Tim Graham

  (1:01 PM)

Good afternoon from the home office. I can't go for too long today because I'm flying to Cincinnati this afternoon. But I hope to burn a good hour of your day.

Barry (Hoboken)

Tim, I am really excited about this initial playoff experience for Mark Sanchez, as a Jets fan, what should be my realistic expectations for his development into next season?

Tim Graham

  (1:04 PM)

If I were a Jets fan, I'd like to see Sanchez get more comfortable in his decision-making. He didn't seem to evolve as the season wore on. In fact, he seemed to regress. An offseason can provide considerable clarity from the first year to the second.

perry (nyc)

tim how do you think david harris plans on introducing himself to cedric benson?

Tim Graham

  (1:05 PM)

By trying to leave a facemask imprint on Benson's sternum.

Eric (Virginia)

How's it going, Tim? You gonna watch the Pats game sunday night? should be a good one

Tim Graham

  (1:05 PM)

Why would I do that?

Mark (Cheddar, England)

Hey Tim, Do you think that Belichick should rest Brady, Moss and the rest of his starters and save them for next season incase they get injured as this season is obviously over?

Tim Graham

  (1:06 PM)

That would be a wise idea. ... And put riders in their contracts that they must wear a layer of bubble wrap under their clothes at all times.

Bones (Providence)

us Bills fans are sick of speculation and even more sick of unproven coordinators. BE HONEST, do we have a shot at Cowher or not?

Tim Graham

  (1:08 PM)

All the information I'm receiving from people close to Cowher is that it's a remote possibility at best. That said, Cleveland's decision to retain Eric Mangini helps Buffalo's case. That's one less place for Cowher to land and might impact what happens in Carolina. There was talk of John Fox going to Cleveland. All of those openings we projected just aren't happening. Tampa Bay's another example.

Tim Graham

  (1:10 PM)

But I caution you not to consider Leslie Frazier as unworthy. I've known about him since he interviewed with the Miami Dolphins in January 2008, when I covered them for the Palm Beach Post. He's highly qualified.

Tim (Barrington)

How do you think the Patriots are going to do without Wes Welker?

Tim Graham

  (1:10 PM)

I think they'll be fine with Julian Edelman and by getting their tight ends more involved. There will be a dropoff and a few more incomplete passes. But I think they'll do enough to get by.

Trevor (Buffalo)

What are your picks for this weekend?

Tim Graham

  (1:11 PM)

I like both AFC East teams this weekend. Of course, what I saw at the Meadowlands on Sunday night is making it hard for me to see the Bengals winning. That carnage is fresh in my memory.

T Welch (Arkansas)

Is the AFC East weeker with the pats jets and dolphins being a few games over .500 and barley making the wild card or having one dominate team such as the pats going undefeated with the jets being a .500 team? Its confusing how much they change in one season.

Tim Graham

  (1:13 PM)

I wouldn't look at the records too much. The AFC East played four of the seven toughest schedules this year. I look at the AFC East and see a highly competitive division with three teams that could've made the playoffs.

Katelyn (Syracuse, NY)

As you said it is a long shot for Cowher to go to Buffalo, but please tell me Buffalo will at least ask and make Cowher turn them down?

Tim Graham

  (1:13 PM)

I get the sense that may have happened a couple times already. Even so, I hear the Bills keep trying to win him over.

Ryan (NY)

Think the Bills re-sign T.O.?

Tim Graham

  (1:14 PM)

My prediction is they will not.

Spencer (New York)

Tim, Cincy did stay with the Chargers, and did beat Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice . . . why is there no respect for this team?

Tim Graham

  (1:16 PM)

No respect? They're favored to win Saturday. But they did stumble down the homestretch and got destroyed in the regular-season finale. Even when you consider Cedric Benson didn't play and the stars were benched in the second half, they tried for two quarters and were down 27-0.

Mike (Brockport, NY)

How about Brian Billick for the Bills? He went to Baltimore when they weren't much and didn't have a QB, and won the super bowl eventually.

