Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Fire it up.

Frank (New Orleans)

Assuming the Redskins receiving corps is decent, do you see RG3 putting up Cam Newton like numbers and is it fair to RG3 to be measured against Cam numbers from last year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:02 PM)

It is, of course, not fair to measure Robert Griffin III's or anyone else's rookie season against the one Newton just had. He threw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns, ran for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns. No rookie has ever been that productive. It's possible that none ever will again. It's possible that Newton never will again. It's possible that Griffin could have an excellent NFL career and never have one season like that. Let Griffin be Griffin, and find out what that means, rather than trying to make him be something he's not.

DC_Marc (Washington, DC)

Would it surprise you if the Giants made it to Super Bowl 47?

Dan Graziano

  (12:04 PM)

It would not. It surprised me that they made it to Super Bowl 46, but we pineapples are not so stubborn that we can't learn our lessons. I think the Giants have the potential to be champs again, but it also wouldn't surprise me to see them struggle to make the playoffs. This league is a lot of things, but predictable ain't one of them.

Caz (Dallas )

Let me rant Dan. It's pretty obvious to even casual Cowboys followers that Jerry has delegated a bunch of personnel responsibility to JG and Stephen Jones. He lets Jason do anything he wants, he's in love with the guy. Jones has said publicly that he doesn't like the playcalling in some situations, he didnt like using Dez on PR, but did that stop JG? No, he was just giving his opinion. When he gives his opinion he follows it up with "But I support our coaching staff 100%."This whole, "Jones is Al Davis" crap is so outdated.

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

It is outdated and inaccurate. Think about how much longer he stuck with Wade Phillips than it made sense to. He's fired one coach prematurely, and he's said many times since that he regrets doing it. Jones wants Garrett to be a great coach, and is allowing him the opportunity to build what he wants to build. You are correct.

Greg (Atlanta)

Why is there a negative opinion of the Skins running game this year. Is it just because the running backs are banged up right now? I thought they are all supposed to be healthy by the beginning of the season. I am just confused because I thought that was one of the few parts to the Skins game last year that looked good.

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

Yeah, it's because of the health issues. I think, if his personnel is at full strength, Shanahan can make something of the run game. But it wasn't last year and isn't now, and that's why there's skepticism.

josh (SLC)

Is there any other division entering the year with 4 franchise qb's? That's why I love the NFC East, nobody talks themselves into thinking guys like Grossman or other average QB's are franchise pillars.

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

Yeah, that's the old rising-tide-lifts-all-boats concept. It's why Carolina felt they had to pick Newton, since they're in a division with Brees, Ryan and Freeman (which is the answer to the first part of your question). Teams in the NFC East know they're not going to have a shot unless they get QB right.

Scott (Giant's Country)

Allow me: The negative opinion about the skins run game is that it annoys fantasy football player snever knowing which back will get the bulk of carries

Dan Graziano

  (12:09 PM)

Pay the man.

AJ (Ashburn)

do you think Romo is the 2nd best QB in the NFC East behind Eli or do you think Vick is better

Dan Graziano

  (12:09 PM)

Such different players, it's hard to compare. Vick's unique talent means he CAN, at any point, be the best QB in the division. But Romo's more reliable. I'd take Romo.

Badger (Dallas)

Graz, Why let Giants trolls get under your skin?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

They honestly don't. It's not as though I sign off at the end of the day and keep thinking about them. But they're ridiculous sometimes with their "Why does no one respect us?" garbage, and as part of the ongoing discourse on the blog I feel I should hold them accountable for that foolishness.

Alphonso (Puerto Rico)

Great Blog Dan! Is there any area that you feel the Redskins are better at than their NFC East brethren?

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

Yeah, you can make a case that they have the division's best linebacker group.

Maly Mal (Belleville, NJ)

DG, what's up man? I have a question regarding the Iggles saftey battles. You and a number of anylists have Nate Allen locked in as a starter and Kurt Coleman penciled in with the opportunity for Jaquain Jarrett to win the spot. How is that so when Kurt Coleman has been the most productive saftey on the roster. He's a for sure tackler (minus the Victor Cruz td) and he's a ball hawk. He had a better season than Nate Allen last year, (Allen-59 tak 2 int.. Coleman-78 tak 1 ff 4 int) although Nate Allen missed a few games, and he's shown more duribility. Is this a case of the Eagles trying to justify the 2nd rd pick on Jarrett??

