Matt Williamson

  (11:57 AM)

What's Shakin' Everyone? Lots to discuss. Two great matchups coming this weekend. Let's get this going

john Fuller (Wichita KS)

Who will have a harder time this weekend in pass protection? The 49ers o-line or Giants o-line?

Matt Williamson

  (11:58 AM)

Love the Niners Front 7 and their pass rush, but SF will have the harder time. NYG's DL is just ridiculous right now. I don't love the Giants' OL, but they have been playing better of late. That right side of SF's OL is a real problem in my eyes.

Jeff (Nashville)

What does GBay do this offseason? Get another OLB and hope Collins gets cleared to play? O-line? You know they will draft strong...

Matt Williamson

  (11:59 AM)

Finding another pass rusher or two would be huge. I still think there are good players in that secondary. But Mathews is the only guy that can get after the QB. Really miss Jenkins. Ideally would be to find a DL like Jenkins and an edge guy opposite Clay Jr.

Peter (Los Angeles )

You and Ross dicussed on the podcast the Ravens WR's inability to get open due to both talent and plays... The Pats defense has been known to play soft coverage and have burned by average talent this year... Who do you see winning this battle?

Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

To me, that is the biggest wild card in this game. In a way, it is Weakness vs. Weakness, but the Pats' secondary does seem to be firming up a bit (even before Denver). I also don't love the Ravens' protection and expect BB to come after Flacco quite a bit. I would also expect BB to really try to take away the bomb to Smith more than anything in the passing game. Force BALT to sustain drives...with that philosophy, can the Ravens score enough points to out duel Brady? I really have my doubts.

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

Clapton "Its in the way that you use it"....so great

Sam (Nashua, NH)

Hi Matt,How does Baltimore match up with the Boston TE Party?

Matt Williamson

  (12:03 PM)

Poorly. Obviously that is a massive problem. I think the middle of the field is the most vulnerable spot in BALT's Pass Coverage...ouch. But no matter what, there really isn't a great answer for any D vs. the Boston TE Party

Tim (SF)

Justin Smith - DPOY?

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

I doubt he gets it, but he is deserving. I am torn between Smith and Revis, who was again fantastic this season. The post season is not supposed to influence the decision. Suggs had a great season too.

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

"Crash" Dave Matthews-Live....fantastic

Irwin (Manchester)

Who is slower, Deion Branch or Anquan Boldin? Most Fullbacks in the league are faster than those guys!

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

Branch isn't a speedster any more, but I don't consider him super slow. Boldin is the absolute definition of a possession WR.

Jamall (SF )

Does the 9ers attack of short passing and running neutralize what the Giants DL can do with their pass rush?

Matt Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

I feel like if SF is going to win this game, it will be on Gore's shoulders.

Aggie (TX)

Was Cullen Jenkins really that important to the Packers pass rush?

Matt Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

Certainly a factor-heck of an interior pass rusher and excellent player overall. The loss of Collins at FS has also really taken a toll from a year ago.

J.B. (PA)

'Skins need a QB and Vikes have the #3 pick. If you were GM of the Vikings, what would it take from Washington to move up to that spot?

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

Not sure that will do it though JB. To me, I think WASH & CLEV will both do everything possible to get to #2 to get RG3. CLEV has more fire power to get it done, but the Skins aren't one to be outbid for players. Should be fun

Mike Jones (Saskatoon)

What will Pat's do in offseason to help D?

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

Good question. Would sure go a long way if they had at least one more member of their secondary (CB or FS) that could really cover-put him on an island. And again, another edge pass rusher sure wouldn't hurt.

MRees (NJ)

M-Dub: First of all, love it when you're on the ESPN Football Today Podcast. Secondly, is there any hope for Dallas w/ Jerry calling the shots? Or are we all in for more mediocrity?

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Hard to say. I tend to think that JJ is over his head as a roster builder. But that team isn't short on talent. They just always have a big hole or two. Right now, their interior OL needs help, as does their secondary in a big way. The team is missing some of the nuts and bolts.

Matt (Granbury, TX)

The Steelers are way over the cap right now. Will they be cutting guys like Hampton, Ward, and Farrior?

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

Could see substantial change in PGH's roster. Those names you mentioned along with A Smith and Kemo come to mind. But as it stands, those players are not worth what they are being paid. Strictly Business.

Mike (Brooklyn)

MW, the way I see it, GB got 14 of 20 pts handed to them by the refs, and essentially shut out ATL. Not to sound cocky, but I don't see how this SF team scores points against us, barring crazy special plays. If NYG puts up 20 points, we'll win. Thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (12:13 PM)

I can't disagree with what you said. Again, I think for SF to win, Gore needs to dominate on the ground. SF's ground game is much more formidable than GBay's. Also, you can't account for turnovers and special teams-two areas where the Niners are simply superb.

