Chat with Pat Yasinskas

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Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN.com NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas will stop by to talk about the NFL.

Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.

Send your questions now and join Yasinskas Friday at 1 p.m. ET!

More Pat Yasinskas: Chats | NFC South blog | NFL index

Chris (Laurel, MD)


Pat, what time on Sat do teams have to have their cuts in by?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:55 PM)


Believe it is 6 p.m. ET. But some might come out before that. I know from past years, there are some teams that may announce them a couple hours before that. There are also a few teams that wait until several hours after deadline to announce them. We'll have cutdown analysis on each team as their cuts become available.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)


When will we see Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Indianapolis Colts?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:55 PM)


Believe that's Week Four, a Monday night game.

Matt (Lemon Grove)


Pat, While I can't fault you for picking New Orleans and Atlanta at the top of the division, I am struggling to understand how you could consider picking Carolina for 3rd when they have a talented but unpolished rookie at QB, and they just aren't that talented at the other spots.

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:57 PM)


I'll give you the unpolished rookie QB part. But Panthers do have talent -- Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil, Jeff Otah, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Jon Beason and Charles Johnson. That's some decent talent.

Cedric (Clayton, CA)


Pat, I am sick to death of reading all of the "Drew Brees threw a lot of interceptions, maybe he's slipping" commentary. John Clayton is the latest perpetrator of this madness.First, the offensive line wasn't quite as good in 2010 as 2009.Consequently, the running game wasn't as good so Brees was throwing when defenses expected it.Finally, and in my view shouldering 50% of the blame, Brees' wife gave birth in October. That means Brees didn't sleep well at home from late August through the end of the season.

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:58 PM)


And I think there also might have been bigger issues with his knee than we ever really knew about. He's had time to rest that. I suspect he'll bounce back nicely.

Chris (Charlotte NC)


Hey Pat. Derek Anderson got most of the snaps last night. Does this mean he is the back up and Clausen is 3rd?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:59 PM)


Rivera hasn't announced anything yet. But I suspect Anderson will be No. 2. Check the blog. I just put up an item on Clausen's future.

Kent (Melbourne)


Pat- Should the Bucs be looking for a running back with speed. Do you think they could use a change of pace back.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:00 PM)


If I were them, I'd be keeping a close eye on what New Orleans does with Joique Bell. If he's available, grab him.

Brock (Boulder, CO)


Chauncey Davis? Should he have his bags packed and his resume updated?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:01 PM)


Probably a good idea. A $3.75 million cap figure is way too much for a fourth or fifth DE. He can play somewhere else.

Josh (Montreal)


Pat, with all these predictions out, I don't understand how the Falcons, the 13-3 Falcons, are getting no love. The only noteworthy thing is Julio Jones for ROY. This is exactly what Dimitroff and Smith want, isn't it?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:03 PM)


Other people have picked them to win the Super Bowl. But, yes, Smith and Dimitroff prefer to fly under the radar.

Andrew Hawkins (WV )


Hey Pat just wondering why the Bucs would release Tyron and Mccargo? Both of those guys I thought would actually get some playing time this year. I know Frank The Tank has played really well but is Price and Miller really healthy enough to be trusted?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:04 PM)


I was watching four games at one time last night, but saw a lot of Price and it looked like he was holding up pretty well.

Jacob (Michigan)


Any surprise to Kyle Moore and Tyrone Mckenzie being cut?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:05 PM)


More surprised at McKenzie. He was real popular with his teammates, but I guess coaches didn't share the same view.

Richard (Ann Arbor, MI)


Is Garrett Hartley simply cursed, or what?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:07 PM)


Yeah, for as much early success as he's had, he's also had some pretty bad luck.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


How big an impact do you see Hayden and James having in Atlanta? Assuming they both stay healthy. Does Hayden jump right into the nickel spot above Franks and Owens?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:08 PM)


Well, they obviously made the moves for a reason. I think there's a good chance Kelvin Hayden moves right in as the nickel back. James Sanders probably is a backup at first, but takes over quickly if DeCoud doesn't start off well.

Paul (Knoxville)


Any chance the Saints DO get another kicker if one gets cut this week?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:09 PM)


Anything is possible. Payton hasn't always shown a lot of patience with kickers.

