanly possible. But it's not possible to answer all of them.

john (Charlotte nc)

Pat time is up have a happy Thanksgiving and see you next Friday at 1PM

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

Sounds good. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Again, keep an eye on the blog next week for an announcement on the schedule for next week's chat. I'm not sure yet if it will stay on Friday or be moved because of the holiday. Soon as I know, I'll let you know. Thanks to all for stopping by.