Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Hey, all. Just swung over from AJ Mass' fantasy baseball chat, where he wouldn't take my question about whether it's time to give up on Tim Lincecum. Now I know how it feels.

wesley (woodstock, va)

with every defensive player in the league looking for that "welcome to the NFL rook" hit on RG3, are the Skins really going to go into the season with Grossman and Cousins as his only backups?

Dan Graziano

  (12:02 PM)

I don't know how much better a backup QB situation can get, actually. Grossman is the exact right guy to be backing up RG3 right away -- a QB who knows the offense and can help with the new guy's education (as long as the rookie ignores the parts about throwing it to the other team 20 times a year). And Cousins is a well-regarded young guy who'll be learning along with the starter. I think they've backed him up just fine.

Drez1723 (Troy, NY)

Since free agency and the draft have concluded, what do you see as the biggest area of concern for the Giants?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

Basically, it's "did they lose too much?", which is kind of the same question every Super Bowl champ faces these days. Do they have enough in terms of replacements, either via the draft or with guys who were already on their roster, for the tight ends who got hurt in the Super Bowl and the important players they lost in free agency? I also wonder about the offensive line, but that's more of a long-term concern. I think they have the guys they need to put together a good starting line in 2012.

Jake (Arkansas)

With some actual cover corners now on the roster now, think Ware has a chance at the sack record this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

I think he has a chance every year, Jake.

basir (bel air, md)

whats the latest on the hightower situation for the skins? whats taking so long to get a deal done?

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

The guy had a major knee injury last year, and I'm sure there is some dispute between the sides about how healthy he is and what can be expected of him -- and therefore, about how much he should get paid.

Shady McCoy (philly)

Yo Dan, whats taking so long on my extension? and Who are these backups they brought in?

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

I believe DeSean Jackson would laugh at the idea that your extension is taking too long to get done. I believe it'll get done, but the plain fact is these negotiations aren't as simple as those of us on the outside sometimes want to believe.

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

Man. I said "believe" a lot in that last answer.

tim (columbia, md)

Follow-up to basir's question: If Hightower is not a Redskin, who starts at RB this year? I think you've said before that the staff is not sure about Helu or Royster as potential starters.

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

Well, it's Shanahan, so it's really hard to sit here and project that one back will "start" all 16 games. He'll ride the hot hand, and if he doesn't bring back Hightower he'll probably add another vet or two to the mix before it's all said and done.

Sean (Pitman)

Is the Eagles Defense good enough to overcome Vick's inefficiencies?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

I think the Eagles' defense will be good enough that the team can win games in spite of Vick's inefficiency. However, I think Vick's inefficiency needs to improve if the Eagles want to be a serious Super Bowl contender. Teams have won with mediocre quarterbacks, but that's a lot different from having a QB who does things that actually hurt your chances of winning. Vick did some of those last year, and in my opinion not enough of the things he's capable of doing to win games.

joe (mexico)

Will the Dallas D finally make a quantum leap, now that they have Claiborne? Safety still an issue,right?

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

I think your question really gets at the heart of the matter, Joe. I don't think they make a "quantum leap." But I think they will be improved. There are areas of the defense that still need improvement, in my opinion, but it's pretty hard to make a "quantum leap" in any one offseason in the salary cap era.

Corey (D.C.)

I know its risky to judge a team on paper, but the Giant's offense looks loaded with Eli, Nicks, Cruz, Randall, Bennett, Bradshaw, and Wilson. If the new young guys can pull their weight and grow, this could be an exciting offense for several years. Thoughts?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

The Giants' passing game is one of the very best in the league, and that's saying something. That said, they did finish 32nd in the league in rushing offense last year and lost a guy who had 40 percent of the carries. They need better line play, health from Bradshaw and an effective replacement for those Jacobs carries in order to show improvement in the run game.

Trent Williams (DC)

Man, I know I said I learned my lesson, but what happens if I fail another drug test?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

You lose out on more money than I and everyone else on this chat combined will ever see in our lives. Don't wake up in a roadside ditch, Trent.

Mark (Los Angeles)

What is Vick's work ethic and mindset like now? He seemed like a model citizen for a while then he got a new contract and it seemed like he started getting a little lazy. Any idea how he is approaching this season?

