Chat with Bill Williamson
Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson will stop by to talk about the NFL.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Send your questions now and join Williamson Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!
More Bill Williamson: Columns | AFC West blog | Chat | NFL index
Bill Williamson (2:01 PM)
Hi, everyone, let's get rolling:
Jesse (SJ)
Bill, what are your thoughts on the Cutler trade now ? Do you think it was a smart move that would be done again ?
Bill Williamson (2:01 PM)
I think it was all generated by Josh McDaniels. I thionk Chicago won that deal.
Don (Berkeley, CA)
Are the Raiders 9-3 minimum right now, instead of 7-5 if Jason Campbell does not get injured?
Bill Williamson (2:02 PM)
What games do you think he would have impacted, the Chiefs?, Broncos? Dolphins?
Jared Gaither (Sunny San Diego)
It is really sad that the KC tackles are so good I could not crack the starting lineup, don't you think?
Bill Williamson (2:03 PM)
I guess that's one way of looking at it.
Tony (Richmond, CA)
What is the latest on Darren McFadden?
Bill Williamson (2:04 PM)
He's not practicing again today. Barring a shocking development, I don't think he will play this week. The question how much practice will he need before hitting the field? He hasn't played in 46 days. He will need to shake off the rust.
Tony (Richmond, CA)
Are Tebow and the Broncos going to reel my Raiders in and capture the AFC West? Oakland's schedule appears on paper at least, to be more difficult.
Bill Williamson (2:05 PM)
The Riaders' remaining schedule is tied for the fourth toughest in the NFL.
Peter (Roman)
Any Chance that Kyle Orton Plays this week?
Bill Williamson (2:06 PM)
He was limited Wednesday, so there's a chance, but I'd think Palko will play.
Lincoln (Bethany, MO)
What should the Raiders do next season when they have both Carson Palmer and Jason Campbell on the roster and both are healthy?
Bill Williamson (2:09 PM)
It's Palmer's job. Oakland did not give up two premium picks for Palmer to make him a backup next year. Plus, Campbell is a free agent. He wnats to start and he will very likely be elsewhere.
Denton (Hays, KS)
What are the chances that the Broncos have Tebow and Quinn on their roster next year? I think there is a pretty good possibility.
Bill Williamson (2:10 PM)
Quinn is a free agent. He'd have to re-sign. Maybe he will want to come back as a backup, but he likely won't get any chances to stat elsewhere.
Peter (New York)
The ESPN playoff predictor gives the chiefs a 5% chance of making the playoffs. While I do not think they have a good chance I would put the percentage closer to 20%. Thoughts?
Bill Williamson (2:13 PM)
They probably have to win out -- with the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL. Not easy.
Josh McNair (Grants Pass, Oregon)
Bill,This year Hue Jackson has stepped up his role as the leader of the Raiders especially after the passing of Al Davis. When I look at the team I have a hard time finding some leaders on the field and it was obvious from the Miami game we have few of them. Who do you feel are the leaders on each side of the ball as we close out the year?
Bill Williamson (2:15 PM)
Seytmour (He has to stay on the fiedl, though), Palmer (he's just getting to know his teammates, Wimbley (a quiet leader), Marcel Reece gets his team fired up, Rock Cartwright leads the special teams and I think Lechler is a strong leader.
Father Time (All over)
Hi Bill. Just saw your "Best over 30" in the division. Have I caught up with the Chargers?
Bill Williamson (2:16 PM)
You are getting there, yes. They are aging.
Brody (New Mexico)
ESPN Chicago says that Lance Briggs would be "freaking upset" if he lost to Tim Tebow. I know Tebow is a polarizing figure, but isn't that a little ridiculous? After all he'd be losing to the Broncos, not just Tebow.
Bill Williamson (2:17 PM)
Yeah, well, he'd join a lot of people on Tebow's beat-ya list. It's getting after six wins in seven starts.
