Chris (Durham)

You mentioned in one of your stories that Steve Smith was talking retirement. Is that frustration in the moment, or something more? I haven't heard any other reporter mention it.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:52 PM)

It was in Tom Sorensen's column in The Charlotte Observer after last week's game. I think it was a heat-of-the-moment type thing. All right, this chat is up and running early.

Jmoore (atlanta)

Pat, whats your take on espn not giving our falcons any love and always talking about losing teams? example the Jets,denver..

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:52 PM)

Well, they've been getting plenty of attention on the NFC South blog in recent weeks. They're the only thing positive I have to work with at the moment.

Jon(Falcon fan) (GA)

How long can Abraham go this year playing the number of reps that the he has been playing? Can't Sidbury play more?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:54 PM)

Yeah, I had a note about that yesterday. Abe is playing way too many reps. They've got to either give Sidbury or Edwards so more reps to keep Abe fresh.

Alex (Belgium)

If, and when, Vilma actually has to serve his season long suspension, will he have to serve the full 16 games, since he is currently on the PUP list and technically not suspended? If that's the case, wouldn't have been better for him not to appeal, since he hasn't been playing and will just be suspended for part of his next, healthy season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:54 PM)

As I understand it, the six games on PUP would count toward the suspension.

Rick (Kennesaw) [via mobile]

As good as my Falcons have been going 5-0, I have yet to see a complete game from them. When they finally hit their stride, I see them being a juggernaut. What is your take Pat?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:56 PM)

Agree, they haven't put it all together yet. But there have been flashes out of just about every area. I think this could be an excellent team.

Jmoore (atlanta)

Hey Pat, Once again I cant believe how good Baker playing. He is making all falcons fans look crazy for holling for his head, what do you think?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:57 PM)

No doubt he's playing well. But you want to see him stay at that level over the course of a full season and stay healthy.

Erik Lentz (Nevada)

What 2 positions do you feel the Buc's need to upgrade this off-season in order to make them a perennial NFC South powerhouse?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

Hard to say right now because we're still finding out about a lot of guys. But I think they'll need a safety, if Ronde retires. An all-around tight end also would be nice.

Nicolas (Parkland,FL) [via mobile]

Is Tiquan Underwood going to be more involved then he was last game?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:59 PM)

Wouldn't be surprised. Coming out of the bye, I would expect changes in multiple areas.

Dylan (Rock Springs, WY)

Is there a specific name for when the Falcons use a lineman in at fullback or tight end?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

Yeah, pretty sure it was Todd McClure in the locker room after last week's game who said they call it the "Elephant Package".

Zach (Atlanta, GA)

How worried should we be about the injury to Nicholas?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

Sounded at first like it might be serious. But the fact he practiced on a limited basis yesterday was a good sign. We'll get an update on him (and the rest of the injuries) this afternoon.

Jessie (Carolina) (DC)

Could You provide a percentage chance of the Panthers trading D'angelo Williams? We have too much money invested in our backfield. I believe the Indianapolis Colts would agree especially with Williams advocacy for cancer.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

Might be hard to find a team willing to take on his contract.

John (Charlotte NC)

Pat I think it time that both Ron Rivera and Marty Horny put on the hot seat. The Panthers game against the Seahawks was embarrassing.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

I think they're there.

Phill (Charleston, SC)

What do u think are the chances of Carolina going on a run and reaching the playoffs? And what do u think their record will end up looking like?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

Slim. There is plenty of talent, but I haven't seen much to lead me to believe they're going to turn it around.

Philip (Kansas City)

Do you think the Panthers will ever actually use the RBs they spent $80M on?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

They haven't so far and I can't figure out why.

Sam (Winston-Salem NC)

I keep reading that Los Angelos is trying to get a stadium built to move an NFL franchise out there, yet I haven't heard any real talk of who that might be. Is there any chance at all that the Panthers come up in that conversation?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

No, I think they're pretty well set in Charlotte with the current ownership.

Richard (Arden, NC)

Pat, you're Ron Rivera. What changes do you make coming out of the bye next week?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:06 PM)

Put Kuechly in the middle and start using the running backs like running backs.