Tim Graham

  (1:16 PM)

My personal feeling is that he would be a great fit. But as of yesterday, the Bills hadn't contacted him.

Rick (lowell, ma)

You say the Pats will do enough to get by...does that mean you think they beat balti then lose in SD? do you think they have a shot at beating SD?

Tim Graham

  (1:17 PM)

I don't like the way new England's defense matches up against San Diego.

Jesse (Albany)

Tim, if you were a fan of or running the Bills front office, would you prefer Frazier or Billick?

Tim Graham

  (1:18 PM)

Great question. If only those two to choose from ... My predisposition would be for an offensive coach, so I would go with Billick. But I think Frazier is going to be a great head coach.

La Spada's (Davie)

Can you name a least deserving team for the playoffs than the Jets??? What a joke of a team! Give me a break! Beating Curtis Painter to get into playoffs is no accomplishment.

Tim Graham

  (1:19 PM)

I wrote this column in the wee hours Monday morning. The Jets do deserve to be in the playoffs. And if they hadn't made it, you would be ridiculing them for having the No. 1 defense and No. 1 rushing attack and failing to qualify. You can't have it both ways.

ozzie (i'm in miami trick.)

Hey TG.With the recent firing of the USF coach, and the LB coaches leaving miami,can miami expect a parcells-groh reunion?

Tim Graham

  (1:20 PM)

I would be surprised if Groh wasn't on Miami's staff for 2010.

Trevor (Buffalo)

What makes you think Frazier would be a good coach?

Tim Graham

  (1:21 PM)

All of the feedback I've gotten from people around the league. He gets his players to perform at a high level. They love him. Now, for you Bills fans who didn't think Jauron showed enough emotion, you might be disappointed in Frazier's demeanor. But the guy has put together some great defenses.

Mike (Brockport, NY)

I saw an article the other day saying Buffalo is a team that would be relocated to L.A. In the article it said that Buffalo doesn't have the fan support, yet they sell out every home game, while Jacksonville didn't sell out a game until their Thursday nighter against the Colts. What are your thoughts on this?

Tim Graham

  (1:22 PM)

I wouldn't say Buffalo doesn't have fan support. The issue is corporate support. But one thing to point out: The Bills do sell out every game with a high season-ticket base. But Bills season tickets are for only seven games because the one they deport to Toronto isn't included.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Should the winner of the Bengals/Jets game celebrate it as if it will be the last win of the season?

Tim Graham

  (1:23 PM)

Probably.

Mikey (Lackawanna,NY)

Tim, Any chance their is something brewing behind the scenes with Marty Schottenheimer becoming the Buffalo Bills new Head Coach? I would love it!

Tim Graham

  (1:24 PM)

There is a chance. I'm not necessarily among this crew, but a lot of people I who are closely following this process think Schottenheimer is very much in play.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How do you think the Patriots front-seven will fare against Rice and McGahee?

Tim Graham

  (1:25 PM)

I think the Patriots' defense will be OK. Jerod Mayo didn't play in the first game, so that's something else to consider.

Greg (Boston)

Actually, the Bills season ticket base is 9 games, since pre season are part of the package, but hey, why keep a team around who has fans when we can keep a team around with more corporate support and barely any fans. This is eventually why all pro sports will go under.

Tim Graham

  (1:26 PM)

Technically, yes.

Brian (paradise)

is Marshawn Lynch on his way out ,if so where do you think he would end up

Tim Graham

  (1:28 PM)

I'm not sure if he's on his way out, but it would be hard to trade somebody with his baggage and contract, especially at a position where talent is easily draftable.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Do you Brad Smith can repeat what he did last week now that the Bengals have game planned for him?

Tim Graham

  (1:29 PM)

The beauty of what Brad Smith did Sunday night is that he doesn't need to touch the ball Saturday to be a factor in the game. The Bengals will have to account for him at all times. The implied threat alone is significant.

