Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Let's roll, folks. First question this week, per the results of our weekly Twitter contest, is on the Eagles and the unfortunate injury news of the day.

John(Cranbury, NJ) [via mobile]

According to CSN Philly, Jason Peters was using a "roll-about" device to help get around after his surgery and the device gave out, in the process Peters ruptured the Achilles again. Career is donezo right?

Dan Graziano

  (12:02 PM)

Man, I like Cranbury. I get off at Exit 8A when I go to visit my parents over in Hamilton. My first sportswriting job was covering high school sports in Cranbury, Monroe, South Brunswick, etc for one of those Princeton Packet weeklies. Lovely town, Cranbury. As for Peters, I'd have to think there's a serious question now about whether he can make it all the way back and, if he can, whether he can be the same player again. He was the best tackle in the league in 2011. To tear the same Achilles twice in one offseason? That just sounds like a lot from which to recover. I'd have to ask Stephania Bell, but it can't possibly be a good thing for his career prospects, no.

John (Cranbury, NJ) [via mobile]

Ruben Randle never had a quality passer to get him the ball(I say passer because LSU QB's usually are run-first guys) so will Eli and the coaches have this kid producing at a high level in year 1?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

I think he'll have the chance to do so. And yeah, I just realized this is the same guy twice in a row. So, sorry, everyone else. My mistake. Guess I just liked the questions. On Randle, yeah. Eli Manning will get the best out of him, I believe, and he could be productive as early as this year.

Walter (Jefferson III)

Do you think that Phil Costa will be more improved this year with Callahan?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

That is certainly the Cowboys' hope, and the fact that he's got Costa watching tape of Nick Mangold can't hurt. Callahan's got a very good reputation, and if Costa has a chance to improve, it's with a coach of that caliber.

Will (Palm Coast, FL)

Good afternoon Dan, just read that Andy Reid endorsed McNabb and that McNabb said he had a list of 32 teams to work with, do you think he would go to dallas given a chance?

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

How does Dallas have a spot for him, with Romo and Orton there? I have to think McNabb is done.

Perry Fewell (East Rutherford, NJ)

My defense doesn't need a dedicated middle linebacker just like we roll with three safeties a lot of the time. Would an elite middle linebacker acquisition change this line of thinking?

Dan Graziano

  (12:06 PM)

It's possible, but the only way the Giants would bring in an "elite middle linebacker" would be if they could somehow get one cheap. They don't believe spending money at that position is a good use of resources. They want to pay their DEs and their QB and their WRs.

Matt (DC)

Hey Dan, if Osi leaves after this season, what level compensatory pick do you think the Giants get - 3rd round? If so, wouldn't it be foolish to trade him now?

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

Compensatory picks aren't 1-for-1 deals. It all depends on how many guys you lose, the caliber of guys you lose, how many guys you sign and the caliber of guys you sign. So if they lost Osi next year but signed two free agents that rated better than him, they wouldn't get any compensatory picks in 2014. It's formula-based. I don't think they have any current plans to trade him anyway, though.

Kev (NYC)

Has anyone had a faster fall from grace than Steve Smith in the last 10 years of NFCE play?

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

I think maybe McNabb would be an answer to this question, considering how much farther he fell, and that it wasn't because of injury, as Smith's fall was.

Will (Toronto, Canada)

With all this talk about McNabb; I'm surprised someone hasn't picked him up to (at the very least) groom some of these rookies.Think its possible or wise for a team *cough* Miami *cough* to bring him in to show Tannehill the ropes?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

I was just talking about this with someone. McNabb's only path to an NFL job right now would be as a veteran who could mentor a young QB on life in the NFL. But given the chance to act in that role last year in Minnesota, he doesn't appear to have done so. There's also no evidence he was much of a help to Kevin Kolb in Philly. McNabb's reputation is not that of a veteran who's willing to help with a rookie's development, and because of that, it's going to be tough to find a team willing to bring him in.

Stro (The Ridge, CT)

Who will be the Giants most improved player this year? Which rookie will make the most significant contribution?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

Amukamara, Randle.

Omar (NY)

Have you heard anything about the Giants trying to bring Deon Grant back?

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

No. I know they like having him around, and no one else has signed him. But there are still a number of veteran safeties on the market, and time for that all to sort itself out.

Chris L. (EPTX)

We've been hearing about Romo's leadership, the new additions in the secondary, at linebacker and o-line, but what is the biggest underlining question position wise for the Cowboys that no one is talking about?

