Chat with Pat Yasinskas

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Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN.com NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas will stop by to talk about the NFL.

Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.

Send your questions now and join Yasinskas Friday at 1 p.m. ET!

More Pat Yasinskas: Chats | NFC South blog | NFL index

Jon (Falcon Fan) (GA)


Alot of people say that they don't buy into the success of the Falcons because they haven't beaten good teams. Aren't the Broncos and Redskins good teams?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:51 PM)


Broncos definitely. Redskins are decent, not sure if they're good. All right, chat is up and rolling, live from One Buccaneer Place today.

Justin (Minneapolis)


Is TE tampas greatest need? Clark is done and Stocker has done nothing

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:53 PM)


Well, Clark at least has gotten involved a bit the last two games. But they'll have to address that spot in the offseason. Think defensive backfield also will be an area of heavy emphasis.

Bryant from Charlotte [via mobile]


With the firing of Marty Hurney, what are the chances Coach Rivera & his staff remain through next season?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:54 PM)


I think Rivera could be gone at the end of the season if there isn't a pretty big turnaround and signs of progress.

Bryant from Charlotte [via mobile]


With Carolina looking for a new GM, who do see the team going after when the season is over?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:55 PM)


It's very early in the process and I don't think even they know if they want to go with someone who has been a GM before or go out and find a rising star. I've heard one name that supposedly is on their radar and he fits the young, rising star category.

pat (new jersey)


where is Ray Edwards this year? and why haven't the falcons used sidbury or even massaquoi more often?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:56 PM)


Ray Edwards has become a part-time player and I don't think the coaching staff things Sidbury or Massaquoi can make much of a contribution.

Donneith (Columbia, SC)


Is Charles Johnson trade bait?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:57 PM)


Think it would be awfully tough to find someone willing to take on his contract.

tb5ards@yahoo.com (Tim) (Griffin,GA)


Pat, the Falcons are 6-0. Undefeated in a very tough NFL yet 'analyst experts' still give them no respect nor hardly mention them on air. They were all for the 4-0 Cardinals a few weeks ago, and they are about to drop their fourth in a row this weekend. I know Mike Smith enjoys this low key cover, but why doesn't the media hop the Falcons bandwagon as they do anyone else?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:58 PM)


Don't know, but since they're winning Falcons have certainly been getting the majority of my attention this season.

Robert (Chicago)


Certainly last night's game was a breakout for Doug Martin and Josh Freeman. I know it's early, but could this game turn around the Bucs season?

Pat Yasinskas
  (12:59 PM)


I think it was definitely a major step for a young team and a new coaching staff. Think they still have a few areas to improve, but definitely headed in the right direction.

Tony (Fort Lauderdale)


I think Josh Freeman appears to be progressing, but is it just me or does he just disappear for long periods of time during games?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:00 PM)


I think you have a point there. I've noticed that too. But I think it's partly because, at times, they get too conservative and, more or less, make him disappear from the game.

tay: (atlanta) [via mobile]


As the trade deadline quickly approaches I can't help but to wonder if there's any formidable running backs obtainable for the Falcons? Not the Adrian Peterson's of the world just someone capable of consistently gaining positive yardage. Anyone with eyes can see Turner's no longer capable.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:02 PM)


Someone like a Chris Ivory, perhaps? I know Saints say they're not trading him and probably wouldn't trade him to a division rival. But it might be worth Falcons at least making an inquiry.

Jamie (Atlanta)


If the Falcons beat the Eagles will the media start to accept them as a legit threat in the NFC?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:02 PM)


Think that would definitely draw some more attention.

Kurt (Charlotte)


Any chance Charles Johnson gets traded? I don't think he's worth the money after only 1 good season and it would give more snaps to players like Keiser.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:02 PM)


Again, I think it's very unlikely any team would take on that contract.

Marty Hurney (Charlotte NC)


Pat do you think that if I did not give 75mill to Charles Johnson in the off-season that my job right now would be safe?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:03 PM)


It wasn't just any one move. Lots of factors went into that one.

Sean (Hawaii)


Do you see Tampa going after a young, established FA CB to replace Talib this summer? Who's available?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:04 PM)


Either that or a draft pick. Don't have a 2013 FA list in front of me at moment. Brent Grimes is only CB that I know for sure is scheduled to be FA.