ZB (Atl)


What I don't understand is how anyone prefers the Saints to the Falcons? We were better last year, have a younger roster, and added just as much, if not more talent this offseason. Why does playoff success factor into your prediction for a division winner? That makes zero sense.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:10 PM)


Relax, it's just a prediction. I have both of them going to the playoffs. They'll both be very good.

Andrew Hawkins (WV)


Hey not sure if it went through because it froze up but who do you think should be starting - Trueblood or Lee? I know Trueblood is paid like a starter but I think Lee looks better out there.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:11 PM)


Think they'll give Trueblood first shot. If he struggles, then you could see a switch.

Sam (Ossining, NY)


Hi Pat, thanks for the chat. As a Saints fan, should I be at all concerned about last nights game?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


No, they only played a handful of starters.

Nathan (Orange County)


Most impressive Pre-season? Foster, Bowers or Clayborn?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


Clayborn.

sam rothenberg (bogota)


are the bucs counting on tanard jackson?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


No, if they get him back, it's simply a nice bonus. But they don't know what's going to happen and can't count on him.

coached (couched)


Can Cam win the job? And remain starter?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:14 PM)


He already won the job. They'll keep him as the starter unless he gets hurt or is just flat-out horrible. There may be some ups and downs, but they're prepared for that and just want to see him grow as the season goes on.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


Give us a surprise roster cut from each NFC south team...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:17 PM)


Bucs already did one with McKenzie. Chauncey Davis for the Falcons. I think this is probably a long shot, but how 'bout Armanti Edwards for Panthers? On the Saints, I'm real curious to see what happens at runnning back. Maybe Chris Ivory goes on PUP or IR.

Eliot (NY, NY)


Do you think Matt Ryan will put up career numbers or do you think 'taking the gloves off' is too big of a step?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:17 PM)


Yes, I think they really will let him do more this year. Plus, he has more to work with.

coached (couched)


sounds like a marriage with Newton; for better or worse! Thanks. Where will you be week 1?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:19 PM)


I will be at Lambeau Field for the Thursday night game between Saints and Packers. Then, I'll head down to Chicago for the Sunday game between the Packers and Falcons.

Nate (Anchorage, AK)


Armanti Edwards? I know you say it's a long shot, but what makes you say it at all? Where does he stand right now?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:21 PM)


He needs to catch the football. Like I said, it's a long shot. They've got a high draft pick invested in him. But it's shaping up to be like Dexter Jackson (the receiver, not the safety) with the Buccaneers. But Hurney probably gives Edwards one more year.

Richard (Ann Arbor, MI)


At what point should we feel safe that Will Smith will play against Green Bay? It would be rather unfair for the league to announce a suspension now, at the last minute.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:22 PM)


I've got nothing definitive on this. But common sense says they would have announced it by now if it was happening. Maybe he gets suspended later in the year?

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


Do you think anyone played them self onto or off a roster last night in the NFC south? Who?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:23 PM)


Joique Bell in New Orleans. Maybe Ed Gant in Tampa Bay.

Matt R (Norman, OK)


Just read ESPN's feature on Matt Ryan. What, in you opinion, is Matt Ryan's ceiling? Do you think he has the potential to be a HOF QB?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:24 PM)


Yes, he has that kind of potential. Numbers on his first three seasons are comparable to Peyton Manning's first three seasons. Check the blog -- I did an item on that recently. But Matt's got to win some playoff games, maybe a Super Bowl or two and keep putting up the numbers.

Tim (Cincinnati)


I noticed that Tony Pike was placed on the waived/injured list. What do you think happens to him? Any teams looking to pick him up?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:25 PM)


He had an elbow problem. I'd have to double-check this, but I'm pretty sure he had surgery.

Chuck (Columbia SC)


Which NFC South team do you think has been most hurt by injuries thus far in the early part of the season?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:26 PM)


Carolina -- losing DT Ron Edwards really hurt. Then, they lost Geoff Schwartz, who was going to start at right guard. The guy who was supposed to replace him, Garry Williams, got hurt last night and it didn't look good.

Bobby (Orlando)


Hey Pat, I know you have shared some concerns about the Bucs front seven, what have you seen in the preseason to give you them? I know Mason Foster has had some issues in coverage but don't you think the front four has shown enough to relieve some of those worries?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:27 PM)


Yes, the pressure up front definitely has been encouraging.