Peter (New York)
Any news on how Moeki, Berry and Charles are healing?
Bill Williamson (2:23 PM)
They are all going through the healing process. They all should be fine next year.
Andy (AL)
Any chance RGIII is available for Denver in the draft? He would fit their Tebow offense well.
Bill Williamson (2:24 PM)
If they keep the Tebow offense, it will be with Tebow running it. The question is, will they keep the offense.
Jack (Eugene)
Hey Bill, Iv'e heard Raiders fans say that they'll make the playoffs because they have an easier final quarter schedule than my Broncos. I'd argue the opposite. Thoughts?
Bill Williamson (2:26 PM)
Oakland's four remaining opponents are 29-18.Denver's are 26-22.
Fabian (Las Vegas)
Seeing as the Raiders are now behind the Broncos in the division, and have a slightly harder remaining schedule what are the odds that the Raiders make the playoffs as the last wild-card team?
Bill Williamson (2:29 PM)
I could easily see both Oakland and Denver making the playoffs.
Tyler (Denver)
Run game + defense = success for Broncos. Why is this viewed by so many as fluky?
Bill Williamson (2:30 PM)
You are right, theb are winning with legit efforts. But anytime a team has a fast turnaround, many folks are looking for reasons to poke holes in it.
Frank (Providence)
Who do you think has the better chance of returning in time to help his team this regular season, McFadden or Forte?
Bill Williamson (2:31 PM)
Probably McFadden.
Kris (Orange County, CA)
I know the whole league is talking about the Denver Tebow's, but I feel very strongly that the Raiders will win the division. If things work out, the Bengals could head to Oakland wild-card weekend. Carson vs his old team would be intense. Would you be "Oakland-Bound" for that game?
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
Yes, Oakland-bound.I have thought about that matchup. It's be a lot of fun.
Andrew (Massachusetts)
With all of the studs back in Oakland would you give them a chance against the Green Bay?
Bill Williamson (2:33 PM)
I give them a chance now.
Scott (Portland, OR)
Unspoken MVP of the Broncos is...they punter! Your thoughts
Bill Williamson (2:34 PM)
Good call. Britton Colquitt is having a monster season. I'm telling you, this is a great division for pounters and kickers. Best in the league.
Todd (Minnesota )
Bill any ideas on what going on with Mcfadden Ford and Morre i mean we were told by the team that all of these injury's were small and would not keep them out long
Bill Williamson (2:37 PM)
And then they keep missing practices and games, frustarting isn't it?Teams usually have a timeline when players are out. Hey, the Raiders can do what they wan with their injury information, but it has been misleading a bit to fans by acting like it's week-to-week. It creates false hope. If Jacoby Ford is going to be out 3-5 weeks, just say it.
Denver Front Office (Mile High)
If we make the playoffs we have to be thinking CB or RB in the draft right? Any thoughts on who?
Bill Williamson (2:38 PM)
Yeah, CB,RB, DT
Cody (North Dakota)
I have been hearing some chatter about Denver being a possible destination for Peyton Manning. Thoughts on this? (It did come from Paul Kuharsky)
Bill Williamson (2:39 PM)
I've written about it, too. If the team doens't stick with Tebow (I think they will) and Manning becomes available, i could see Elway being interested in him.
Al (Wausau, WI)
Bill, given the Chargers' dropoff in win total in 2011, what positions do you feel they need to target to get back on the winning track for 2012?
Bill Williamson (2:43 PM)
The Chargers will need a lot. They will need help on the Oline, dline, linebacker, safety, tight end and receiver. Lots to work to do in free agency and in the draft.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
How much better would the raiders be if they kept Nnamdi?
Bill Williamson (2:43 PM)
They'd be better at CB for sure.
Tarek (NYC)
Hey Bill, any news on Moore and Ford? Raiders need weapons to keep this game close on sunday.
Bill Williamson (2:44 PM)
No practice again Thursday. Doesn't look good for Sunday.
