Tim Graham

  (3:02 PM)

Good afternoon from Graham Central Station. Super Bowl weekend is almost upon us. I'm looking forward to this showdown.

Reasonable (Miami)

Tim. Gonna be tough out there today competing with Marisa Miller. Any advice to aspiring super models?

Tim Graham

  (3:03 PM)

Put down the cheeseburger.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you like to win Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas?

Tim Graham

  (3:04 PM)

Such a formal question ... I've been on record as picking the Packers, 27-20. I saw a lot of the Packers and Steelers this year because they played the AFC East. The Steelers exhibited a lot of flaws and were a couple of lucky bounces away from getting swept by the AFC East.

Cheesehead Sports Nut (Chicago, IL)

If you had to build a franchise around Aaron Rodgers or Adrian Peterson who would you pick?

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

To build a franchise, Aaron Rodgers. You have to go with the quarterback. As great as Adrian Peterson is, serviceable running backs are easier to find. Teams locate 1,000-yard rushers all over the place. Fred Jackson and BenJarvus Green-Ellis weren't even drafted. If you were to take Peterson in this scenario, his greatness would be more significantly undercut by the lack of a quality quarterback.

Tim Graham

  (3:07 PM)

But I'd take Peterson to win a fantasy league.

Reasonable (Miami)

You think Vontae could jump into the top CBs conversation next year?

Tim Graham

  (3:09 PM)

Absolutely. Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis still is prone to getting beat for a big play, but as he continues to gain experience, the chances of him getting torched will decrease. He certainly has the physical ability to be elite.

Will (Cambridge, MA)

Do you think Curtis Martin will be hurt by never winning a Super Bowl and for having played on the NYJ?

Tim Graham

  (3:12 PM)

I assume you mean in terms of the Hall of Fame selection Saturday ... I don't think so. His numbers speak for themselves. A title would have been the clincher and maybe would've helped him get in on the first ballot, but he'll make it in eventually. My prediction is he won't get in Saturday because Marshall Faulk is a no-brainer, and the voters will want the other spots to go to other positions.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal chat procedure against Cheesehead Sports Nut for posting that question or a similar variation of it in every football chat this week. 5 yards and it remains 1st down

Nick (Middletown,NJ) [via mobile]

The Bills will win 8 games next season!

Tim Graham

  (3:13 PM)

Nick's on the record. Chalk it up.

JR (Tampa Bay)

I don't care who wins the SB. It looks like it could be a classic match-up so I'm just hoping it'll be a good game.

Tim Graham

  (3:14 PM)

My thoughts exactly. Just keep me riveted.

Eric ( Buffalo)

Tim,I was expected great things from McKelvin... He is solid but not great. Any clue?

Tim Graham

  (3:16 PM)

Does he have any clue, or do I? The answer might be no to both questions. I'm not sure how he's viewed by the Bills' coaching staff. He has the physical ability, but when I've been able to observe him at training camp, he seems easily distracted and not very businesslike.

Oz (CT)

What did you think about Goodell's comments about Bill Belichek and spygate ?

Tim Graham

  (3:17 PM)

I thought it was a mildly interesting snippet that added context to what transpired three years ago, but I didn't think it was a big story unto itself as others did.

Poizen (MA)

What are you thoughts on Chad Henne? Seems many fans are calling for his head, but there seems to be indications his struggles may have been due to over coaching and poor line play. What is your opinion. I think the steelers win, but rootin for GB.

Tim Graham

  (3:18 PM)

The Dolphins' interior line certainly didn't help him. But I'm not sure that was a major contributing factor to Henne's poor season either. Henne needs to have a very good season in 2011, or it's time for the Dolphins to move on. He's still worth another chance, though.

Buddy (Redding, CA)

You think that Nnamdi Asomough will sign with the Jets if the Jets can somehow manage to afford him? He has said that he would like to play with Revis before...

Tim Graham

  (3:20 PM)

The odds would be against it just based on the fact so many other teams will be vying for Nnamdi Asomugha's services. The Jets might not be able to match another team's offer. Plus, Darrelle Revis said publicly this week he wants the Jets to re-sign Antonio Cromartie.

Bill (Charlotte)

Who do you have winning the AFC East next year if they play?

Tim Graham

  (3:21 PM)

I'm going to withhold a prediction until I see how free agency works. It's too difficult to project rosters without a CBA in place. But I probably would lean toward the Jets again.

Brendan (New Orleans)

Any idea how Jauron made out with the Eagles DBs this year? Jauron should be Dos Equis' new Most Interesting Man in the World. I believe some childhood trauma caused his perverse obsession with defensive backs. His fantasy is to coach a 7-0 Superbowl victory, with the only points scored on a pick six by a DB.

Tim Graham

  (3:22 PM)

He made out well enough to be hired Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator.