Brock (Boulder, CO)


Is Jacquizz Rodgers going to be a factor this year?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:28 PM)


Yes, you'll see him worked in as a change-of-pace back. They're hoping he can be what Norwood never could become because of the injuries.

Jared (Chicago, IL)


Will Preston Parker get cut?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:29 PM)


He had a good game last night. So did Ed Gant. They're going to have to make some tough calls at WR.

Dave (St Pete)


do you think tampa will keep four QB's in hope of trading Josh Johnson. What kind of compesation would they be looking for. I'm sure Sanfran is interested.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:31 PM)


I think it's more likely they keep only Freeman and Johnson on the regular roster and put Crompton on practice squad. But, hey, if they could get a decent draft pick for JJ, go for it.

Ryabn Lee (Charlotte)


Pat Losing player due to injury or not .You hear it first.The Panthers will surprise alt of people in 2011 and they will be up going 10-6

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:31 PM)


All right, we'll check back on that one in January!

Daniel (Nashville)


Which new Saints D-line guy do you expect to have the biggest impact (Franklin, Rogers, Jordan, McBride)?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:32 PM)


Jordan and Rogers.

Dwayne (Who Dat Nation)


I think it would be in the SAINTS best interest to place Chris Ivory on PUP. That way, Ingram, Thomas, Sproles, and Bell can carry the running game for the first six weeks. In week seven they'd get Ivory back with fresh legs for the stretch run. Agreed?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:33 PM)


I suspect that's how it will play out.

Ken (NY)


Pat, Im from out of state and attending college. Do you know any website where i can watch the panther games? (cant get direct tv sunday ticket)

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:34 PM)


I know I was able to get the entire preseason package on NFL.com. Not sure what their regular-season package is like, but you might want to check.

Nate (Anchorage, AK)


You can get the Sunday ticket online or on your PS3 now...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:35 PM)


There you go.

Jared (Chicago, IL)


Who is going to have tampa's 3rd down back spot?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:35 PM)


I'd guess Graham right now, but you could see them add somebody in next couple of days.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


Don't you think the McClure injury is being overlooked a bit? There have been injuries in the past on the ATL o-line but he's been the one constant over the last 3 seasons. Any concern there, or is Hawley going to be just fine?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:36 PM)


If it's only for a game or two, they can get by. They have high hopes for Hawley as the eventual long-term starter, but not sure he's ready for that just yet.

Haile Whitworth (Durham NC)


Pat, who is the best D-Lineman the Panthers have?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:37 PM)


Julius Peppers, unless you want to point out they had Reggie White at the end of his career.

Jeff B (Stamford, CT)


Man, CP is really nailing the ATL questions today.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:37 PM)


CP is a machine. Don't know how he doesn't it, but he puts in more questions than anyone I've ever seen!

Parker (Oklahoma City, OK)


Pat, if the Panthers rookies (with the exception of Cam) do not perform this season, could you see Hurney staying with the organization much longer?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:38 PM)


If Cam performs well, I think Hurney will be just fine.

Joel (NC)


Charles Johnson, and it's not close

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:40 PM)


Could be over time, but I don't think his body of work has passed what Peppers did while he was there just yet.

Brandon (Vancouver)


Tampa will definitely add a back. This is Dominik's favorite week to add talent. Scrap heap time!

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:40 PM)


Agree. I think you'll see some movement there.

Joel (NC)


Meant current D-linemen on Panthers

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:41 PM)


Ah, current, Charles Johnson. No doubt about that one.

David (AL)


Pat, More likely to make the roster Morgan or Arrington?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:41 PM)


Lot depends on what medical people tell them on Morgan's knee.

Daniel (Nashville)


How long do you think Hartley will be out?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:42 PM)


There were reports could be out 6-10 weeks. Payton has said reports were not accurate. We'll see.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


Thanks for the props! I appreciate it! Die hard Falcon fan since '89. Been through Glanville, Jones, Reeves, Phillips, Mora Jr., Petrino and now the Smith Eras!! Cautiously optimistic about this year, think the Hayden pick if it pans out could be the biggest move we made this off-season.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:43 PM)


Appreciate the volume of your questions! You've got reason to be optimistic this year.