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

I don't agree with "lazy" as a characterization of Vick from what I saw last year. I felt all along that the Eagles needed to see some development and maturation from him as a leader, and while he showed some of it late in the year, I don't think he showed enough of it early. I do not ascribe that to laziness, though. I think he works very hard. I just didn't feel that he showed enough improvement in his specific areas of weakness. That could be because he doesn't identify those areas correctly, or because more work needs to be done in them than he or we are willing to admit, or any number of reasons.

DAN FAN (FL)

Who leads this division in TDS 2012? Tony Romo?

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

You mean passing TDs? I'd go with Eli there, taking everything into consideration including his weapons and the relative states of the Giants' and Cowboys' running games.

Tomas (Maine )

Who do you see as the Redskins backup QB week one? Shanny said there was an open competition for the backup QB spot

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

Sure, but Cousins has to come quickly in the system to surpass Grossman, who's practiced and played in it for two years now. If Griffin were to miss games early, my guess is that Grossman would be the first option.

DNel (DMV)

Of the remaining NFC East QB's who could top Eli's SNL debut?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

Based on my personal experience with each guy, Eli's got more personality than Romo or Vick. (Yeah, I know how that sounds. I stand by it.) Griffin appears to have more personality than the three of them put together, but he's so young and new on the scene, he'd be ill equipped for the assignment. If SNL was picking from that field, they made the right call.

DNel (DMV)

Cooley's knee is supposedly doing better. How long is his leash with Shanny? One more sub-par season and he's out in favor of Davis and Paul?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

Not necessarily. Paul has to show he can play it first. Cooley's biggest problem is his 2012 cap number, and the chance that the Redskins decide they can't absorb it. He probably has to restructure or take a pay cut in order to stay.

Drez1723 (Troy, NY)

Do you think it favors the Giants more or less to face the Saints at Metlife late in the season, as opposed to earlier when the Saints will have an interim interim head coach?

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

Predictions come out on Fridays, but I think it's safe to say you want to get the Saints as early as possible this year.

Yogi (Alaska)

Rotoworld just released their Offensive Line rankinga, and the top NFC East team is the Eagles at #7, followed by the Giants at #14, Dallas at #16, Washington at #26. On the surface do you agree with it for the most part, without investigating deeper?

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

In terms of the NFC East lines relative to each other, I agree. And I imagine that, if not for the Peters injury, the Eagles' overall ranking may have been higher. They were tremendous last year. Redskins, I feel, should be a little higher, but I have a higher opinion of Trent Williams as a player than some do.

Talon (Muncie, IN)

Elaborate on the state of NYG & DAL running games.

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

Well, the Giants were last in the league, Bradshaw has chronic foot injuries and Jacobs had 40 percent of their carries and is now gone. I think it's fair to say the state of the Giants' run game is questionable.

HogHunter (PA)

What can we expect to come out of Thursday's arbitration hearing for the Cowboys and Redskins. When is the earliest a ruling will happen?

Dan Graziano

  (12:26 PM)

Yeah, this first hearing is not to determine whether the cap penalties were justified or need to be altered. This one, according to what I've been told, is only to determine whether the NFL management council had the authority to impose them. Obviously, if it's ruled that they did, then there will be a later hearing on the merits of the punishments themselves. If it's determined that they didn't, there will be a later hearing to determine how to make the Redskins and Cowboys whole. This isn't close to being over, sorry.

Billy (Philly)

Kafka, Foles, or Edwards backing up Vick?

Dan Graziano

  (12:26 PM)

Yup.

Mike (New Lisbon)

If hightower isn't resigned, what veteran back due you think is a strong possibility for the skins to sign?

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

I know they looked into Benson last year but passed for character reasons. Don't know whether a year would have softened them on that. Addai would have been a good guess, because of the way he contributes in the passing game, but he's signed with the Patriots. Look for a guy like that, who can catch the ball and block.