Josh (syracuse)

correct me if im wrong but , in order for the Jets to get over that hump is to win that division and secure home feild thru the playoffs

Tim Graham

  (3:23 PM)

That certainly would help, but based on their 4-2 road record in the playoffs the past two years, I wouldn't say it's paramount.

Mark (Buffalo)

TIM!! So do you prefer LIL Wayne remix Green and Yellow or do you like the song Black and Yellow better?

Tim Graham

  (3:24 PM)

Last time I checked, the Steelers were black and gold. So I think they're both terrible.

Bill (Charlotte)

Actually, Tim, you can't lean toward the Jets again, because it was the Pats who won the AFC East this year, and I believe they will win it again next year with all their talented young players and draft picks they've compiled and all of the talent the Jets will lose in free agency

Tim Graham

  (3:25 PM)

I picked the Jets last year. So I can lean toward them again.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

Tim, I love ya, but the Chat Ref has to take a break for a few minutes to see if Marisa Miller will answer his question

David (Toronto)

Is this finally the year Andre Reed gets in the hall of fame, he really deserves it

Tim Graham

  (3:27 PM)

It's a coin flip. There are five spots. Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders will get two of them. There's a buzz around NFL Films patriarch Ed Sabol getting a spot, too. That would leave 12 attractive candidates for two vacancies, as I see it.

Will (Cambridge, MA)

Are Gholston's and Maybin's NFL careers over with?

Tim Graham

  (3:28 PM)

No, but they'll never play commensurate with their draft position. They might make the back end of somebody's roster next year.

Mark (SV)

Depressed Jets fan here! Do u think the Jets can have similar success next season assuming many of the free agents wont be resigned?

Tim Graham

  (3:29 PM)

I foresee another strong season because they have talent at core positions, including quarterback, offensive line, linebacker and the secondary. They need defensive line help.

Bill (Charlotte)

Yeah, well, your gonna be wrong again next year just like you were this year. The Pats will most definitely win the division again with a couple free agents and if they hit on their draft picks this year like they did last year

Tim Graham

  (3:31 PM)

I might have been wrong on the actual division winner, but people could argue the Jets proved to be the better team in the playoffs.

Drew (Sacramento)

Hey Tim what do you think of the Jets making an attempt to sign DE Ray Edwards from the Vikings? We have a need at DE

Tim Graham

  (3:33 PM)

That's true. He would help. But I've made it a point not to bother speculating on free agency or trades until we have a better idea of what the rules will be this offseason.

frankie d (saratoga springs, ny)

who do you think would be the best person for the Dolphins to draft with the 15th pick? Also there is a few big name WRs on the market. Any chance the Phins go after one of them?

Tim Graham

  (3:35 PM)

I generally don't develop opinions about players until the combine, which I will be attending in a few weeks. But the Dolphins need interior linemen and defensive backs. They also may need a running back, but I'm not a proponent of drafting them in the first round.

Bill (Charlotte)

At this point, I'm pretty sure I know a lot more about NFL football than you

Tim Graham

  (3:36 PM)

When does your chat start?

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

Alright, Tim, I'm back. She didn't answer my question, but in case anyone cares she's rooting for the Packers.

Justin (Buffalo)

Tim, Do you think CJ Spiller will be a lot better next year? Cuz this year ummmm didn't exactly live up to the hype

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

That underscores my opinion about drafting running backs early. Meanwhile, Buffalo's leading rusher wasn't drafted at all. Neither was New England's. The problem for Spiller was that the game moved too fast for him. He had a maddening tendency to panic and run backward when a hole didn't develop. At Clemson, he simply was able to outrun defenders. He can't do that in the NFL. He must get to a point where the game slows down for him between the ears.

Vince Young (Tennessee)

Chances I end up a Dolphin next season?

Tim Graham

  (3:39 PM)

12 percent

Bill (Charlotte)

My chat would start right now if you could actually answer half the questions people are sending in. You don't know anything about draft prospects to even talk about

Tim Graham

  (3:41 PM)

I'm sorry your captors are forcing you at gunpoint to be here and to type questions. As I said, I like to wait until the combine before talking about prospects. I cover the NFL and travel on Saturdays. I don't get to watch a lot of college football. I formulate my opinions based on speaking with GMs, scouts and coaches I trust. I'll be meeting with them in Indianapolis. I'm sure I'll see you there.

Ed Hochuli (Chat Ref)

That's illegal use of the hands against Bill from Charlotte. 10 yards and it is now 2nd down.

John (Carolina)

Just in, one person critically injured from ice falling from Dallas stadium. Great place to have a game! Stick to warm locations!

Tim Graham

  (3:43 PM)

That's awful. I have music on. I'll have to turn on the TV to see what's going on with that.

Joe (Buffalo)

Hey Tim... Mighty Taco or Taco Bell?

