Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Let's do this.

Wesley (Woodstock, VA)

How comfortable should the eagles feel about their backup QB's and Rb's? Seems to me they should be very worried about Vick or McCoy going down with injury.

Dan Graziano

  (12:01 PM)

I do not think they should feel very comfortable at all about the backup QB situation, and I think the signing of Trent Edwards indicates that they do not. The idea situation is that Mike Kafka takes a big step this year and becomes a reliable option if/when Vick gets hurt. But I don't see how the Eagles can know if he's done that until they see him in a game. As for the RBs, they have lots of bodies in camp and will sort that out. I think the backup QB situation is more worrisome. McCoy is very young yet.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Dan, given the Coyboys' situation at QB (Romo starting, Kyle Orton backing him up), do you agree with Matt Williamson's assessment that the Cowboys have the best backup QB situation in the NFL?

Dan Graziano

  (12:02 PM)

Yes I do. Orton probably could have found a starter's job somewhere if that had been his goal. But the Cowboys came with big money, and after what he went through in Denver last year, I wouldn't be surprised if he just wanted to be out of the spotlight for a while.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Dan, how do you feel the NFL will "come down" on David Diehl for his arraignment on impaired driving. Might this result in a fine by the NFL, or (due to the NFL's personal conduct policy) could this result in a suspension for Diehl?

Dan Graziano

  (12:03 PM)

Reports today indicate that he'll be fined, not suspended, and I think there's precedent for such a punishment for first offenders. Tricky part is whether it's a substance-abuse issue or a personal-conduct one, and I believe the league and the union are at odds on that, among other things.

Mitch Petrus (Mini-Camp)

Why can't I get into the starting lineup? In the few games I played last year...I dominated. Me and James Brewer are the future. What do we need to do to become the now??

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

You'd have to outplay Kevin Boothe in camp. The team did just win a Super Bowl with Boothe at left guard, so they're not likely motivated to make a change. It's the Giants. Stay patient and you'll get your chance.

Eric (Philly)

Dan, do you watch sporting events like the euro , or are you to busy?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

I've had it on while working the last couple of days. Almost fell asleep at the keyboard during England's game!

Kevin (DC)

Dan, As a fan of both Royster and Helu does the resigning of Hightower and Morris make their chances of seeing playing time relatively thin? I know Shanahan likes RB by committee, but how do you see it panning out?

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

I think they'll all get carries, but if healthy Hightower will start the games and Morris will see some work as a backup fullback. My guess. But I'll ask!

Ace Airspeed (Moon Base Alpha)

You wrote about the Cowboys practicing too hard, Really?. I know it's important, I honestly do but we're talking about practice. We're talking about practice man. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about practice. If it was that bad why didn't someone make a call to the league about it? Do you think that this is another story about the Cowboys that is being blown out proportion?

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

I felt like I wrote it in proportion.

Bjoern (Denmark)

What teams from outside the NFC East do you feel is gonna stand between a NFC east Team and the super bowl?

Dan Graziano

  (12:06 PM)

Still have to like the Packers and 49ers a lot. Falcons or Saints, whoever comes out of that division, could be tough. Bears might be a lot better this year. But I think a lot of people are going to pick the 49ers to reach the Super Bowl.

bigblueviator (Italy)

Do you think Vick has any room to complain about falling 50 spots after last year's performance? Eli got blanked last year fro the Top 100... now I still feel he's ranked too low at 31 but I think Vick is fine right where he is. Do you agree or disagree and why?

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

I was listening to the interview. They asked him what he thought about being ranked 70th and he laughed and said he thought it was a joke. It's not as though he came out and wrote 1,000 words about it on his personal blog. I have no problem with guys answering the questions they're asked, or having confidence.

joseph (north carolina)

they called you about the one-on-one interview with RGIII yet?

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

Nah, phone's dead quiet. Shame.

John (Philly)

Dan, I have heard some discontent from both players and coaches about some of the time limitations placed on practice sessions. Any chance that the CBA can be amended to permit more practice?

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

I'd be surprised, John. The players made concessions on money in the last negotiations in exchange for reductions in the demands that were being placed on them in the offseason. It was the big thing they wanted to get out of the negotiations. I doubt they'd agree to push it back in the other direction.

Kevin (DC)

Putting you on the Spot Dan, predict RGIII's stats this season?