Matt (Winston Salem, NC)

I know the Skins are expecting big things from Hankerson this year. But where are those expectations coming from? I watched all the games he played in last year, and did not see anything that really opended my eyes. Can you fill me in?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

The coaches evaluate him in practice as well, and those aren't televised. Not trying to be glib, but the answer to your question is that they believe they have more to go on in evaluating his potential than what we've seen in the games. Also, he had at least one really good game, right?

CanadianSkins (North Pole)

Will you let your Son play in NFL, Eh?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

No, no. My guys aren't playing football.

Jevon (Bahamas)

Do you think there is a chance for Clinton Portis to come back?

Dan Graziano

  (12:29 PM)

Doubt it. There are a lot of guys who actually played last year and still aren't signed. Where's the market for Portis?

wesley (va)

which team has the most to lose this season? Eagles for the "all in" mentality from last season and using the excuse of not having time, Giants becuase of being SB champs, Skins for investing so much in RG3, or Cowboys. Which team is in a must win everything now or else situation?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

I think the Eagles are the NFC East team most in that situation. Giants are playing with house money, winning a second Super Bowl in five years off a 9-7 regular season. Redskins still rebuilding, and Griffin will get some kind of honeymoon. Cowboys' fans will be the second-most impatient, I think, but Garrett's leash is much longer than Reid's at this point.

CJ (Albany, NY)

Does Barden still have a shot at the 3rd WR spot or are the Giants sold on Randle?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

No, if Barden performs better in the offseason and preseason, I'm sure he'll get the job. Giants roster is a meritocracy.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

My number one reason why football needs to be made safer: parents are scarred to let their children play. That clearly means change is necessary. And not just over protective parents. Harry Carson said he would not let his grandchildren play football, that is significant.

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

Yeah, man. You're hearing it. Some people aren't. The people who run the NFL are, though. That's why these penalties for the Saints were so severe.

Just Curious (your attic)

Kafka, Edwards AND Foles? Reid's carrying 4 QBs on the 53 man roster?

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

No. I think Edwards or Kafka gets cut.

DNel (Home of the Skins)

Have you visited the bubble?

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

No, it was still under construction last time I was there. Might be going down there for minicamp, and if not I'll see it in August.

Cornell (NC)

Follow up to Hankerson. He played in only 4 games before he got hurt. In the last game, he had 8 recs for 100+ yards. I believe we had a WR go over 100 yards only 3 times last season.

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

Yeah, see, I thought he was good in that game. But I'm not a scout.

THE (home)

will LT be a good vet back for redskins?

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

If his legs have anything left, he'd be a good fit. Played in a zone-blocking offense in NY, and he's a great guy to have around young RBs. But I thought he was at least pondering retirement.

Jevon (Bahamas)

Have you picked the NFC East games that you will attend this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:35 PM)

Beyond the very first one, no.

Chuck (Dover, NJ)

Who would you say has a better sense of humor....you or Andy Reid?

Dan Graziano

  (12:35 PM)

I think I've decided to be insulted by this question. Time's yours.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

Dan, you have been all around the NFL, which is your favorite stadium and why?

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

Oh, the Cowboys' new stadium is in a class by itself. There just isn't anything like it anywhere. Most of them are very similar, but the ones that stand out for me are Dallas and Green Bay (for the history).

Scott (VB, VA)

Hi Dan, joining the chat late, but the skimmed the questions first so I'm not asking the same. Isn't today the day for the arbitration hearing- Dallas & Washington vs. NFL?

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

No, I thought it was Thursday of this week, and we did address what to expect from it in an earlier question.

Skins Fan (DC)

Why havent' my skins cut DeAngelo Hall, he's so terrible, why does anyone think he's good?

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

Well, if you're going to cut a guy, you need to have a replacement. Who ya got?

The Man on (The Moon)

Which NFC East Receiver has the best year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

I'm a Hakeem Nicks fan, plain and simple. I like everything about him.

Dan (Washington, DC)

What?! You didn't like fedex?! Ok stop laughing...(PS Even Redskins fans hate that place...)

Dan Graziano

  (12:38 PM)

Yeah, it's... not great. Sorry.

Dnel (DMV)

Which stadiums tend to be livelier - Football, Baseball, or Hockey?