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

I think it's a case of Allen playing a different position, and Jarrett/Coleman fighting for the strong safety spot while Allen has the free safety spot locked down as long as he stays healthy.

Mycroft Holmes (Looking for my annoying brother)

Maclin seemed to perform very underwhelmingly in the 'absence' of DJax last season. What does another down year do for his career in Philly?

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

It would hurt, obviously, with his contract coming up. But I think Maclin was never right, health-wise, last year, and that you can expect him to bounce back.

Rex Grossman (Qarth)

Dan, am I at least the best backup QB in the division?

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

No sir. Orton is.

Scott (Giant's Country)

i resent the title "troll", i wasnt even expecting the post just going for a laugh is all. And more over it's more a fantasy football troll if anything, i just didnt change my normal call sign away from obvisouly giants fan to stay anonymous with my snarkyness

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

The reference was to this morning's dialogue in the comments section of my most recent post, not to anything that's happened in the chat. At least, that's the way I took it.

Jordan (Buffalo)

Dan listen, you'll have to excuse me on this one...but i'm at work right now and i just got a king sized peanut butter cups from the vending machines and theyre obnoxiously melted and somewhat destroyed, do you put them in the fridge n hope for the best or toss them out and mark it up as a loss??

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

Fridge.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

Can the Eagles keep both Maclin and Jackson, assuming Maclin does have a bounce back year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:15 PM)

Yeah, their cap situation is really good.

Maly Mal (Belleville, NJ)

If im not mistaken the Eagles saftey spots are interchangeable and Coleman can play either spot.. I just think he is being unfairly judge bc of where he was drafted rather than his productivity... Agree??

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

Possible, but I think they have seen enough from Allen to believe that he's their top safety when healthy. When he's not healthy, maybe he does lag behind Coleman. Regardless, Coleman's obviously in a position to show he deserves the job.

Badger (Dallas)

(Just to clarify, yes it was concerning the earlier post)

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

Thanks.

Brendan (DC)

Who will have a bigger impact for their team this season out of the players returning from injury? J. Jenkins-Skins, B. Graham-Eagles, M. Austin, or D. Murray?

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

Murray. Offense was tough to stop last year while he was the starter.

Thomas (New York)

I'm concerned that the Giants have not done enough this offseason to solve their problems on defense and the offensive line. The secondary was terrible last year and was bailed out by a good defensive line (a JPP injury would make this defense below average). The offensive line is old and the depth is surely lacking at tackle. Do you think the Giants did the least to improve themselves out of all the NFC East teams?

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

Get him, guys!!! (And yes, I think some of your points are solid, though I disagree with the idea that a JPP injury would drop the defense to "below average," and I think the secondary played quite well last year. Agreed, though, on the O-line and the fact that the Giants did the least. You could of course argue that they had the least to do, though...)

Splooz (SLC)

Littlefinger - Do you think that players read quotes from other players and take offense when they aren't mentioned as being primed for huge seasons and whatnot?

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

No.

Barry Jive (and his Uptown Five)

Dan, top five musical crimes perpetuated by Stevie Wonder in the '80s and '90s...Go! Sub-question: is it in fact unfair to criticize a formerly great artist for his latter day sins, is it better to burn out or fade away?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

Jack Black may have made the movie, but it still doesn't hold a candle to the Hornby book.

Badger (Dallas)

Graz, who do you think starts on the outside opposite Garcon?Hank, Bennett, or Moss?Personally I want Moss in the slot...

Dan Graziano

  (12:21 PM)

Moss is the projected starter on the outside right now. They like him, Hankerson and Morgan as potential slot guys, so still some stuff to sort out there. I think he starts the season on the outside and plays some slot.

Caz (Dallas )

Dan i'm surprised that Bill Callahan's hiring hasn't drawn more interest. I think his previous HC experience, his reputation as an offensive line coach, and the input he will add into JG's offense (particularly the run game) is being understated.

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

Perhaps, but the line issues last year weren't coaching issues. They were personnel issues. They need stronger men at guard and center.

AC (DC)

has cowboys secondary improved enough to challenge for the division

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

Considering they were eliminated on the final day of the season with last year's secondary, I'm going to say that's an easy "yes."

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

What's Matt Mosley up to these days, besides posting bizarre things in your comments sections?

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

Mosley's over at Fox Sports Southwest, and I see him when I go to Cowboys games and training camp. Very good guy, who has always been very helpful to me.

Scar (Ohio)

Match each word to the NFC East quarterback you most associate with the word: tulip, anteater, pistachio, sheriff

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

No.