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

I'd say defensive line. They need to be more physically dominant up front. There's a school of thought that the improvements in the secondary might help with that, but we'll see. They didn't get any 2012 help for the line at all.

Tyrion Lannister (King's Landing)

hey Dan. greetings from Westeros!! if Philly begins the season on a losing streak, do you think Lurie would fire Andy Reid? in your honest opinion, what are the chances Reid finishes coaching out all 16 games this season? Thanks!!

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

I don't think the Eagles fire Reid midseason, no matter what. I think it's important to step back and accurately appraise what Reid has been to that organization and the contribution he's made to its history. When it's over, I do not think the owner will want the parting to be ugly. Nor should he.

Jugador87 (San Diego)

Happy one-year anniversary! We may not be the most easy-to-please fans, but definitely the most fun, right?Is the Redskins' approach of throwing aging or troubled talent at safety just out of desperation? And do you think it is it going to haunt us this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

Thanks. I do enjoy my time with you all. If by "desperation" you mean an inability to sign their actual top choices, you may be right. But I don't know who those choices were or would have been. It's also possible they just assessed the market, determined there wasn't much top-level safety talent to pursue and that the best way to approach the problem was to throw a bunch of names at it and play the percentages.

N (DC)

Could you see McNabb get signed somewhere midseason as an injury replacement? If Josh McCown can get a job this way...

Dan Graziano

  (12:15 PM)

I just don't see what he's shown the last two years that would make anyone want him. I'm open to different opinions, but what has he done in the past two years to warrant any opportunity at all?

Luke M (New Brunswick, NJ)

I think Osi had a better yr than Tuck (I know both were injured) and shouldnt be worried about not starting. There is enough sacks to go around.

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

I have a funny feeling that, if Osi were getting paid like a starter, he wouldn't mind not actually being one.

Scott (Giant's Country)

Is it safe to say that the bottom line of the cap penalties case is that the cowboys and redskins gave a few players large "salaries" instead of large "signing bonuses" so that this money was not pro-rated into future years, which was/is the normal way of doing business in the "salary cap era"? if so then shouldn't they be punished for subverting future cap calculations by taking advantage of an uncapped year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

Yes to the first part of your question. And thanks for posting this again. I saw it at the beginning of the chat and pulled it aside to answer it but got sidetracked. As for the "shouldn't they be punished" part, I continue to disagree. There was no cap. There was no guarantee that the cap would return. Heck, there was no guarantee that the league would return, unless all of the owners had agreed in secret that the lockout was a sham designed to break the union and by a certain date they'd end it. Which is almost certainly the case, and if it is, then the Cowboys' and Redskins' offenses pale in comparison to the deceitful and damaging offenses of the owners writ large.

Jae (Cali)

IF the Cowboys stink it up to begin the season, How realistic is an Orton controversy at QB?

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

"Un"

Justin (South Jersey)

Could Brandon Meriweather be facing any suspensions after his DUI arrest?

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

I would think so. And he probably should. That DUI gets excused way too easily in pro sports today. One of the most selfish, inexcusable crimes there is.

Scott (Seattle)

If Andy Reid actually thought McNabb could still play, why doesn't he offer him the #3 QB spot for minimum salary? I have a feeling that he was asked what the though about McNabb and he gave a PC answer that wouldn't offend anyone (*cough* Mcnabb...)

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

Pay the man.

The Hurricane of Einstein (DC)

And thanks for posting this again. ----------------I thought you were against this. Should I repost my question as well?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

You can try.

Shai (NJ)

I know it seems unlikely Grant returns to the Giants but I think we should consider these 2 facts:1. Fewell loves the 4-2-5 defense, and our 3rd safety now is Tyler Sash with little in the way of depth. Grant would no doubt play for the vet minimum and has valuable experience.2. The Giants didn't re-sign Grant last year until August 16.

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

I didn't say it was unlikely.

Ian (Atl, GA)

How should Romo really be perceived?? As a undrafted FA who really overachieved and has had a very good career, or as an underachiever who can't win big? I think the former is more fair, considering expectations of an undrafted QB. He is no 1st round bust. I think if he played for any other team, it'd be the former, but being a Cowboy has his career headed for the later if he doesn't win one.

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

The former is quite obviously more fair. The criticisms of Romo are relentlessly unfair. But there is nothing anyone can do about them except Romo himself, and a lot of what he would need to do to eradicate those criticisms is out of his control.

David (Halifax)

There is so much talk about Mccoy's new deal and how close the two sides are. Whats the word on Maclin? Is he in Philly's long term plans? What about DRC especially with Samuel being traded?