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

I don't have a lot of hockey experience. And I'm not sure I'm qualified to pick between baseball and football, in spite of having covered both extensively, and here's why: Baseball press boxes are generally open-air (or at least have windows that allow for that option), so at a baseball game, you get a better sense of the crowd. Football press boxes are almost all enclosed. So unless you're at a place like Minneapolis, you can't really tell how fired up the crowd is. That's a little taste of my working life for those of you who didn't know that tidbit.

Mark (Jersey)

You catching Bruce on tour this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Yeah, MetLife Stadium, Sept. 21.

Brian (NJ)

No football for your sons even if they show an interest and really want to give it a try?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

I guess I'll just say I hope it doesn't come to that.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

What sort of contract will LeSean McCoy (finally) get?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

"Front-loaded."

Gavin (Maryland)

Manning, Romo, and Vick are the 3 quarterbacks of the Green Packers this year. What's your depth chart look like?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Sigh...

Ben (Philly)

You think McNabb will play at all this year? If so, with whom?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

I do not.

Cornell (NC)

Dan, any thoughts on the movie...Avengers? IMO, it's one of the best movies based on a comic book.

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Have not seen it.

Jeremy (Daytona beach)

Do you see Orakpo having a more productive season this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Yeah, I think Orakpo can do almost anything he wants on the field, and will continue to improve.

Patrick (Annapolis)

Two seasons ago a lot of people had Vick as the best QB in the NFC East...Now with Manning proving he was the top dog and many analysts talking about Romo and RGIII, is Vick at the bottom of the barrel?

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

Look, two years ago, Vick WAS the best QB in the NFC East. I don't think anyone's ever had a year like Vick had in 2010. Last year, Manning was the best. It's entirely possible that Romo will have the best year this year. They're all excellent. But we insist on ranking.

Justin (South Jersey)

Bestter question, do you think Kerrigan will have a more productive season this year.

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

Yeah, same answer, basically. Super-talented guy in a perfect system in which to flourish.

Andrew (VA)

How Bad do you want to see that preseason game RG3 against Luck? And do you think it will live up to the hype?

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

No. A preseason game will not ever live up to the hype if there is any hype about it at all.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

Do you miss Jack from Raleigh? Our time with him was short but he touched us all so deeply.

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

Jack from Raleigh was an all-time chat All Star. That guy was FIRED UP! Why can't you guys show that kind of passion???? (I'm kidding. Please don't.)

Jeremy (Daytona beach)

Where would you rank Skins o-line if they played today.. scale of 1-32

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

Oh, goodness, if they played TODAY they'd probably all pull hamstrings. Those guys must be in terrible shape right now. It's May 8!

M (DC)

Dan, are Redskins considering signing Chad Clifton to upgrade their RT position or is he done physically?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

I think there are some real serious health concerns with Clifton, which is why he's even available. And considering that the only thing they don't like about their current RT is the health concern, that wouldn't seem to make a lot of sense for them.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

What do you think of the O-line additions the Skins made?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Don't really see where they upgraded.

Clark (AZ)

Barring any sort of injury, who leads the East in sacks this season? Babin, Ware, Cole, Osi, Tuck, someone, someone else?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

I'm going to say Ware based on track record, but Pierre-Paul at least needs to be on your list of candidates.

Tom Coughlin (Timex Performance Center)

If we start 2-3, will people start calling for my head again?

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

No, I think you're good, coach.

Tim (New Haven)

Do you REALLY think the Giants put David Wilson ahead of Doug Martin in their scouting report?

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

I think it's possible, but I feel completely confident in telling you we'll never know for sure.

Jambone (NYC)

Are Ravens going to pursue Osi? Or was that just silly chatter.

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

They may pursue him, but I do not think the Giants are interested in trading him.

Brian (NJ)

Hakeem Nicks recently said, "I'm looking forward to helping [Randle] with anything, as far as off the field or on the field," Quotes like these make me love being a Giant's fan.

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

Yeah, Nicks is the real deal. Cruz too. I did a column back in January about how the Giants' star WRs didn't act like star WRs. Down to earth, humble, quietly confident. If I were a Giants fan, I'd feel very good about cheering for those guys.

Rick (MD)

Dan, are you for or against holdouts? Or is it more based on the situation?