Dan Graziano

  (12:09 PM)

No.

Matt (Washington Township, NJ)

Other than RG3 and competition at safety, any other positions you'll be interested in watching while you're visiting the 'Skins?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

I'm interested to know what's different about the offensive line from last year. I think that's going to matter a lot. Otherwise, wide receiver and tight end stand out as potential answers to your question.

VakAttack (Ocala) [via mobile]

What about Vick's statements about not changing how he played last year at all? He knows turn overs are bad, right?

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

Yeah, I think he's just being proud there. He didn't have many turnovers in 2010, had way too many in 2011, and I think he feels he's taking too much heat for that. He talked a lot in the interview about the work he's doing on playing safer, talking to himself about getting down quicker rather than trying to extend the play. I think he'll make some changes, but he's a proud guy and probably doesn't want to look as though he's doing it because outside critics say he needs to. That make sense?

Eric (Philly)

Dan, the eagles are so loaded at DE talent , could they trade any of their DE's?

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

I think they like being loaded at DE. Seems to work for the team up the highway in NJ, no?

John (Philly)

ESPN recently tabbed Sean Lee (a little late considering he led the team in tackles last year) and Jason Kelce (how do we judge if a center breaks out?) as potential breakout players in the NFC East for this upcoming year. Who in your opinion is the most likely to breakout from the division this year

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

Well, it's like you say: How do you define "break out?" I think Dez Bryant will have a huge year. Would that be a "breakout" considering it's been expected of him for a while? I think Trent Williams could be one of the best tackles in the league. Would that be a "breakout?"

Fivers (The basemen. As usual )

How can an upgraded Secondary not help the pass rush? Makes no sense... Either one helps or hurts the other...

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

I didn't say that it can't. I said that I personally feel as though it's better to build in the opposite direction, and address the pass rush first. Doesn't matter if everyone's covered if you can't make the QB throw it, right?

Ben (Philly)

Hey Dan, how about a NFC East fantasy question? 8 team league, 2 QB, 6 pts for pass td (not 4). Would you keep Vick to sacrifice a 1st rd pick?

Dan Graziano

  (12:15 PM)

In a two-QB league? Hm. Probably not, but that format makes it a tough call. Think about how good a running back you could get with that pick. Or Rodgers or Brees instead of Vick.

Fiversons_III (Skinsville, NC)

Dan... You said in your most recent article that you are not convinced that a bettery secondary does not improve the pass rush... Really?

Dan Graziano

  (12:15 PM)

I really don't think that's what I said.

Steve (Bristol)

Do you see Hankerson stepping up and claiming that #2 position, or even challenging Garcon for the #1? Or is this going to be another developmental type year from him?

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

I think Hankerson could come quickly if he's healthy right away. They believe he's a great talent, and will give him the chance to show it.

Corey (D.C.)

Have you seen Martellus Bennent to know if it really is all muscle? If in shape, how much do you think we'll be involved in the passing game?

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

I've not seen him, but I believe the Giants intend for him to be involved in the passing game.

Jeff Kline (Virginia Beach)

On paper the Giants schedule looks pretty brutal (again, thats on paper), but after their Super Bowl year in 2007, they dominated until "he whom wont be name" shot himself in the thigh and put a little stress on the rest of the season. With a much more mature and seasoned Eli Manning, why can't they repeat? I know its very difficult to do, but they are really loaded with talent at key posistions.

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

Who said they can't repeat? I just think they'll need more than 9 regular-season wins to do it.

Big Blues Brothers (Giants Land)

How do you think the Giants WR3 race will pan out? Any early favorites? How does the Nicks injury change the competition?

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

The Nicks injury only changes the competition because it may allow the competitors more looks in minicamp and training camp. My guess -- GUESS -- is that Hixon is the favorite to open the season if he's healthy. But I think Randle forces his way into a prominent role as the season goes along.

Kevin R (Fredericksburg, VA)

Do you think the Skins could have an argument at claiming to have the best LB corps in the NFC East?

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

Yeah, because Fletcher's so good and the guys on the outside have a chance to be great. Might still go with the Ware/Lee/Spencer gang in Dallas, but there's a case to be made.

Jeff Kline (Virginia Beach)

I wasn't asking literally "why can't they repeat"? I was more or less asking/saying prove to me why they can't repeat. And yes....9 more wins will definately be needed to win the division.