Hannibal Lector (Institution)

I swear if a see that Fu Manchu one more time on Flacco's face I'm gonna eat him!

Matt Williamson

  (12:14 PM)

With a fine Chianti?

Nick (Dayton OH)

Matt What is the best option for the Bengals moving up to get Trent richardson ? or going CB OG then in the 2nd picking RB

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

If I were Cincy, I think I would play it cool with Richardson. I wouldn't pay the steep price to get in the Top 5 or anything that harsh to ensure landing him. But RBs fall like crazy on DDay. If he starts to fall, then you pounce. Otherwise, DeCastro would be a wonderful consolation prize-maybe even trade up for him.

FrakenDub (Mars)

Could you think of a better redeption story if Alex Smith wins the Super Bowl after every one thought he was a bust for the team that drafted him?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

Certainly would be a great story. He has had a great year...esp by his prior standards.

Julius (Atlanta)

Matt, good work, from the "tone" of your chat, I feel you see the Giants and Pats winning, is that correct?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

That is correct. Know me well!

Bruce (NY)

If Eli wins a second SuperBowl, he has to be thought of as a better post season QB than Peyton, doesn't he?

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

I suppose...might already be a better post season QB than Big Bro

john fuller (wichita ks)

Do you see the 49ers drafting another WR in the first round this year? There seems to be a lot of talent at that position available for the draft.

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

Seems logical. Someone with serious speed. Team needs a deep threat bad. Might be their biggest need overall.

Lucio (Houston)

MW, do you think Kendall Wright out of Baylor would be a good #2 WR opposite Andre Johnson?

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

For sure, but that O is odd in that they just don't use a #2 WR very much. TEs and RBs are so involved in the passing game-effectively. Wright is exactly what SF needs from the above question.

John (Wis)

If the Packers decided to Franchise Flynn to trade him. What value would they get in return?

Matt Williamson

  (12:20 PM)

I guess we could equate it to Cassel a few years ago. Wasn't it Cassel and Vrabel for a very early 2nd and 5th? Sounds about right to me. But how do you Franchise Flynn and allow Finley to test the open market?

Matt Williamson

  (12:21 PM)

EC "Runnin' on Faith"

J.B. (PA)

Follow-up to my earlier question. Do you think the Rams take RG3 at number two even with Bradford? Sounds like you do.

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

No I don't-nor should they. But they will hold an extremely valuable pick when it is all said and done and RG3 blows everyone away. Then, they could move to the Browns pick and end up with Kalil, Claiborne, Blackmon or whoever they like while picking up another quality high pick or two.

Dan (DC)

From your earlier response it sounds like the Pats' game plan for both the offense and defense this week is very similar to the plan they had for Denver. Big advantage?

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

BALT is much more dangerous and multifaceted though on both sides of the ball. Rice is a tough guy to take away. With DEN, they have one good cover guy (Champ) and one good receiving threat (Thomas). That is just too easy for a game planner like BB.

James (Moses Lake)

Matt, what do you think the Hawks will do in the draft? QB or pass rusher?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

Throwing this out there: How about Peyton Manning to SEA? SF would HATE that. Anyways, even adding a guy like Flynn, Campbell, Orton or Henne would be a good move. So to me, it seems like Free Agency is the move for SEA's QB...but that could change as I become more educated on the draft. A pass rusher opposite Clemons would be the final piece of an excellent D puzzle...no question about it. I am quite fond of SEA.

Dave (NH)

Lots of talk about Brandon Lloyd following McDaniels to NE this offseason. Good fit?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

Great fit. I would strongly consider Franchising him though if I were STL

Aggie (TX)

Why would ATL hire Mike Nolan which has had most of his success in the 3-4? Personnel in Atlanta isn't even close to a 3-4 friendly system.

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

Yeah, I put that out on Twitter (@WilliamsonNFL) yesterday. That D doesn't need a lot of work and the work it does need is mostly in the secondary. I wouldn't mess with their fronts. Plus, they don't have a wealth of draft picks to aid this change...if they are going to do it. Nolan is a very knowledgeable coach of course though-and could do a fine job with their 4-3 with some multiplicity to it.

Shane (Robins AFB, GA)

MW, if the Colts draft Luck & PM is still healthy enough to play, I definitely think they should trade him. If Palmer can command two high draft picks, Manning should easily fetch that

Matt Williamson

  (12:29 PM)

Well first off, OAK WAY overpaid for Palmer. I was on in KC last week and they asked me about Manning. It dawned on me that his trade value is a lot like that of Joe Montana's to KC. But the issue with Manning is the timing of it all. Very short window to pull off that trade considering the 28 million he will be owed. Plus the new team needs to talk contact first.