Ron (NY)

Tim.. Big J-E-T-S fan here. But the Jets have let me down many time before so it's hard to get my hopes up... Tell me why it won't happen tomorrow?

Tim Graham

  (1:30 PM)

If Sanchez ends up in a position where he has to win the game, turn the channel.

ozzie (i'm in miami trick.)

Tim, with the signing of another BC lion and Hawaii product,ginn is out the door this year right??

Tim Graham

  (1:32 PM)

Don't get excited about these players who are signing futures contracts the past few days. These guys generally don't have an impact. Cameron Wake was an exception. Front offices are just taking fliers on these guys.

Seth (Knoxville)

When does the MVP winner get announced?

Tim Graham

  (1:34 PM)

This weekend. Saturday night, I believe.

Chuck (buffalo)

Tim... You suck.

Tim Graham

  (1:35 PM)

Guilty.

Ted Ginn (South Beach)

Well I usually don't have an impact either save the 2nd Jets game!

Katelyn (Syracuse, NY)

Lets say Marty Schottenheimer is in play - could he bring son Brian with him? Like Shanhan did in DC.

Tim Graham

  (1:37 PM)

I'm not sure that's possible. Brian Schottenheimer is under contract through next season. He would need to be promoted to get out of that deal. I guess he could be assistant head coach, but the Jets might not be too thrilled with that move within the division. That would be interesting.

Eric M. (Cleveland,OH)

Did I make the Jets look foolish for letting me go, or what??? 4 wins in a row baby AND I get to keep my job!!!!

Tim Graham

  (1:38 PM)

I hope you're renting, Eric. As a native Clevelander, I know how soft that housing market is.

Reg (Manhattan)

Which team runs the ball better tomorrow? Jets or Bengals? I'm worried Bengals stack the box and force Sanchez to beat them, I wouldnt be surprised to see them put 9-10 guys in the box.

Tim Graham

  (1:39 PM)

That's why it will be important for the Jets to take some shots downfield early in the game or get Brad Smith involved. They need to keep the Bengals' defense honest while the score is close. If the Bengals take a two-possession lead, I don't like the Jets' chances.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's a personal foul for excessive celebration against Eric Mangini. Eric, don't throw away that resume yet pal. 15 yards and repeat 1st down.

Herm Edwards (NFL NETWORK STUDIOS)

Tim why do we play?

Tim Graham

  (1:40 PM)

You play to cash the check. Hello?

JR (Tampa Bay)

Tim, do you see Miami trying to upgrade their receiver core with a true #1 or not?

Tim Graham

  (1:41 PM)

They have been trying. They just refuse to pay what the market dictates. Those players come at a premium, but the Dolphins don't see it the same way. They could have had Braylon Edwards but didn't like the Browns' asking price.

Matt (Spokane, WA)

Why do people worry about "respect" so much? If your team wins, respect doesn't matter.

Tim Graham

  (1:41 PM)

What he said.

Mike (DC)

Hey Tim, love your stuff.Big Fins fan here, wondering what you think the biggest need in the off-season is for them...#1 WR, LB, D-Line?

Tim Graham

  (1:42 PM)

Thanks for the kind words, Mike. I would rank it: WR, LB, NT, S.

mz (boston)

Tim, I can understand wanting to get a complete, brand new start, but is Buffalo dumping April really a wise decision?

Tim Graham

  (1:43 PM)

Technically, they didn't dump him. He exercised a clause in his contract and left. That was going to happen the moment they passed him over for interim head coach. After all, he was the assistant head coach.

Tim Graham

  (1:44 PM)

Let's stop for a moment and remember the 10th anniversary of the Music City Miracle. AFC South gadabout Paul Kuharsky just brought that to my attention.

Tim Graham

  (1:44 PM)

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/8027/happy-anniversary

John Gruden (Tampa Bay)

Hey Tim you being a native clevelander and all you mentioned the housing market can you send me some info what the projected market is gunna be in 2011 in clevland.