Jamie (Atlanta)


Is the problem Turner has lost 'it' or is the OL not run blocking? Or both?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:05 PM)


I tend to put it more on Turner. Just not sure he has much left.

RLR@680TF (Atlanta, Ga)


Pat,I read somewhere in the blogosphere that the Lions may look to acquire Steve Smith for a third rounder. Possibility? What Falcons trade moves could we see?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:06 PM)


It was mentioned in a speculative piece on NFL.com. Doesn't mean there's anything to it. But it's reasonable to speculate Panthers could make some moves at the deadline. I don't the Falcons will be doing anything.

Jamie (Atlanta)


If Turner is the problem, then what is the answer?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:07 PM)


Hope that Rodgers continues to develop. Or go out and get a new RB in the offseason.

Chris (Tempe)


What chance do you give the Falcons this Sunday at Philly? Matt Ryan has yet to win there and it seems like the Eagles always gives him trouble when he plays there. Especially with Rein being 13-0 after the bye.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:07 PM)


Matt Ryan's been winning games on the road and outdoors this season.

Hurdler (NY) [via mobile]


IMO, it appears that when the Bucs win, the media seems to say that the other team wasn't that good, but when they lose, and it's close with a good team, it is that the Bucs aren't that good. Why is that?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:09 PM)


Can't speak for entire media. But I thought that was a nice win for Bucs. Ponder might not be good. But Vikings had winning record, some big-name players and the game was in Minnesota. That all adds up to a nice win.

Bill Cowher (Raleigh, NC)


Hey Pat. I love NC and the Panthers would be a good fit for me since it's somewhat close to home. What do you think? GM? Head coach possibly?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:11 PM)


Ah, here we go again!!! This one's been flying since the day Cowher left Steelers. Anything's possible and maybe his feelings have changed. But I think Cowher could have been coaching this team before and either because he didn't want to or the Panthers don't want him, it hasn't happened. Maybe he doesn't want to coach or maybe he wants a bigger market. Or maybe Richardson is hesitant to bring in a recycled big name after the whole Seifert thing.

Shane (North Cackalackee)


Pat, is it me or does Blount just look lifeless when he is in a game? Is there any chance the Buc's move him to possibly acquire a draft pick?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:12 PM)


Not sure they'd get much, if anything in return. Other teams watch film and probably see the same things you do. Plus, there is some baggage there. Remember, 32 teams passed on drafting him in the first place.

Phillip (Villa Rica, GA)


Pat, in years past, when three teams fell back and out of playoff contention and one team (Saints) were balling, you shifted your coverage to the Saints to about 80% of your coverage down the stretch. If Bucs, Saints & Panthers fall off and Falcons continue to roll, will you do the same this year for the Falcons and shift your coverage their way?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:14 PM)


If that happens, probably so. That's kind of what I was instructed to do in recent years. It's the nature of the business. But at the moment the Bucs and Saints are kind of keeping things interesting and the Panthers made some noise this week.

Jon (Falcons Fan) (GA)


Any word on Harry Douglas' injury (knee, and ankle)?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:15 PM)


Just checked e-mail and had Falcons' injury report. Douglas is listed as out for Sunday. Guess that means Kevin Cone or Drew Davis.

Calvin (Newport News, VA)


Hey Pat. I'm a big Bucs fan, and glad to see Freeman playing better. But his completion % is at 55% which is almost the worst in the league. Have you noticed this? Does it concern you

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:16 PM)


I hear you, but I don't think his style is such that he'll ever be like a Brees and complete 70 percent of his passes.

Phillip (Villa Rica, GA)


Is Joe Vitt going to be an upgrade over Aaron Kromer for the Saints in leading this team?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:18 PM)


No offense to Kromer -- he did best he could in a difficult spot. But I think Vitt will be better. He's been in the league for 30-some years and has been Sean Payton's right-hand man since 2006. Also think Vitt is a very good motivator. He should make Saints somewhat better.