Brian (NY)

Is SF's defense being overrated considering what Brees did to them even w/ 5 turnovers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

No, it is the best D in the NFL in my opinion-have said that for two months or so. But I hear ya. They have a good secondary, but it is beatable-esp for big plays. And Big Blue is great at creating big plays.

Fats (Pittsburgh)

If I only read your chats, I would have no idea how the Ravens won 13 games this year.

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

Everyone thinks I dislike the Ravens because I am from Pittsburgh. That couldn't be further from the truth. I have friends on that staff and was instrumental in bringing Flacco to Pitt-I root for those guys...although I really don't "Root" any more. But I guess I hear ya too...esp of late, I am not overly impressed.

Harry (Babylon, NY)

Hi Matt - are the Giants the best balanced team out of the 4 going into this weekend?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Yeah, I would say so. Pretty easy answer actually.

Aggie (TX)

Well the Ravens did play the NFC West and AFC South.

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Certainly is a very good point-and they had a few really poor showings. And frankly, they didn't play very well against Houston last week.

Zac (The Bay)

Did Caldwell deserve to get fired? I say, yes. What say you M-Dub? Any names out there? Please don't say Mcoy, Tice, Marty Ball.... Please say GRUDEN!!!!

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

I thought Caldwell deserved to get fired more so than any coach in the league this year. As for names, not sure on that. Gotta remember, the new GM has heavy Philly ties

Chris (Oregon)

Biggest needs for the Philly next season are...?

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

MLB that can play every down and is the leader of the D both physically and mentally. A first round pick LB type. Would go a VERY long way.

Tom (Baltimore)

What about the fact the Ravens beat the 49ers in primetime, the Steellers and Bengals twice and the Texans now twice?

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

They have also had some fantastic wins-no question about it

Tony (NYC)

And lost to the Titans, Seattle, Jax and SD.

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

All true. Just the facts. That SD game was a nightmare.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Do you think more games are lost in the NFL than won? Look at Houston last week as a prime example: turnovers and nobody is talking about the dropped pass at the end of the game that should have tied it up and sent it to OT.

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

Not sure overall, but that was certainly the case in that game. Also, the thing no one (but me!) is talking about from that game is the hidden yardage. Balt didn't take one penalty or turn the ball over once. And they whipped HOUS on special teams-and I expected the total opposite on teams. That was HUGE in that game. On a play by play basis, the Ravens were outplayed, but you can't overlook special teams.

Neil (NYC)

Yes more games are lost than won. See Tebow's 'wins'

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

Not a bad point there...

Rob (Cheesehead)

I agree with Mike from Boca...the Pack lost that game more than the Giants won.

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Can't give you that one. GBay was thoroughly outplayed.

Neil (NYC)

Tim Tebow, fully exposed? Poor Elway has to go into the season with him?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Elway said that TT would be the starter when they open camp. That doesn't mean he is opening day starter. I would absolutely add a guy like Campbell or Henne-and let it play out...I will bet on the new guy. You just can't complete under 50% of your passes. However, I do think TT will work very hard and should improve with a real offseason.

Clarence (Denver)

What do you call 3 Tebows?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Is this going to be dirty Clarence?

Ben (Philly)

Whats your prediction on what happens to Manning, and if it that he gets released, who is most likely to pick him up?

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

Loving the SEA fit. I am sure the Jets and Redskins would be very aggressive for him. But does Peyton want to play for those teams? Might enjoy being next to Eli in NYC-and the Jets could be a contender (maybe) with #18.

J.B. (PA)

The only two TDs the Packers scored came on botched calls by the officials. Sorry Mike and Rob, your guys were outplayed, outclassed and out discount double-checked last Sunday.

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

No question

Mel (Baltimore)

Torrey Smith. Future Pro Bowler or deep threat only?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

Long way from a Future Pro Bowler. I want to see more, but I do like him.

Allen (Cali)

Is the NFC winner the SB favorite in your opinion?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

Nah, the Pats are the fav

Neil (NYC)

Who cares if Tebow played hurt? He is going to get hurt playing that style. That is one of the reasons its hard to hitch your wagon to him long term.

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Well, I do care that he did play hurt. But I have said since he was drafted-Playing QB like you are Mike Alstott is not a great idea at this level.

Neil (NYC)

Alex Smith - I know he's been playing the role of game manager, but wow!

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Yes. No question. Not bursting your bubble one bit or taking anything away from Smith, but NO made that too easy on him too. Gotta do more against Davis.

Aggie (TX)

Boxing question, who wins in their prime? Ali or Tyson?