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

Totally based on the situation. In general, I tend to side with players in NFL contract disputes, because the deals aren't guaranteed and the teams can just cut them without consequence a lot of the time. So if the player has a point to make, I respect his right to make it in the most potentially effective way possible.

Matt (North)

Are you routing for the sixers tonight?

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

Didn't realize they were playing until I saw your question. Is Barkley still on that team?

THE (home)

who has the biggest arm out of the nfc east QBs?

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

Vick.

Gavin (Maryland)

Dan, you may or may not recall that I rode you some during the season over the importance of Fiammetta. Well now Dallas has Vickers. I know he blocked for Foster for the Texans. How much for an upgrade is he really?

Dan Graziano

  (12:52 PM)

The folks I talked to around the time of that signing all liked Vickers a lot better than they liked Fiammetta. I think by the end of the year, the consensus was that the midseason success of the Dallas' run game was much more Murray than it was Fiammetta, in spite of what some believed while it was happening.

Mark (Los Angeles)

Did you have a favorite Eli sketch Saturday night?

Dan Graziano

  (12:53 PM)

The "Little Brothers" PSA had me in tears.

Gatlin Garrett (Scranton, PA)

Dont you feel that the eagles have the wrong type of cornerbacks? They play a lot of zone coverage and they have 2 man corners

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

I think the plan is to play press coverage with the corners this year. I don't know why they played so much zone last year, but I don't think Nnamdi enjoyed it very much.

Jambone (NYC)

Dan, who are your favorite interviews in the NFC? From personality standpoint or transparency standpoint.

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

Just naming a few, top of my head, no particular order: Asomugha, Cruz, Tuck, Fletcher, Orakpo, Witten, Mathis, Cullen Jenkins...

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

Enjoyed talking to RG3 during draft week, too.

st8prop (Atlanta, GA)

Dan...its being rumored that the Ravens offering 3rd Rounder for Giants Osi. If the Giants don't move him, you think its because they think they can get a 2nd or 3rd compensatory pick for him next off-season?

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

I think if they don't move him it's because they determined the value of keeping him on their roster outweighed what was offered. They don't NEED to move him. They're not worried about his discontent affecting what they do, and he showed last year that he can still make a major impact when he does play. And he's cheap.

Sam (Las Cruces)

Remember when i said a few weeks back that the Cowboys were interested in Claiborne and you said "no, thats a fantasy that wont happen" ....BAM..the fantasy happened! Just wanted to rub it in your face! haha

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

Consider it rubbed. I doubt that was my exact quote, but it's possible. I did not think they would make that move.

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

I also didn't think he'd drop to 6.

THE (home)

Will rg3 have a similar season to Cam's last year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:58 PM)

No. Different types of players. And Steve Smith doesn't play for the Redskins.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

Did you let your kids stay up to watch Eli on SNL?

Dan Graziano

  (12:58 PM)

My kids? I didn't stay up myself!

Otto (CA)

What team lays out the best spread for the media?

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

Eagles, and it's not even close. I covered so many games there in the first half of last season, I'm still trying to lose the extra weight.

Gene (DC)

Giants value draft picks - isn't something better than nothing for Osi? They don't need to move him, but they've also got other options if they do.

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

But it's not "nothing," because he will play this year. They get a year of Osi, and that may be worth more than a third-round draft pick.

Justin (Richmond)

Can you see RG3 and Santana having a Newton Steve Smith type year, considering Shanny said Moss showed up to camp in great shape and 15 ponds lighter?

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

No, come on. Steve Smith is a top-level wide receiver. The Redskins don't have anyone that good, and it's not really insulting their WRs to say that.

Jevon (Bahamas)

Do you think the concussion problems in the NFL can be solved? Seems like football has an almost MMA appeal, removing the speed or watering it down for safety is the right thing but it might not be in the best interest of the game... safety vs popularity...

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

I don't know. Does it really? Do people really watch it for the violence? I know I don't. I'd rather see the long touchdown pass than the bone-crushing hit. But if the violence really is the appeal, then yeah, there's going to be a problem.

Justin (South Jersey)

1:00 Time for your nap right?

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

That's a heck of an idea, Justin. See you all next week.