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

Well, prove it I cannot.

Bill (PA)

Do you think the Giants DT Marvin Austin will do anything this year or has he been away for too long?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

Bill, that's a huge question for the Giants to answer this offseason. Austin could be a major impact guy this year or an absolute nothing, and I don't think there's any way to handicap it. If he's healthy, I think he will be a difference-making player on their line. I don't think the long absence from the field will prevent that.

Andrew (outside Dan's hotel room door)

Do you know how the workout for that Banks kid went w/ the Skins? Do you think he could be the possible back up for Fletcher and future of the middle linebacker position?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

I think it was a courtesy tryout.

Jeff Kline (Virginia Beach)

Justin Tuck, Osi Umineyora, JPP, Mathias Kiwanuka, Linval Joseph, Chris Canty, Marvin Austin....best d-line rotation in the NFL?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

It's real good. The Eagles think they go even deeper with quality guys, and they may turn out to be right. But the guys you list there are wearing rings.

Curtis Lee (VB, VA)

What do you think of the Redskins putting RG3 next to Fletcher in the locker room? Is that kind of stuff important or not?

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

If I had London Fletcher on my team, I'd want to do everything I can to make sure my rookies spent as much time around him as possible.

TheRealMcCoy (Collingswood, NJ)

Dan, let's talk about the return game. What do you think about UDFA rookie Damarius Johnson for the Eagles? Can he be that return specialist fixture for the team, or is their answer another player on the team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

I thought the guy Boykin was more likely to be the return man, no? And they still do have DeSean Jackson, who doesn't stink at it.

Andrew (DC)

How about interviewing Perry Riley this week? He came on strong at the end of the year last year, and with another year learning under Fletcher, he could be poised to breakout this year.

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

Sure.

Eric (Philly)

Dan who is the fastest player on the eagles roster ?

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

DeSean Jackson, I'm pretty sure.

Will B (Lexington KY)

P.S. Glad to see youve put some intelligence into some of your posts, the sexist osi thing and etc..

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

Well, thanks. I do try. I don't always succeed.

Rex (Houston, TX)

I have a hard time believing Mo can step in right away Week 1 and be effective against Nicks/Cruz. Even if he starts Week 1 in the slot he is likely to be matched up against Cruz. Do you think he can handle it? If not, what does our secondary look like without an adjusted Claiborne?

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

I think if he's not ready, they go with Jenkins and Carr as the starters until he is.

Eric (Philly)

Dan do you avoid pineapples on purpose now ? or do you go out of your way for them?

Dan Graziano

  (12:26 PM)

You know what's funny? We get our groceries delivered now, and I guess we reached some level of customer loyalty where they brought us a reward this past weekend, and it was a free pineapple. I was wondering if some corporate guy at Stop & Shop was maybe a regular reader. Anyway, it was delicious.

Not_Gruenbaum (NY)

Are the expectations that Romo is supposed to win it all for the Cowboys a testament on how far an undrafted QB has come in the league?

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, I would think they are.

Will/Jon Snow (fort myers/ The Wall)

Are you sad game of thrones is over for now?

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

I am. Couldn't even bring myself to watch 'True Blood' on Sunday night. Felt like too severe a downgrade.

Jack (Delaware)

I am assuming you are a Devils "fan" so did the Kings win it or did the refs blow it with the miss call on Gionta?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

Regardless of the Gionta non-call, no excuse for what happened next. Took away every chance they had. Wasn't worth it.

Andrew (outside Dan's hotel room door)

Do you know how many people actually sign on to this chat? I see the same names over and over and I am just wondering if you have your friends throwing you easy questions so you can avoid others.

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

I don't have any friends.

Steve (Delaware)

Dan,As a giants fan I found your post on the links this morning about your disagreement with Adam schefter regarding the Cowboys superbowl chances interesting. "But let's just say I'm not as enthused about the 2012 Cowboys as Adam is." The cowboys are a team I worry about since thier roster on paper seems scary good. What are your concerns with the team? (I'm curious to see how the Giants will match up this season.)

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

Other than the secondary, I don't see how they made their defense any better than it was last year. And I don't think the secondary was their only problem. Biggest, yes. Not only.

Dan Beals (N.Y.)

DAN u suck. i put u at least 5q and not 1 did u answer

Dan Graziano

  (12:29 PM)

Is that better?