JOHN (NC)

TURN THE AUTO UPDATE ON

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

Someone want to tell John how to do this? I don't have the capacity to do that on my end. Thanks.

robert (charleston)

why did atlanta play at san diego and denver play at atlanta when thats what they did in 08. i thought they alternated every 4 years

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

I'm going to have to check on that one.

Lee Y (Charlotte NC)

Pat I have to say Ron Rivera has turn out to be a really bad hiring by the Panthers. No wonder Rivera 11 teams did not offered him a job.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:10 PM)

It is starting to look that way. Surprising. I liked what I saw from him last year and he came with a great reputation.

Joshua (Atlanta)

You have any insight on what the Falcons are planning on doing with Cory Peters? Are they still happy with P. Jerry's play this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

I think it'll be a few weeks before you see Peters playing. Smith said yesterday he's got to get into football shape. Jerry started off very well, but has faded a bit lately. Vance Walker's played pretty well recently.

robert (charleston)

please do i've asked the same question before and no one can give me a straight answer

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

I will ask Dimitroff or McKay when I see them on Sunday.

Pål (Oslo, Norway)

Do you think there is any realistic chance of the Saints making a serious push towards a postseason appearance?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

It's a long shot. A lot of things would have to improve in a hurry.

Ashor Daniel (Chicago)

Pat, why cant the Bucs seem to hold a lead in the fourth quarter? seems like that is what is missing from a 4-0 season.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

Think Bucs are still very much a work in progress with a new coaching staff and a fair amount of new players.

Austin (NC)

Pat, SI's Don Banks ran a column on Newton potentially being a 2nd coming of Vince Young-any reason to agree with this and should Carolina fans be worried?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

Might be a little premature for that. But there's no question Cam needs to do a better job handling adversity.

Brad (Atlanta)

Pat, loved the article on Ryan resigning in Atlanta. Seemed fitting after the debacle last chat with CC and myself. So do you think Ryan would take less than Brees because he loves his position as the staple of a franchise that has/is turning around?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

No, I think the market value is pretty well established. I think Falcons will pay him whatever it takes.

247pantherfan (NC)

pat the Auto refreshing is not working. Please turn the Auto Update to on.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

It's on on my end. But I don't control it for all of you. Know we've had this in the past and there's something you have to do on your end. Any solutions out there?

Ken (Pinevile NC)

You have to keep refreshing your browser until it turns on (Autoupdate)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

There, try Ken's advice. Hopefully, that will solve it. Thanks, Ken.

Joshua ((Atlanta))

How long do you think this next round of suspensions will take to stick or not. Getting really sick of the drama. Seems like to me the Saints are gonna miss Will Smith in a tougher part of there schedule coming into more divisional games after there bye.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

I think there's a chance it could drag on all season. That's what happens when you get lawyers involved.

Chris (Durham)

Is Jerry Richardson too nice to his players? It seems like they get rewarded for underachieving, and it just feeds into the mindset that it's acceptable to be mediocre.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

Think that's a legitimate question. I think his patience is wearing thin. They spent a lot of money coming out of the lockout and haven't had a winner since 2008.

247Pantherfan (NC)

Hello Pat. IMO Beason will not be fully recovered until next season, Keeping Uncle Like in the middle makes sense to me? your opinion?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

Agree. Think that's what is going to happen.

Joshua (Colorado Springs)

Ken's advice worked.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

Good. Thanks Ken.

Chris (Raleigh NC)

Pat is Jerry Richardson more like Jerry Jones behind the scenes, basically calling the shots for Marty Hurney?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

No, absolutely not. He's not involved in day-to-day football stuff much at all.

David W (Atlanta, GA)

"Weak Arm" - "Can't win on the road" - "Can't win outdoors" - "He's only a game manager" - Pat, would you agree that Matt Ryan has put these arguments to rest with his start this season, with only the "Has yet to win a playoff game" argument left?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

Yep, agree totally. Only one knock left on him.

David (NY)

Rank NFCS Qbs in order of character?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:24 PM)

Appreciate your persistence with this question. But I don't feel comfortable answering that.