Joe Tess (Downstairs)


So will the Flacons cut Perrier Jerry? I havnet seen him do N E thing the last few years.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:44 PM)


No, they think he's fully healthy now and ready to make an impact.

Daniel (Nashville)


Who ends up with more yards rushing Ingram or Thomas?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:45 PM)


Ingram.

Daniel (Nashville)


As a reporter, does Payton's lack of any real info given about injuries frustrate you? It seems that he doesn't always have the best reputation according to some members of the media.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:46 PM)


On the injury front, he's not that much different than a lot of coaches. Mike Smith is pretty similar. Fox was very similar. We'll see on Rivera. Raheem Morris is actually one of the more open ones in that department.

Tony (NY)


Pat, are you in love with CP in Brooklyn? You listed so many of his posts...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:47 PM)


No, it's just that he posts so many questions that it covers over many of the others. I can only see 15 at a time and sometimes they're all from him.

Marlon (Decatur)


What are your projections for Arrelious Benn? I think he has a breakout year

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:48 PM)


I think he'll have a good season. He's worked really hard to come back from the knee injury. They've tried to slow him down at times, just to make sure he doesn't have any setbacks. But I think they'll turn him loose in the regular season.

Joel (NC)


I feel bad piling on the guy because I believes he tries hard, but whatever "it" is, Clausen ain't got it. And while it is WAY too early to make sweeping judgements, there is just a tangible difference between when Newton is in the game vs. Clausen. Kind of like Delhomme from '03- '05. You knew it may not always be pretty, but you had the feeling they could get the job done. Clausen just doesn't.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:50 PM)


Yeah, I agree. Think the kid caught a bad break come into the Fox fiasco last year and it might have ruined him. Best thing for him might be a fresh start somewhere else.

jerryPanthersfan (Atl Ga)


Hi Pat do you plan to be in Charlotte for the panthers home opener in week 2 against the packers.As the panthers will try to go to 2-0 .Thanks

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:50 PM)


No, I'll be in your fine city and will watch Panthers game from my hotel before heading to Georgia Dome to cover Falcons and Eagles.

Bobby (Orlando)


Well CP is an actual machine CP stand for Computer Program

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:51 PM)


You might be right.

Tony (NY)


Pat, maybe CP is in love with you then. Can you answer this? Why didn't the Saints tryout Carney at kicker? He's already familar with the team and could be a good fit temporarily if healthy.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:53 PM)


Not sure of Carney's official status, but I think he had to officially retire when they made him a member of coaching staff or kicking consultant.

Sydney (Charlotte)


Pat when you were listing the Panthers injuries you forgot about David Gettis, I thought he was gonna be their clear #2 and would have somewhat of a breakout year prior to his injury.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:53 PM)


Yep, good point.

jerryPanthersfan (Atl Ga)


Pat I did not know that you own a hotel in Charlotte

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:55 PM)


I could probably buy one with the number of points I have from a certain hotel chain.

Tony (NY)


I'm just saying he would be good for the Saints. He should unretire...Farve has done it like 3-4 times now. He seems to have a connection with Hartley and it would be good for him to take the reins in Hartley's absence.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:56 PM)


Yeah, I see your point and it wouldn't surprise if something happens with him. Just saying I'm not sure what his official status is right now.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)


I'm Human, but let's just say I ask a lot of questions for a living! Plus, Pat seems to be fan friendly, can't really get this type of interaction anywhere...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:57 PM)


You do a fine job asking questions. Couple more from others and we'll wrap this chat up.

Rum (N'awlins)


Almost didn't make it.. sheeessh... Hey Pat, ready to watch da WHODATs turn Lambeau Field into LAMBEAUX Field?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:58 PM)


Very excited about that trip. I've been doing this for a long time and might be jaded. But Lambeau is still one place I can walk into and feel the excitement.

CP (Brooklyn NY)


So because you will be on the road next Thursday.No NFC south Chat next Friday right Pat?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:59 PM)


Very relevant question. No Friday chat next week because I'll be traveling from Green Bay to Chicago. However, keep an eye on blog for important announcement. We'll have a mega-chat middle of next week where all division bloggers will take turns.

Ken (NY)


Finally the Preseason is over!!!! Now time to get onto actual games

Pat Yasinskas
  (2:01 PM)


VERY true. All right, we'll cut it off there. Everyone enjoy the weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

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