Brian (48th and Madison)

If the Giants Oline struggles this season do you see Bradshaw fall to being considered the 4th best RB in this division

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

They finished 32nd in rushing offense last year, so they've got to come up from that, right? I still think people would rate him ahead of the Redskins' guys, and rightfully so. And I need to see Murray do it again before I'm convinced he's a better back than Bradshaw. Bradshaw is underrated, for me. Does so many things, plays hurt, etc. He's the second-best back in the division behind McCoy, I think.

Mother of Dragons (Leaving Qarth)

Fear not Dan, for next season I will breath fire and claim what is mine...all for you!

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

That's sweet.

Eric (Philly)

Dan which team has the strongest O line in the beast?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

Hm. Eagles were an easy answer before the Peters injury. I still think it's them, but all four come with questions now.

Big Blues Brothers (Giants Land)

Giants haven't had a good returner since Hixon. Any chance he steps back into that role now that he's healthy or is he too valuable as a receiving option to risk?

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

I think they'd use him there if he proves he's healthy in camp. I just don't think they'll risk using him there in camp, because of health. Make sense?

DC_Marc (Apple)

Dan, my next generation Macbook Pro is coming Thursday morning! Never had a Mac before :)

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

I have. And I'll never have one again.

Pete (Queens, NY)

Dan, if you rated the Hightower, Helu, and Royster as one running back, do you think they may be the best ground game in the NFC East?

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

I mean, do they get to carry three balls? How's that work? I still think LeSean McCoy is the best ground game in the NFC East by himself. But if Hightower's healthy, I like the Redskins' trio to do big things this year. A lot depends on the line in front of them, though.

Mike (PA)

Wow, elaborate on the Macbook comment. It's rare you hear anything but good things about Apple products

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

I do love my iPhone, but I've had bad experiences with their larger machines. Personal choice, I go PC.

Bob (DC)

Can you try to delve into DeAngelo Hall being used like Charles Woodson while you're in Ashburn? Who's going to start outside with Hall in the slot or lined up where ever they put him?

Dan Graziano

  (12:35 PM)

Every team has a CB they want to "use like Charles Woodson." Woodson is a superstar. How many people can actually play the way he plays? Any? I have a lot of questions about the way the Redskins plan to line up their secondary, but Hall-as-Woodson feels farfetched to me.

guinness (WNY)

My thoughts on apple products - PCs assume you're an idiot so they make it difficult but not impossible to change the integrity of the system (like editing registries). Apple KNOWS you're an idiot so they it impossible to do it.

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

Not a bad summary. Apple definitely does seem to operate as though it thinks we're all idiots.

Bjoern (Denmark)

Do you see Josh LeRibeus have a go at center during pre-season?

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

Another good question to ask over there in the next couple of days. I know they were thinking about trying to upgrade at center and move Montgomery to guard, especially if Lichtensteiger has trouble coming back. So it'd make sense to try him out there. But I'll ask!

Zapp Brannigan (Space)

Seriously stop answering questions about Apple products and tell me more specifically about the Polk/Brown/Lewis and the Eagles backup RB position battle. This is a sports website.

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

WAAAAH! It's a chat. I answer the questions I get. If you're so damn serious, what's with the name, ZAPP??? Anyway, what can I tell you? They'll all get reps. It's wide open. They like Lewis but after last year they have concerns about whether he can hold up. He could be a factor in the return game, which could help him get more reps in the offense. The other two guys are a seventh-rounder and an undrafted guy they took flyers on. They'll need to prove it and earn their reps. But they'll all get chances. It's too early to handicap it, ZAPP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charles (Waterloo, IA)

If everyone in Dallas is healthy who would be the starting guards and center for game one vs. the Giants?

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

Their plan going into camp is Livings/Costa/Bernadeau left to right, but I think Costa gets a challenge from Nagy.

Dan Beals (N.Y.)

CAN U SAY SOME THING GOOD ABOUT AFC TEAMS ? !!!!!!!!!

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Well, they can't be a lot worse than they were last year.

Chris (Sterling, VA)

Zapp Brannigan is a futurama character FYI

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Right, but Game of Thrones questions are stupid.

Andrew (DC)

It's hilarious that people think these chats are for those seeking some kind of expert football wisdom. This is supposed to be for fun!