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

I think they need to see Maclin healthy and excellent for a whole season before committing long-term. But I think they believe they will see that, and yes, assuming he holds up, I believe he is in their long-term plans. As for Rodgers-Cromartie, he's up at the end of the year and a lot of those kinds of decisions are going to be based on the way 2012 goes for the team.

Matt (DC)

Dan, do you think Marvin Austin will have any impact for the GMEN? 2 years off is a lot of time

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

Yeah, I think if he's healthy he's a major impact guy. You learn a lot being in the Giants' defensive line room, and he's got the talent to be incredible. Just needs the health, and I think he'd come quickly.

The Hurricane of Einstein (DC)

If Romo continues his career path (very good numbers, 2 more playoff appearances, 1 more playoff win), who's closer to the HOF in your opinion? Romo or McNabb?

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

Einstein, you know I don't do Hall of Fame speculation. There are only 40 people in the world who vote for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and they're the only 40 who know what it takes to get in. I'm out of my depth if I'm talking Hall of Fame, and so is anyone who's not one of those 40.

DiaboloSkins (Canada)

What is the "off the record"opinion of experts about RG3 in camp ?

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

I haven't heard anyone say anything about Griffin that wasn't gushing praise.

Free-range Pineapple (Dallas)

Do you think there will actually be "competition" for spots in Cowboys camp this year? Or is that coach-speak?

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

It's coach-speak, but the fact is that the candidates for the spots on the interior offensive line, for example, don't include any obvious starters. So I think it's fair to believe there's some truth to this particular bit of coach-speak.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

Is this REALLY a make or break year for Vick? They actually willing to go with Foles next year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

I have no idea on whether they'd be willing to go with Foles in 2013, and I doubt they do either. Have to see how he plays, practices and develops first. But I do think the way Vick plays this year will go a long way toward determining whether the Eagles consider other options, be they internal or external, for 2013.

Ivan (Texas)

RG3 has gotten so much praise. What makes his case so different that someone like Vince Young? He was a dominating force in college but couldn't quite translate it to the NFL, seems like him an RG3 are kind of similar or am I way off?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

I think the scouts would tell you that Griffin can make a wider array of pro-level throws, and that he was a pass-first QB who could run, which I don't think accurately describes what Young was at Texas. A couple of examples.

Matt GOLD (Maryland)

Any chance that clairborne was a big reach for the cowboys or he gonna be a reliable starting cb in the league for a nice amount of time? If so, is there any truth to the trading Jenkins rumors? HELP ME OUT DAN

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

They're not going to trade Jenkins, mainly because they can't get fair value for him right now but also because they think he's good and they want to be deep at that critical position. Claiborne was not a reach at No. 6, but I continue to disagree with their decision to use both of their first two picks on him, when they had more needs.

kam (philly)

ok seriously not sure if anyone has said it here but if you throw egos aside, Mcnabb would be the perfect backup in Philly. Vick usually misses games.

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

Right, and yet they have Trent Edwards. What does that tell you about Andy Reid's HONEST opinion of McNabb?

M (DC)

Dan, not all criticisms of Romo are unfair. A trip to Cancun with Jessica Simpson on the eve of a decisive playoff push was the hight of stupidity. Did he really think that paparazzi would not follow and make it a huge distraction for his team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

Come on. You wouldn't have gone if she'd asked you?

DC_Marc (Chat)

I vote that you rotate which team you hate on each year.

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

Year? I was thinking week.

Andy (Urbana, MD)

I propose that the remainder of this chat be labelled as a "McNabb-Free Zone". Please.

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

I'll try, but no promises. What if somebody asks a really good McNabb question and I have an incredibly pithy answer? You wouldn't want me to keep that kind of good stuff to myself, would you?

Green (Scranton)

Save time and hate everyone equally,It's the PC thing to do.

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

Done.

Jevon (Bahamas)

LOLOLOL Any Reid should be fined for trying to dupe one more team with McNabb

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

Right? That's a heck of a lot more deceitful than what Snyder and Jones did on the cap stuff!

Dave (Atlanta)

Dan,Do you believe Jeremy Maclin will surpass Desean as the top wideout in Philly this year or is Desean going to be super motivated to prove his worth since he finally got paid?

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

I think DeSean Jackson is going to have an outstanding year.

Ben (Philly)

I read an article saying that Kafka could be traded before the season start. Any possibility?

Dan Graziano

  (12:35 PM)

Of course. I doubt they keep all four QBs, and if they can get something for Kafka, why not?