Gabe (DC)

Hey Dan, been following you for awhile and decided it was about time I asked a question. Who do you think will be the skin's starting safeties? It seems that Brandon Merriweather has the SS spot locked up.

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

Yeah, I mean, not that he couldn't blow it in camp, but right now it's Meriweather and Madieu Williams, with Tanard Jackson a possibility if he has a big camp.

Josh (SLC)

How much do you think ESPN's midday chats hurt our economy? I mean, shouldn't we all be working right now? I know I'm supposed to be.

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

See, that's the beauty of my job, Josh. I actually AM working right now!

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Does Osi register over 10 sacks now that the Giants paid him his money?

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

Jeez, he had nine last year in nine games. I think that's another easy "yes," as long as he plays at least 10 games!

Scott (Giant's Country)

How should your faithful avoid doing work next tuesday from noon to 1? can we have a guest chatter? bring back Mosley for a trip down memory lane, or an intern who will embarass themselves and the mothership, anything!

Dan Graziano

  (12:26 PM)

As the preacher said to Sherrif Bart when he arrived in Rock Ridge, "Son, you're on your own."

Vince (Lancaster, PA)

Are you going to attend training camp of all NFC East teams? I can't wait to get to Lehigh in a couple of weeks. So ready for this season.

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, the plan is to get to all of them. Three are within relatively easy driving distance. Trying to work out details now of how to get to the Cowboys.

Steve (the big apple)

is beatty the answer at LT for the giants? This a make or break year?

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

I don't see it with Beatty, but the Giants continue to hope. And yeah, if he doesn't show it this year, I think they look at other options.

Big Poppa (Philly)

True or false, the difference between Romo and Eli is not the biggest reason for the disparity of the two teams success? All the talking heads thinks it's Romo that holds Dallas back

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

Romo is not one of the Cowboys' top 10 current problems.

HTR (The Bubble)

Dan, the skins o line surprised everyone last year and looked really good at the start before injuries. If they stay healthy should the rest of the NFC East be worried?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

Yeah, I think they'll be harder to play this year.

Ben (Washington, DC)

Hey Dan,Not to rain on the Eagles' preseason momentum parade from last year's four game win streak, but their last two games were meaningless, so why does it even matter?

Dan Graziano

  (12:29 PM)

It matters if it actually helps them feel better about themselves going into this year. If they actually buy into the idea that that's who they really were and that they CAN play that way. They have the talent, but the way their first 12 games went, it would have been easy to let a lot of self-doubt in.

vakattack (FL) [via mobile]

Non-BEAST, but where do you stand on the Bounty drama?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

I tend not to feel too comfortable when an entity as big and arrogant as the NFL says, "Just trust us on this."

John (Philly)

Dan, With all due respect this is crap. I come to this chat every week hoping to glean some info but instead you keep answering the same questions every time week to week. For example that training camp traveling question has been answered at least once in each of the last few chats....I think this may have to be my last chat. Been fun! sometimes

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

So... what was your question again?

michael (dallas)

dan do u think romo will have a better year this year

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

I think Romo had a fantastic year last year. Did I miss something?

Mac (CT)

Are you planning on attending all 4 NFC East training camps? I had to...

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

You know, it's funny you should ask...

Mike (New York)

Since I'm not optimistic that my last question (which was rather long) will get answered, let's try this one. A couple of weeks ago you repeatedly lamented "Who cares?!" when addressing Giants fans' insecurity in the team's amount of coverage. The answer to your question is that you, a person who is paid to blog about the division containing the Giants, should care. As a blogger, you're not a traditional reporter simply covering the games, but someone who is to regularly observe, comment on, and muse about the teams you're covering. So the feedback from fans about the coverage of one-fourth of your assignment would seem to very pertinent your job.

Dan Graziano

  (12:34 PM)

Wait. The LAST one was long??? Anyway, the complaints are (a) unfounded and (b) irrelevant. Honestly, I'm offering advice here. If you're a Giants fan, spend less time worrying about why people are underrating you and more time looking at your "Super Bowl champions" T-shirt or whatever. You won. Stop caring so much what other people think.

Adam (Ridgefield, NJ)

"I tend not to feel too comfortable when an entity as big and arrogant as the NFL says, "Just trust us on this."" Didn't Shefter report that the NFL brought in a bunch of reporters and walked them through a mountain of evidence against the coaches and players involved?