Chris (Anchorage)
Hey Bill, Just say your "Best over 30" list.... i think it's pretty inane that you have Champ listed at 4th, when he is arguably one of the top 3 in the division regardless of age... What prompted you to put him behind Seymour?
Bill Williamson (2:45 PM)
I love Champ. Being fourth on this list isn't a shot. But I respect your opinion.
Kyle (Pittsburg, KS)
Peyton going to KC a possibility?
Bill Williamson (2:46 PM)
Mel Kiper had KC fourth on his list of possible landing spots for Manning. I guess I can see it, but I'd be surprised. It would be a great story, though, and I'm all four great stories coming to this division.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
When will the chiefs have to sign Jamal Charles to a huge deal?
Bill Williamson (2:46 PM)
They did last year. He's set.
marcus pickett (philly)
with a healthy jamaal charles, and eric berry are the chiefs a quarterback away from being a serious contender?
Bill Williamson (2:47 PM)
I expect the Chiefs to be good again next year. They have a lot of talent.
McNutty (Seattle)
What is the sentiment around the league regarding Denver's OC and DC? Are they potential HCs?
Bill Williamson (2:49 PM)
I think Dennis Allen can be a real comer. I could see him getting some looks after this season, but a lot of looks after the 2012 season if the Denver defense has another big year next season.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
Will Ty Warren still be around next year?
Bill Williamson (2:49 PM)
It really depends on what else Denver does on the defensive line.
Frankie (Fort Collins, CO)
When do you think it'd be safe to announce that Tebow is the starter long-term?
Bill Williamson (2:50 PM)
Probably after the season, if it happens.
Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)
Do you see the Raiders making any moves to accumulate more draft picks, since they don't have many right now?
Bill Williamson (2:50 PM)
Yeah, maybe during the draft. Hue Jackson has shown he's pretty agressive.
David H (Yakima, WA)
what are your thoughts on the Chargers D this year and the main difference between Manusky and Rivera? there has to be something causing the deterioration of the Chargers D
Bill Williamson (2:53 PM)
I think Rivera had better chemistry with his players and may have trusted their abilities more.
donald (lawrence, Kansas)
Do you think Tyson Jackson has played well enough this season to keep his job in KC?
Bill Williamson (2:54 PM)
He's OK. He'll never be great, but he's OK.
Scott (Colorado)
Why is it we always hear how bad the AFC West is? In looking at wins by division we are definitely not the worst. AFC east 25, north 29, south 19, west 24 NFC east 21, north 28, south 24, west 22
Bill Williamson (2:55 PM)
It's gotten better. Having a two-way tie for last place between two 5-win teams isn't too terrible.
Chris (Anchorage)
How do you leave Dawkins off of the Best AFC West Players over 30?
Bill Williamson (2:56 PM)
Becuase I thought there were 10 other better players over 30 in the division.
Darren (CO)
McFadden is a great talent at running back and always demands attention, but he's hurt a lot and misses about five games a year. Do you think he'll reach his potential or be a detraction for the Raiders?
Bill Williamson (2:57 PM)
No, he's terrifc. But there is no doubt, injuries are an issue.
Tarek (NYC)
As of now McFadden, Ford and Moore are looking out for this sunday correct?
Bill Williamson (2:57 PM)
At this point, yes.
Rick (MT)
How healthy is Willis McGahee?
Bill Williamson (2:58 PM)
He has a knee issue, but he expects tom play.
Crash! Landen (Pensacola, FL)
Hey, Bill. Would it be a bigger shock for the Broncos to beat the Patriots next week or the Raiders to beat the Pack?
Bill Williamson (2:59 PM)
Well, since the Packers are 12-0 and playing at home and the Pats are 9-3 and playing on the road, you have to go with Oakland. Still, I wouldn't be shocked if Oakland wins it.
Bill Williamson (3:00 PM)
Great hour, folks. Talk to you next week.
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