Thomas (rock HIll, SC)

My only issue with moving Luke to MLB long term is implication it will have on rest of the team - Beason is emotional leader and heart and soul of defense. Taking his spot away sends a dangerous message.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

Yeah, but maybe it also sends a message that it's time to change some things.

Furiousd (CLT)

I was born and raised in Charlotte. I'll be a Panther fan till I die. I have just convinced myself that this team will stay where they are at until new ownership takes over.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

Maybe. But Richardson has done some dramatic things in the past (firing his own sons). He might be getting tired of being mediocre.

David (NY)

How about replacing 'character' with 'intangibles'

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

On intangibles (and not character), you have to put Brees and Ryan on one level and most of that is due to experience. Freeman has shown some signs of intangibles, but still has work to do in some areas. Too early to fully judge Cam's intangibles.

Geoff cobb (brooklyn new york )

Do the Falcons resign brent Grimes or let him go because of his big contract?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

Think they'll draw a line on what they'll pay him. If he can get more elsewhere, then they let him go.

Ken (Pinevile NC)

That pass Ryan threw in the panthers game wasn't that "strong" it was basically a hail mary duck that should of been picked off ... i still question his arm strength ... ur thoughts

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

I think he's got plenty of arm. Not the strongest in the league, but stronger than a lot of people give him credit for.

Ryan MC (Winston-Salem)

Pat, Speaking of the running back situation in Carolina...is it really lack of performance, or a play calling issue?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

I say play calling or scheme in general.

Trey (Durham)

If things don't change with the Panthers, who's gone? Whole staff or is there a scapegoat?

Bryant (Virginia)

What do you think the Buc's will do with Talib in the offseason? He has not played great this year and it is the final year of his contract.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:33 PM)

I'm having a tech issue and your questions aren't posting. Give me 90 seconds to sign out and sign back in. That usually fixes it.

Bryant (Virginia)

What do you think the Buc's will do with Talib in the offseason? He has not played great this year and it is the final year of his contract.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Looks like it's working again. My guess is they let him walk.

Joshua (Colorado Springs)

Hey Pat... Do you think Matt Ryan has the best chance of talking Tony Gonzalez into one more season and will he?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

Not sure anyone will have to convince Tony. I think he's having fun and may realize he wants to keep going.

Ryan MC (Winston-Salem)

Tech issue messed up on Try's question and I would like to hear you take on that as well."If things don't change with the Panthers, who's gone? Whole staff or is there a scapegoat?"

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

Okay, depends on how bad it is. Anything less than 8-8 or 7-9, I suspect they clean house.

Jeff (ABQ)

Freeman hasn't been great, but with the exception of Dallas, he hasn't been bad either. By season's end, will we see better numbers and just assess the Cowboys game as an outlier?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

I think you'll see improvement as season goes on. He's still adjusting to new coaching staff, new scheme and some new teammates.

Furiousd (CLT)

I'll take a Guy that may not be the strongest (Ryan) as opposed to a guy that throws as hard as he can everytime (Vick)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

Same here.

CC (Atlanta)

Why does this Oakland game scare me? I have these awful visions of DMC blowing thru giant holes. I hope the run D finally shows up. On the bright side though I can't see OAK stopping the Falcons O much.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

It's not like Oakland's been running the ball very well this year. But, yeah, I can see some of the classic signs of a "trap" game.

Trey Green Jr (Durham Connecticut)

Pat 8-8 or 7-9 should not be enough to keep Rivera and Horny job considering the high expectations that the Panthers had going into the season.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

You might be right. It's up to Richardson and not me. Besides, I'm not sure they can even get to 7-9.

Brad (Atlanta)

Would you have believed me if I told you before the season that the Falcons would be 5-0 going into week 6?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

Yes, that would not have been a total surprise.

Furiousd (CLT)

Jerry please for the love of all that is holy give Cowher what ever he wants if you clean house!!!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

Oh boy, THAT'S starting again???

Zach (Atlanta, GA)

I've been waiting for a trap game the entire Mike Smith-Matt Ryan era, and it has yet to happen. I think we pull this one out. Do you agree with me Pat?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

They should win the game any way you look at it. I was just saying I understood CC's worries.