Tim Graham

  (1:44 PM)

What does it matter? You sleep in the office.

Barry (Hoboken)

Vernon Gholston a complete bust? or should I give him one more year?

Tim Graham

  (1:45 PM)

My personal policy is to wait until the third year. Even during the season is appropriate. But I'm willing to make an exception here.

Buffalo Fans (everywhere)

It was a forward lateral! Kuharsky sucks!

Mack (NY)

Thanks for bringing the music city miracle up.... I'm out

Xander (Philly)

Tim you butthead (cleaned it up for the chats sake)...why would you even bring that up. And that was a forward pass!

Tim Graham

  (1:46 PM)

It still happened. Should we have a moment of silence?

Lori (PA)

Your colleague Mike Sando has confirmed that Jim Mora is done in Seattle. How does that affect the Bills' search?

Tim Graham

  (1:47 PM)

Not sure, to be totally honest. But I'm sure Bill Cowher's paying attention.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal procedure against "John" Gruden for not knowing how to spell his name correctly. Jon, how are you going to lead the Browns to success when you can't even spell your own name? 5 yards and repeat 1st down

Ryan (Buffalo)

Tim, love your stuff. If the Bills solidify the O-Line this offseason, do you see them potentially pushing for a wild-card spot? Freddy Jackson is the man!

Tim Graham

  (1:48 PM)

They have so much work to do. We could be looking at an overhaul year in 2010. What if they bring in a coach who wants to run a 3-4 defense? They'll need to gut the roster.

Your bosses (Bristol)

We're waiting til the third year to label you a bust as well...

Tim Graham

  (1:49 PM)

My 2008 performance review indicates you didn't wait at all.

JR (Tampa Bay)

How many more overhaul years do the bills need?

Tim Graham

  (1:50 PM)

What's sad about the Bills' 10-year playoff drought is that other teams have rebuilt, torn down and rebuilt again in the time it has taken for the Bills to get it right once.

Tim (Inside your head)

I cannot believe some of these comments... Did I leave the iron on???

Paul Kuharsky (AFC South)

Now your chatters all hate you. Victory is mine!

Tim Graham

  (1:51 PM)

A few more, and then I gotta roll.

Kim Kelly (Buffalo)

Why did people chuckle when I said that Tebow should be our quarterback of the future?

Tim Graham

  (1:53 PM)

I haven't met one other person who's in or around the NFL or college football who agrees with that.

Keith (Millis, MA)

(Sorry about the blatant suck up) But you have a much better sense of humor than most of the other bloggers that do the chats.

Tim Graham

  (1:53 PM)

Thanks, Keith. I use it to mask my complete ignorance of football.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

Tim, do you ever go over and read the BuffaloBills.com message boards? It is complete mayhem over there......

Tim Graham

  (1:54 PM)

I have an "Ask Tim" thread on the Two Bills Drive forums. It's treacherous over there these days.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Buffalo would be better off trading for JaMarcus Russell than drafting Tebow.

Jesse (vermont)

Do you think the jets have a good chance of making it all the way to the afc championship!!!

Tim Graham

  (1:56 PM)

You'd need to define "good" for me. But when you look at the Ravens getting to the AFC title game last year with a rookie quarterback, I think it's possible. Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer need to pray they can keep Sanchez as removed from steering wheel.

Keith (Millis, MA)

Jets definitely have a great chance of making the AFC Championship game. Southwest has low airfares anywhere in the United States... Plus bags travel free!

ken (md)

is fred jackson a potential top 5 rb in the league if a starter from day 1?

Tim Graham

  (1:58 PM)

I'm a big fan of Jackson's, but there are too many great ones out there to put him in the top five. Let's not get wacky.

Tim Graham

  (1:59 PM)

All right, kids. I need to pack a bag for Cincinnati. I've always dreamed of writing that sentence, and now I can say a life-long wish has been fulfilled. Enjoy the games.