Tim Graham

  (3:45 PM)

Mighty Taco eight days a week. People from this area love to talk smack about Tim Hortons as a local franchise (overrated), but Mighty Taco is phenomenal.

Eric (Seattle)

Pretty light penalty Ed. I'd have been tempted to toss him. You're the man though.

Dave (Held at Gunpoint by Bill in Charlotte)

The Jets? Really? Their D is going to be decimated by free agency...the Pat will win the East again next year...you're just jealous that Brady is married to Giselle.

Tim Graham

  (3:47 PM)

True. I've never written anything complimentary of Tom Brady. Meanwhile, the average age of these players the Jets might lose is about 47.

tyrel (brookings, sd)

would it be a good idea for the Dolphins to go after Carson Palmer? If so, will they?

Tim Graham

  (3:48 PM)

Palmer would be an upgrade. Good idea? I guess it depends on how much it costs them and whether the Dolphins could better apply those assets elsewhere on their roster.

Brendan (New Orleans)

Ted's Hot Dogs or Jim's Steak Out?

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

Ted's over Jim's AND Mighty Taco. ... Now if you ask me to pick Duff's or Ted's, I might bust a brain artery.

Drew (Miller)

How does kevin love not make the all star game with his stats.....26 ppg and about 16 rebounds per game...and yao ming can make it mith pllaying 16 games its ridiculous

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

He plays for the Maple Leafs, right?

Tim Graham

  (3:50 PM)

Yes, I'm joking.

Joe Fan (Main Street, USA)

Can you tell me what the owners want and the players want in the new CBA? What were the issue on the one that is about to expire? Do players and owners realize that fans think it's nonsense for millionares and billionares to fight?

Tim Graham

  (3:52 PM)

In one sentence ... The players want everything to stay the same, while the owners want the players to sacrifice more money for league stability.

Fat Guy (All over the USA)

Where is Mighty Taco? It sounds good.

Tim Graham

  (3:53 PM)

It's a Western New York institution. Similar menu to any other fast food taco place, but the ingredients are premium quality.

Mike (Albuquerque New Mexico)

What's your view of Brian Hoyer and whether the Pats will look to add another quarterback?

Tim Graham

  (3:55 PM)

The Patriots don't keep players around unless they're confident they can play when called upon. The fact they kept only two quarterbacks last year shows how comfortable they are with him. Of course, if the Patriots have a chance to upgrade, then they will. But I don't see backup quarterback as any kind of priority.

tyrel (brookings, sd)

If there is a lockout, I suggest something like the movie The Replacements.

Tim Graham

  (3:56 PM)

No replacement players in a lockout, only a strike. So no Keanu Reeves at quarterback for the Bills.

Paul Kuharsky (AFC South)

Chief, which player wig should I get: Polamalu or Matthews?

Tim Graham

  (3:57 PM)

I wouldn't get picky. You'd look better with the Weis.

Brian (Boston)

Do you have a ticket for the game Sunday?

Tim Graham

  (3:58 PM)

No, I was going to cover the Super Bowl only if the Jets advanced. I covered last year, and ESPN tries to spread around the credentials. Instead, I'm gearing up for the combine. It'll be nice to watch the game like a fan this year.

Tim Graham

  (3:59 PM)

A few more and then I have to go walk my alpaca.

dillon (usa)

im a dolphin fan what do u think is more important for us in the future getting a qb or a coach or a rb

Tim Graham

  (4:00 PM)

A quarterback. Tony Sparano already has proven he can win with a reliable quarterback, so he's not the problem.

Jack (Providence)

If you had the power, 2 week break leading up to the superbowl or play the game the sunday after the conf. championships?

Tim Graham

  (4:01 PM)

I prefer the break. Extra time is good for competition by making sure both teams are healthy and as prepared as possible. It ensures the better team will win.

Kevin (Lockport)

Any rooting interest in the game (besides wanting your pick to be right)?

Tim Graham

  (4:02 PM)

A close game that keeps my attention deep into the fourth quarter. Aside from that, none whatsoever.

darrell (OP)

Tim why is being a FORMER buffalo head coach such a resume gem

Tim Graham

  (4:05 PM)

That's a crazy trend, but all three of them deserve another shot. They've done great work.

Jeff (Toronto)

You know Tim Horton's isn't exactly a local New York Institution its a Canadian chain. Do you think it was a mistake for the Bills to move away from the 4-3. They're defense was much better last year than this year.

Tim Graham

  (4:08 PM)

Actually, it was owned by Wendy's, which is based in Columbus, Ohio. But it did start in Ontario. I didn't see the Bills' switch to a 3-4 as a huge blunder. They knew they weren't going to compete for the AFC East, so 2010 was a good year to bite the bullet.

Tim Graham

  (4:09 PM)

Thanks for dropping by, everybody. Have a great Super Bowl weekend. See you next Friday.