Jeff (NY)

Will Turner's lack of carries so far this season lead to him being more productive at end of season?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

Not so sure about that. Haven't seen many signs of explosiveness from him.

Brad (Atlanta)

As blogger, do you ever get superstitious about your teams playing? I shudder when I see people say that my team is going to dominate, etc.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

No, it really doesn't matter to me. What happens will happen and I just write about it.

redzone jones (NY)

How can you and panthers fans agree that if they keep losing you fire the staff and the coach? They were hired just last year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

The thing is they pretty much went "all-in" coming out of the lockout. Spent money like crazy and the owner isn't seeing any results.

Furiousd (CLT)

Do you think the panthers would have been better off going with a Offensive minded HC last year? We all knew they were taking Cam!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

If there is a change, I suspect it will be an offensive coach. You always go in the opposite direction from what wasn't working. Plus, they have a lot invested in Cam, so they'll want someone to help him get on the right path.

Joshua (Colorado Springs)

Is it possible that the Falcons give Matt Ryan a 10 year deal (like they gave Vick years ago) to keep him a Falcon for life?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

No, I think in the current climate, the most you'll see is five or six years.

Brad (Atlanta)

Of all the teams you cover, who would you say has the best locker room environment in terms of a "team" feel?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Right now, clearly the Falcons.

redzone jones (NY)

Pat I see where you are coming from but it is not easy to be a panthers fan now. It not

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

And expectations out of Carolina fans were sky high coming into the season.

Planet Scott? (Earth)

Peter Konz......What's the story on him? Seems to have become the invisible man.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

Think they still have high hopes for him, but just don't feel like there's any need to rush him or disrupt the O-line when they're winning.

Zach (Atlanta, GA)

In terms of locker room cohesiveness, which was the best locker room you've ever covered Pat? (Follow up to Brad's question)

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

Hmmm, in my beat writer days, would have to say either Bucs of the early Dungy years or Panthers during Fox's first two seasons.

Sean (Vegas)

Do you see Wilson and Gallette changing from situational pass rushers into starters? The run D is atrocious without them in there, supposedly their weakness.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

Think Spags is grooming them for that.

Just1Dude (Altoona, PA)

(Falcons fan here) Isn't it a bit much to heap praise on Mike Smith for the Falcons success when it is obvious he has nothing to do with the better defense this year (Nolan), and prob not much to do with the offense's success either (Ryan)?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

Think he might have a little input into what goes on on both sides of the ball!!!

CC (Atlanta)

Any NFCS coaches have it in them to fake a kneel down and throw a TD to prove a point to Schiano? If you had to pick one b/ Smith, Kromer and Rivera who is most likely? I'd love to see it.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

The guy that would do it is suspended.

Jon(Falcon Fan) (GA)

Do you think Atl resigns Baker?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

It depends. If he stays healthy and plays at this level the rest of the season, yes. But you've got to see him do it all season first.

FalconsBravesHawksBulldogs (GA)

Do you think the resuspensions, bye week, and realization that the Saints easily could have lost that game, and may have even gotten questionable penalties will hurt their locker room feel in the weeks ahead? Or should they continue to pick up steam?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Could go either way. They've got a veteran locker room and Vitt will be back soon, so things could improve.

Bryan (ATL)

Baker was manhandled by Carolina's d-line, lets not make him highest paid OL on the team just yet.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

That was Clabo.

Brad (Atlanta)

Why would the guy who fakes the kneel down get suspended? Not saying they wouldn't just curious if there is a rule against it or what they would say the reasoning is?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

No, what I meant was that Payton is the one NFC South coach I could see doing it. But he's suspended right now.

Bryan (ATL)

Really? All 7.5 sacks were on Clabo huh??

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

At least four of them.

Insane guy (aaahhh)

Some of those sacks were on Ryan

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

Yeah and I think one was on Reynolds.

Insane guy (aaahhh)

Have you ever considered doing this chat 24 hours non stop?

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:00 PM)

One hour is pretty fast paced, so we'll stop it there. Thanks to all for stopping by and have a great weekend.