Ivan (Texas)

Talking about the cap issues with skins and cowboys, any word on when a decision on their case is coming from the arbitrator?

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

No, that's up to the arbitrator. And remember, last week's wasn't necessarily the final hearing. This one was mainly to determine jurisdiction, as I understand it. Hearings on the extent of the punishments themselves would be held in the future.

Ben (Philly)

I think Kafka is a better option than Edwards though.

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

Fair enough, but it really comes down to what Andy Reid thinks.

Matt (Herndon)

Do you think the Redskins will keep Hightower, Helu, Royster, and Morris on the roster this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

Yes.

Harley (Left Field)

M's point makes me wonder how often other players make trips like Romo's that just don't get covered as much? It doesn't seem likely that there are no other players that don't take the time to just get away when they have the chance, especially if it's a stress filled time.

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

There is some sense that the criticisms of Romo are heightened because of the team for which he plays, and I'm sure there's some truth to it. Comes with the territory, as he knows and has said.

Don (Somerset, NJ)

Assuming health, who do you expect to be the Redskins leading WR this year? My vote goes to Hank.

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

I would think Garcon, and maybe Hankerson in 2013.

CJ (Albany, NY)

can Chase Blackburn be a 16 game starter or are the giants giving him a chance because he played well at the end of the year

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

I think it's the second thing you said, combined with the fact that they really don't have anyone else to play it.

John (Ellington)

I would have gone if it was Britney, not Jessica.

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

At the time, I think Jessica had overtaken her, but I'm not sure. Britney had a pretty rough stretch there.

DC_Marc (Chat)

If the Giants didn't have anyone, why did they let Goff walk for cheap?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

They assigned a value to Goff and he disagreed with it, so they spent their LB money elsewhere (Rivers).

Chad (Philly)

Also i think Britney had no hair at the time??

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Yeah, see, pretty sure that was during Britney's serious down cycle. Again, would have to go back and check.

Bill (DC)

What do you think of Dejon Gomes prospects to start at safety this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

The Redskins view him as a starting safety, but they are unsure whether he can be that this year. I believe he'll get an opportunity to show whether he can, and if not they'll fill in until they think he's ready.

VakAttack (Ocala, FL)

Is it really a high standard to expect a player not to take international vacations during the playoffs? Do you really think we wouldn't have heard about it if it was Eli, Peyton, Rodgers, Brady, Favre, Roethlisberger, etc? We're not exactly asking the guy to fast for 40 days.

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

All fair points. I just wonder when it's going to be time to let it go, is all.

rob (va)

is pool a upgrade over elam at saftey in big D?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

Six of one, half dozen of the other. Elam wasn't so great that it's not worth trying something different if the defensive coordinator thinks it's worth it.

Will (Palm Coast, FL)

In your opinion, do you think Nate Allen has what it takes to be a good starter at safety?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

Yeah, assuming he has health.

Shai (NJ)

Perry Fewell recently said that MLB is the not best position to maximize Boley's talent. And Rivers isn't a MLB either. So how do you see the Giants starting LBs shaking out? Assume Osi stays, so Kiwi stays at LB.

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

I think Blackburn starts with the job and they hope one of last year's rookies develops into it and fast.

Jason (Springfield, VA)

How would you rank the NFCEast WR groups? Mine would be Giants, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins.

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

Yeah, probably, with Cowboys/Eagles being something pretty close to a tie. Remember how good Maclin was two years ago, and he's still very young.

Ian (Atl, Ga)

The Cabo trip during the bye week, really? He played well in the game vs NYG. Don't these guys know that??

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

At this point, it's like beating the 80-foot-deep crater where the dead horse used to be. But it'll never stop.

Free-range Pineapple (Dallas)

I still believe the Cowboys should have done more to address their pass rush.Don't think an improved secondary will make the pass rush better.In fact,just the opposite.Even if you have the top 4 DB's in the league.

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Preaching to the choir, dude. Pineapples unite!

Scott (Seattle)

It was also at the Pinnacle of the Jessicas, not only Simpson, I am talking Biel and Alba, too...

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

A solid point. At that time, if a Jessica asked you to go away to Cabo, you didn't ask questions.

CJ (Albany, NY)

if Eli wins 2 more playoff wins he will have more than Payton, will that be enough to start saying Eli is better

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

"Maybe this will teach you to treat your little brother with some respect, Peyton!!!"

Teon (Richmond (VA))

Its interesting to say Cowboys gave up their first two picks for one guy. Isn't it reaching to say grab two people because of need when its hit and miss every single pick. it makes sense to go for the better sure option than too take two chances. would you agree? how many 1st and 2nd round bust have we had?