Dylan (Tampa)


People blast talib alot and say we should cut him but lets be honest Pat. Biggers gets beat deep about every single play, that being said is it a given we go get a corner first round in next years draft?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:19 PM)


But Talib's contract is up after this year. You honestly think they're going to make a big, long-term investment in him? I think they look for someone else.

Sean (Wilm, NC)


If the Panthers traded Steve Smith...don't you think there would be an uproar in the Carolinas?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:21 PM)


Not going to spend too much time on trade speculation. Usually, not much happens at trade deadline in NFL, unlike other sports. On Smith, I think it would only happen if he wants out and if they can get a decent return for him. It's a long shot.

TJ (New Orleans )


Any Saints talk today? Or will the chat ignore Saints questions like it has the past 2 weeks. Last time I checked this was NFC South chat and Saints are part of the NFC South.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:22 PM)


How about you send a Saints' question?

mike (greensboro)


what does Ron Rivera have to do to keep his job from here on out? we cant expect him to win 10 straight

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:22 PM)


No, but he's got to win and show some progress.

Greg (Tampa)


How long will the bucs keep Benn as a kick returner. I'm tired of seeing him take a knee everytime he touches the ball.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:23 PM)


Think they may be forced to re-consider their situations at both kick and punt returner.

Jerry (New Orleans`)


Will Chris Ivory get to play this week?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:24 PM)


Maybe. But, if he does, I wouldn't count on him getting many carries.

Luis (Albuquerque)


Hi Pat. Huge Falcons Fan here. I am tired of hearing all the Flaws the Falcons have instead of the credit for finding ways to win. If they were the Pats, Packers, Giants or the Cowboys they would be praised for finding ways to win in different ways. Isn't the only objective in the NFL to win, no matter how its done?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:25 PM)


My thought on that is Falcons are a good team, but not a perfect or great one yet. I think they can get there down the stretch. Lots of good things going on, but haven't played complete, dominating game yet. But, hey, it's better to hit your full straight in November, December or January.

Gary (Houston, TX)


Pat if the Panthers basically have to go into full rebuilding mode starting next season how long do you think before they can contend again? Things are pretty messy

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:27 PM)


Don't know. That's a bad situation. Lot is going depend on new GM and what they do on the coaching front. Pretty amazing because I, like a lot of people, thought Panthers would be on the upswing this season. Still trying to understand why it all fell apart before it ever really got going.

Jon (Falcons Fan) (GA)


I'd much rather see the falcons flying high in Dec and January.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:27 PM)


Exactly.

Phillip (Villa Rica, GA)


Does Mike Nolan find a way to plug the Falcons leaky run defense this year or is the personnel so bad in Run D that it will have to wait until the off-season?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:28 PM)


Suspect Corey Peters might help a bit and suspect Nolan might be trying to get the LBs to do some different things coming out of the bye.

Jon (New Orleans)


Saints O-line has not been good this season. The running game has been non existent and Brees is taking hits. Any chance the Saints try and make a trade for an O-lineman?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:29 PM)


Not sure trading for an o-lineman in midseason is going to solve much. They can't afford to give up what draft picks they have for next year.

Mitchell ( walkertown nc) [via mobile]


Pat will JR go so far with a rebuild that he allows the big contract Marty guys to be cut or the usual wait for the contract to expire?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:30 PM)


Some of those guys will undoubtedly go. But it will depend on what ones will provide cap savings and what ones they'd be taking big cap hits on.

Danny (Lecanto Fl)


Who would you rather have on your side in a fight, Donald Penn or Jared Allen?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:31 PM)


Either one.

Phillip (Villa Rica, GA)


Saints should have signed Carl Nicks first and let Colston go. That O-Line is not the same without the Beast(Nicks).

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:32 PM)


Yeah, well, that was a very tough call. They knew they were going to lose someone and they made their choice and now they have to live with it.

Matt (Pensacola)


What's your take on the Ivory situation in New Orleans? Do you think Payton would've used him more?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:33 PM)


No, I suspect Payton had many conversations with Kromer and Vitt prior to starting his suspension and they're simply doing what he told them to.

Greg (Tampa)


I like the move of Barber to free safety. Do you think he will make the pro-bowl this year? He IS creating turnovers EVERY week.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:33 PM)


At this point, he definitely appears headed for the Pro Bowl.