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

I am giggling at the image of Adam and a few other NFL writers "walking through a mountain." Where are they, Middle Earth? Anyway, yeah, there was some evidence offered at that session, but I don't get the sense any of those 10 or so reporters walked out of there fully convinced. And the NFL told them they had more, but didn't show it.

Max (Dallas)

The players are guilty of the bounty . Why else would the NFL pay mucho money to investigate it after they asked them nicely to quit 3 previous times

Dan Graziano

  (12:38 PM)

The NFL is scared of the more than 1,000 former players who are suing it on charges that it overlooked head injury issues for years. When and if it finds itself in court, it wants to be able to offer evidence that it's tough on crime, as it were. So it's entirely possible that the league is using the Saints' situation to that end. And I just think the league needs to be transparent about why it's OK to suspend people for a year.

Jedi Mama (Bristow, VA)

Are you reading my questions and pulling a Bryce Harper and saying "that's a clown question bro"? I ask because every week I submit about 5 questions and have never been on the board. What's a guy gotta do?

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

What was your question again, bro?

William (Orlando)

Hey Dan, I'm curious if you think the Giants will re-sign Kenny Phillips to an extension during the year. Do you think he's an underrated playing in the NFL?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

I do. I think he's an excellent player. Doubt the Giants do a midyear extension, though, with him or anyone else.

Brian (48th and Madison )

Just a request...do you think you can provide more analysis of teams/players on the blog for your more intelligent readers

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Whatcha got in mind, Professor Hawking?

MNF2K5 (Jersey)

Who picks the questions you answer....you or your coffee boy intern?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Me.

Dan (Washington, DC)

What's more annoying for you -- Giants fans complaining about respect, or chatters complaining they don't get questions answered?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Well, the chatters are only once a week, so...

OJ (DC)

Random observation: I noticed a lot of the Skins recent acquisitions have been local DC area guys (Josh Morgan, Tanard Jackson, Madieu Williams, and then Josh Wilson and Tim Hightower last year; also we tried to get Eddie Royal). Think they may be targeting local area guys on purpose as added motivation to play for the Skins or just pure coincidence? (Probably coincidence but an interesting observation nonetheless)

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

I agree that it's an interesting observation. I doubt they're targeting local guys, but it's entirely possible that, if it's close between one team and another, a free agent would pick the team in a town he knows and likes.

Dan Graziano

  (12:42 PM)

But I think it's a coincidence.

Scott (Giant's Country)

for a more in depth analysis...I'd suggest using the new all 22 film to breakdown "key plays" each week. Or at least key plays from a divisional matchup, when they happen. Boom!

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

Yeah, me and my new iPad have big plans for that All-22 deal. Don't you worry.

Mike (Los Angeles)

All the talk about "Can the Cowboys win with Romo?" (which I think they can) the real question should be can they win with Garrett. What do you think??

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

I don't think we can judge a coach on a year and a half. And I also don't think we've ever been able to be certain about any player or coach's ability to win until we've seen them do it. Jury's still out, is my answer on Garrett. Patience really is important.

LANDMONKEY (land)

favorite Mel Brooks movie? I saw you referenced Blazing Saddles, but mine has to be Spaceballs.

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

Oh no. It's Blazing Saddles by a mile, for me. Also love Young Frankenstein.

Bryan (Fayetteville AR)

DG love the blog man. I was wandering why is there so much hype on Bruce Carter? Is he that much better skill wise than Dan Connor?

Dan Graziano

  (12:45 PM)

Carter was the second-round pick, and well regarded coming out of college. Thought of as a guy who could have been drafted higher if he hadn't been hurt. So the answer to your question is that Carter is seen as having a higher ceiling.

James (DC)

Lots of people point to Garcon potentially having a big year for the Skins based on him "having his best year despite having the likes of Curtis Painter throwing him the ball". I just don't see it. His "best year" was purely a function of quantity, not quality. He was 18th in the league in total catches but NINTH in targets. Out of the top 25 WRs last year (# of catches), he posted the second lowest catch rate - an abysmal 52%. Even with Peyton Manning throwing him the ball he was in the low 50s while his pass-catching mates routinely clocked in at over 60%. What am I missing here that made Garcon worth a big contract?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

What the Redskins like is his size and speed and age. They think he fits the physical profile of a receiver who can flourish in their offense and that he can grow with their rookie quarterback. They think they're getting someone who's about to "pop" as a No. 1 receiver. Seems like a lot of money to gamble on that, but they feel good about the gamble.

Tim (Columbia, Md)

July 25th is my birthday AND the first day of Redskins training camp. I will be 33. that is all.