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

I gotta take Ali against anyone. Ali would be in Iron Mike's head months before the bout. FAR from a boxing expert, but Ali would whip him-toy with him. Float like a butterfly...

Keith (NYC)

I think the Giants should double Davis, play man on the SF wide receivers and occasionally blitz a fifth guy. I think their DLine takes over this game.

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

Very much agree. SF really only has one real dangerous guy. And Boley, Phillips, Rolle, etc are much better off covering him than the Saints' LBs and Safeties...plus, the Giants will scheme it up better and have more bodies in coverage-while also rushing the passer better.

Tim (San Jose)

Delanie Walker is expecting to play on Sunday. What kind of matchup wrinkle does that throw in for the NYG?

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

It is a big help. They love to use heavier Run Personnel, but Walker is a starting caliber all around TE.

John (Boston)

Just arrived and haven't read backwards yet....so I ask, MW; you still keepin it hard core!?!?!?

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

You know it John. You know it.

Mike (Brooklyn)

MW, I think the play of Kenny Phillips has flown under the radar when talking about young, emerging safeties. He's a big reason why teams don't take many deep shots against NYG. To me, he's every bit as good as Berry, Thomas, Collins (healthy), etc.

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

Funny you said that Mike! Last night I turned in an article where I picked one underrated guy off every remaining team's O and D. Phillips was my pick slightly over Kiwi and Boley.

Aggie (TX)

Weren't the additions of Franklin, Rodgers, and Cam Jordan along the Saints DLine supposed to have a greater impact? Steve Spag the man for the Saints?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Shocked me a great deal that NO's DL wasn't better-much better. Would love to see Spags in NO. Add a player or two. The Saints aren't going anywhere.

Tim (San Jose)

If the 49ers were to exploit a weakness on this NYG team, what would it be?

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

There is certainly a chance that they simply dominate the Giants' OL. Special Teams overall for sure. The turnover situation. I am not 100% sold on NYG's Run D either-and it will be tested. SF's Run D is not easy to prepare for and they use a lot of different O personnel for their run game.

Alan (CA)

If you were a closer in baseball, what would your coming out song be? Not using a song someone else already does...

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

For Those About to Rock...and I would throw heat. Serious heat.

Carl Spackler (the back nine)

You obviously like the Patriots this weekend. But do you think it'll be a close game?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Liking NEng by 2 TDs or so. The Pool or the Pond-the Pond is better for you.

Larry (RI)

Unusually nice weather forecast for Sunday in Foxboro, does this help either team?

Matt Williamson

  (12:54 PM)

I guess it helps the Pats-more of a throwing team. Brady obviously handles adverse weather well though. As does Flacco with his big arm. If it were snowy, I would say that hurts the Balt pass rushers more.

Corey (D.C.)

Huge Seahawks fan here....do you really like the Manning fit? I would obviously love this, but havent heard it talked about much. He would have a decent line and good WRs. Think its possible?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Yeah, I threw it out on Twitter when I mentioned it here-and have 44 responses waiting for me on that topic when I am done here. Not sure why that hasn't been discussed. I really like the fit. Doesn't mean they couldn't still use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a QB too.

John (Chicago)

What do you think about the Patriots front 7 heading into the Bal game?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Improving, esp at DT and ILB of late.

Ben (Philly)

How high does Denver draft a QB this year to potentially take over for he who will no longer be named?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

I would go free agency

Tim (San Jose)

Heavy rain forecasted for this weekend in SF. Bad, wet weather has to favor the 49ers and their style of play on both sides of the ball, right?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

Yeah, I would think so. Well put.

Jason (San Francisco)

Who is better Sydney Rice or Santonio Holmes... This assumes good health and good attitude of course?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

Holmes. More explosive.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

What do you make of Flacco lashing out at his critics? Weird thing for a QB to do. Is the pressure getting to him?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

I think it is a very strange thing to be doing. And I don't think it is a good sign-but don't want to look into it too much either.

Rob Chudzinski (Charlotte, NC)

Do you think I get hired by the Bucs or am I back as the OC carolina one more year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Would be a great hire. Exactly the type of O mind they need to get Freeman back on track. That has to be priority #1 for TBay.

John (Boston)

Caught up, can confirm....MW is a chat BEAST!

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Agreed

Alan (CA)

For closers...I'm surprised no one ever used Metallica's For Whom The Bell Tolls or The Who's Baba O'Reilly, but have great beginnings...

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Can't argue that. Big on Paradise City myself too

Larry (Pasco, WA)

You expect Philip Rivers to rebound next year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Big time

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

Folks, that is a wrap. Great chat. You guys brought it today. Stop by the Cover it Live chats on game day to discuss further