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

This argument that they should trade away their second-round picks because they don't draft well in the second round is the one that makes me laugh the most. We don't have ANY IDEA how ANYONE WHO WAS DRAFTED THIS YEAR is going to play in the NFL. I don't. You don't. Jerry Jones doesn't. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay don't. That's why you treat those picks carefully and get as much present value for them as possible.

Will (Palm Coast, FL)

What's your ranking on the TE for the NFC East? Mine is Eagles, Cowboys, Skins, and Giants

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

Really? No.

Paul (ca)

if Peyton had the defenses Eli has had he would have more rings too

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

In other news, if a frog had wings he wouldn't bang his butt on the ground when he hopped.

Ian (Atl, Ga)

Why do you give the Skins a pass for giving up 3 1st rounders for Griffin, yet the Cowboys get crucified for giving up a 2nd rounder for Claiborne? Then you said more pressure is on Claiborne?? If the skins don't have a 1st rounder until 2015, I'm thinking RG3 better be a stud or he is a dead man!!

Dan Graziano

  (12:52 PM)

Who gave them a pass? The price they paid for Griffin was gargantuan. My argument is that they had more of a need to make that move than the Cowboys did to make the Claiborne one -- especially after signing Carr in free agency. And as for the more-pressure thing, I was extremely clear than I was talking about 2012 pressure only, and I stand by it. If Griffin takes a while to acclimate to the NFL this year, he'll get more of a leash from his team's fans than Claiborne would if he's getting torched every week in Dallas. How is that incorrect? The Cowboys expect to contend, the Redskins are rebuilding.

Morris Claiborne (Big D)

So you don't think I'm worth 2 picks? We'll see whatcha think after we win the Super Bowl this year Pineapple Boy!

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

Sigh. For the 17 billionth time. No one said you weren't worth two picks. But every team's situation is different, and in the Cowboys' specific situation, I would not have used my first two picks on just one player. My opinion.

Mayans (Laughing at you all)

All this talk if futile.There will be no Super Bowl this year unless it is moved to late November.

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

Works for me.

Ben (DC)

How do you rank the TE's? Gotta be Dal (not great depth but Witten is too good), Was, Phi, NYG.

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

That's more like it.

Tony (Michigan)

Will RG3 have a rookie season similar to Cam Newton?

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

No. They're not similar players, and Griffin doesn't have any WRs who are as good as Steve Smith. I don't foresee the same kinds of first-year numbers, which isn't a slight against Griffin. Newton's first-year numbers were, I am fairly certain, unprecedented.

Bill (PA)

Do you regret the Pineapple thing?

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

Not even a little. We've had a great deal of fun with it.

Dan (DC)

Super Bowl in late November? That means the Cowboys would make the playoffs for a change.

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

ZING!

milroyigglesfan (back in alaska)

Dan,I don't think there is enough being made yet about a full off season for the NFC East. Wouldn't you at least entertain the assertion that a crash course in 2011 for the eagles and cowboys defensive coordinators should be eclipsed in 2012 by a full offseason of implementing their "scheme" as well as getting a lot more time to train the rookies.Do you agree that this should enhance the results of teams who implemented new schemes last year in the NFL overall?

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

I agree that the logic is sound. But I'd caution that it's no guarantee that the results will be different.

shanezzy (utah)

DG, who will have the bigger year austin or dez....

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

Dez

Ralph (North Pole)

Since the players won'y buy into an 18 game season how long before owners expand the playoff to a 16 team double elimination format?

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

No, that'd still be fewer overall games, right? Owners won't do that. It's one of their many hypocrisies. They admit that they hear fans' complaints that preseason games stink, yet they wouldn't dream of cutting a couple of them out altogether or (heaven forbid) charging less for them. Their answer is to turn two of them into regular-season games. Good for the players for stonewalling it.

choyboy0724 (PA)

Dan, you do realize the cowboys had 45-50 sacks last year so how can people say that a better secondary won't improve that? And your basically saying that you wouldn't give up two picks for the best defensive player in the draft? prob why your doing this chat and not in a scouting depeartment.

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

Even in scouting departments, people are allowed to have different opinions.

Chris (Giants Land, NJ)

With player safety becomming an issue of such great importance these days how can we possibly justify 18 games?

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

They can't.

Will (Palm Coast, FL)

Well thanks for the chat, Dan. Anything fun coming up for the blog?

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

I don't know. Been car shopping this week. It's broken my spirit. But I'll do my best. See you all same time next week.