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

July 20 is my birthday. I am older than you are. That is all.

David (Charleston, SC)

Taking a page from the NFL top-100 lists, who do you think is the best overall player in the NFC East? How about on each team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

DeMarcus Ware. On each team: Ware, Manning, McCoy and London Fletcher.

Luke M. (New Brunswick, NJ)

Dan, were Bennets issues at TE a result from being behind Witten or the Dallas scheme? Or possibly mental which means the Gmen can mold him.

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

I think he got a lot of opportunity to contribute in Dallas and blew his chances by not learning his routes and dropping too many balls. I think the Giants believe they can "mold him," as he's still young.

Bryan (Fayetteville AR)

On Mel Brooks did he really make a bad movie? I feel he is the best comedic mind to grace the silver screen.

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

Incredible body of work, to be sure. How about High Anxiety? "Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup."

guinness (NY)

Re: Bruce Carter. He was a beast in college, he blocked three straight field goal attempts against 2 different teams. He's a legit talent

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

There you go. Who asked about Carter? This guy's got college stats.

LMNOP (NYC)

True or false: Giant's Locker Room, Giants coaching > Cowboys locker room, coaching.

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

True. But easy question. The Giants' locker room is loaded with champions.

HTR (The Bubble)

Last yr for London Fletcher?

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

I thought it was a two-year deal, no? He shows no signs of slowing down.

Mike (Cali)

Dan, what do you see happening with Cooley?

Dan Graziano

  (12:52 PM)

My Magic 8 ball says, "Outlook not so good."

Steve (Philly)

It's the Producers, with Young Frknstn #2. Blazing saddles is brillaintly funny but, is scattershot and relies on short form gags.Young Frankenstein has the problem of depending on references to other movies (and as the great Eugene Levy says: "straight satire is the weakest form of comedy." Anyway, the Producers is more original and better acted than #2 and #3.

Dan Graziano

  (12:53 PM)

Producers is brilliant, no doubt. "Springtime for Hitler" may be Brooks' best musical number.

Jerrah J (Dallas)

Have you seen any indication this off-season that Dez Bryant will ever get his head on straight?

Dan Graziano

  (12:53 PM)

I think the fact that we haven't seen anything this offseason to convince people he WON'T is the key.

Steve (the big apple)

Which rookie Giants player contributes more this year? Randle, Wilson, or Hosley

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

Randle

vakattack (FL) [via mobile]

History of the World, Part 1.

Dan Graziano

  (12:54 PM)

"Stand-up philosopher."

Gregg (Philly)

Best ever NFCE player?

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

Lawrence Taylor?

MNF2K5 (Jersey)

Do you ever see a GM in the cowboys future or will JJ keep on rewriting the definition of insanity?

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

Jerry Jones will be the Cowboys' GM as long as he owns the team. Or I guess until he decides he doesn't want to do it anymore and gives the job formally to Stephen. But he's said many times that he believes in the organizational structure he's imposed there, and he's not going to change it.

GFY (Darnestown)

Best ever NFCE player?- Reggie White

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

Good candidate, sure. Any others? Staubach?

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

Emmitt Smith?

Splooz (SLC)

Dan - Why are you so down on Washington's secondary? It's pretty much the same group that was part of a pretty good D last year.

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

I think it was the weak part of the defense last year, and on paper I think it looks to be the weak part of the defense this year.

Brian (DC)

Darrell Green.

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

He's the best Redskins nominee, right?

Rich (Philly)

Dan...I now have "Springtime for Hitler" stuck in my head...i blame you

Dan Graziano

  (12:58 PM)

Hahaha. And you can't go around singing it out loud, either!

MNF2K5 (Jersey)

not sure he's the best, but D Sanders sure changed the rules of the passing game

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

Deion belongs in the discussion, absolutey.

vakattack (FL) [via mobile]

Joe Montana. Niners were in the BEAST in his day.

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

But were they in the NFC East in his day? I don't recall that.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Random thought: how annoying is it that when it's all said and done...London Fletcher will have been to 0 Pro Bowls and DeAngelo Hall will have been to multiple..so history will think he's the better player...

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

Fletcher has been to the last three Pro Bowls, so, not sure what you mean.

Tommy (Blown Up, SIR!)

Taylor changed EVERYTHING

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

Yeah, for me it's Taylor. But some good names. Hey, guys, I'm out, and I'm on vacation next week, so I'll see you back here on July 17. Until then, be excellent to each other.