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Right? Who in their right mind would come to ME for wisdom???

Stephen (Philadelphia)

Hi Dan love the work you're doing dont really have a question though

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

You seem to be in good company today.

Cosmo ((Stamford, CT))

(Giants Fan) Who do you see winning the NFC East this season? The Redskins used cleverness and trickery to beat us twice. Dallas has never shown mental toughness, the Eagles chances stand at the play of Vick.What say you?

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

You keep posting this, so I'll take it so you don't think I'm ignoring you. But I'm not making predictions in June. There's no point. Let's get through camp and the preseason, see what the injury situations are, who the starters are at various positions and then make best guesses in late August or early September. I understand you guys are eager, but I don't see the value in assessing rosters that may not even be complete yet.

Jeff Kline (Virginia Beach)

have you seen the piece ESPN did on the original Dream Team. Must see TV!

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

I saw part of it the other night. Looked fantastic. I remember that team so well.

Paul (Florida)

But to be fair you don't "answer the questions I get". You answer the questions you want to.

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

That's true. But you guys aren't exactly Woodward and Bernstein today.

Ben (DC)

I love you Dan, but why do you always answer the predictions questions?? If people don't know by now (after you've said it hundreds of times) that you don't do predictions until later, why waste time responding??

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

The guy kept asking, and he was being polite, which is more than I can say for some. And again, I wish you could see the question queue. It's fairly barren.

Splooz (SLC, UT)

Dan - who are you most excited to talk to at Skins camp? RG3 or Raheem Morris?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

I very much enjoy talking to both of those guys. But I'm more likely to get time with Morris. And I have lots of questions for him!

Andrew (Richmond)

Did you think the both Washington wins over the Giants were trickery last year? The second game... Maybe, but the first game was lining up and running it down the giants throats... I LOVED it!

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

I actually thought the Redskins beat them up physically both times. It was a large part of the reason I didn't think the Giants had what it took to make a playoff run. Turns out they were sandbagging us all.

Matt (Washington Township, NJ)

Do you think Kirk Cousins gets more reps than Grossman in preseason games this year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Sure, because he needs them. Grossman already knows the offense. Don't assume, even if Cousins gets more reps, he'd be the first one off the bench.

Nick ((Giants Fan stranded at Purdue))

Is Barden more suited for the outside or the slot? His opportunities always seem to come in the slot when he seems like he'd be better outside with more room to do those back shoulder throws and jump balls like Manning used to throw over and over to Plax. I'm starting to think the ship is sailing on him, but I'd love to see Barden make the third receiver decision even more difficult this training camp.

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

I think his size makes him a better fit on the outside.

Pat (Maryland)

What do you think about RG3s debut against the Saints?

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

I look forward to covering it.

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

I also think, and have written a few times, that the Redskins are fortunate to get the Saints in Week 1, when they might still be shaken up by their offseason and hurt by their suspensions. I don't think you want the Saints late in the year once they've got their feet back under them. Just my theory.

Matt (Washington Township, NJ)

What do you think of the Niles Paul at TE experiment? Works? Fails? Shanny's way of re-motivating Cooley?

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

It's for depth. In case Cooley can't get/stay healthy. They have very little behind their starters, and they see something in Paul that makes them think he could change positions. And he's willing, which also helps.

Curtis Lee (VB, VA)

You said last week you hate preseason games (don't blame you), but aren't you just a little excited for the RG3/Luck game?

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

Not really, no. I don't think people really remember how bad NFL preseason games are until they see them again.

Will (fort myers)

About Ballard, I am confused as to why they cut him but want bring him back

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

I think they needed to cut someone yesterday to get Rocky Bernard on the roster, right?

Luke M. (New Brunswick, NJ)

Hey Dan, who do you see being the next Victor Cruz on any of the NFC East Teams. I mean someone unheard of prior to this year but makes an immediate impact on Offense or D.

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

I think Marvin Austin in NY, Jarvis Jenkins in Washington, Bruce Carter in Dallas and Brandon Graham in Philly all have chances to play that forgotten-man-makes-good role.

Curt (Va)

Are you looking forward to checking out the bubble at redskin park with all this rain today?

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

Yeah, and speaking of that, I'm cutting the chat short so I can go grab a bite to eat and get over there. Will catch you later, folks. Thanks for all the fun.