Not an apologist (Somewhere)


Really....The Falcons are undefeated and have not looked good the last 3 games. I see that as a positive. Being undefeated with lots of room to improve is a good thing. Every flaw is fixable.Don't you agree?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:34 PM)


Think that's pretty much what I've been saying the last couple weeks.

Dustin (Brooklyn)


I've seen a lot of Isa Abdul-Quddus in the last few games. Is Harper in danger of losing his starting spot at SS or is has it just been a rotational thing?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:35 PM)


I think you could start seeing more of Quddus. Think he fits the Spags style of defense better than Harper.

David (Albany, NY)


As a Falcons fan, I have to give the Bucs some love. They have been trending really nicely for the last few weeks. Great game last night. With a little help on defense, I think they can be a real problem for the conference next season. Agree?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:36 PM)


Wow, I'm impressed. A fan of one team praising another. That doesn't happen often. And I agree with you. Definitely think Bucs are headed in right direction.

Ryan (Indiana)


Is Mark Ingram ever going to have a big season? Going to the saints and sharing carries with their 5 running back system seems to be the worst thing that could have happened to his career.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:37 PM)


I still can't figure out why they drafted him in the first place. Not saying he's a bad player. But he clearly isn't getting chance to show what he can do.

Jerry (Raleigh, NC)


Did someone actually suggest the Saints should have let Colston go? He's the #1 receiver, the team's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, and he's shown no signs of slowing down. Do you see that as ridiculous as I do?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:38 PM)


I tend to agree with you. Plus, I think Mr. Brees might have had some input and it's unlikely that he would have wanted to lose his top receiver.

CB (Charleston)


New Orleans should just release Ingram and let Atlanta sign him....

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:38 PM)


Ha! Don't see that one happening.

Jon (Falcons Fan) (GA)


Yea, Yea, Yea Falcons fan trying to get brownie points for praising the Bucs. Has Chris Owens lost his starting job to Mclain?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:39 PM)


It looked that way in the last game.

Dan (MN)


What was the motivation to switch from a "Pro-style" offense to a read option offense this year in Carolina? Is it Chud thinking he's smarter than everyone else?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:40 PM)


Really don't know the answer to that one. Wish I did. Wonder the same thing myself all the time.

Mike (Toronto)


Pat, what's up with Michael Smith for TB; is he hurt or on practice squad?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:40 PM)


Neither, he's on 53-man roster, but was inactive last night.

CB (Charleston)


Do you think Grimes will be back next year? Or will Atlanta look to the draft?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:41 PM)


Think the salary cap might make it very hard for them to re-sign him.

Frank (Dalton, GA)


Which NFC South RB have you been more impressed with? I really like Doug Martin. GO BUCS!!!

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:42 PM)


Would say he's the only division RB that's impressed me this year. Probably will be the only one to get 1,000 yards.

Kurt (Charlotte)


What does Rivera do well? He doesn't seem to call plays and then can't even get the timeouts right (last week's 2 minute warning).

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:43 PM)


I don't have an answer for you on that one.

Daniel (Tampa)


Pat,Im thinking the Bucs will end up re-signing Talib. The price tag has gone down with his suspension and it seems Schiano likes his work ethic. Solid CBs are hard to find, so I say he'll be back.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:43 PM)


I doubt it, but we'll see.

life long saints fan (new orleans )


Pat do yo think the saints blitz more and back away from the zone d they have been running

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:44 PM)


Maybe a little more, but Spags isn't going to suddenly turn into Gregg Williams.

Adam (Asheville)


Hurney seems like a nice guy but his firing seemed like it was a long time coming. First 3/4 picks in 2010 busted, 3/4 of first picks in 2011 busted. First 2 picks in 2009 busted. 80 million on running backs (and speaking of which who in their right mind spends 2 first round picks on running backs within 3 years?) overpaid DE...

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:45 PM)


One of the nicest guys in the league, no doubt. But you've got to win and he hadn't won in a while.

Nate (Denver) [via mobile]


Any chances we see Mike Holmgren become the Panthers GM and Bill Cowher become the head coach?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:46 PM)


Wow, dreaming big. I haven't heard much on their plans yet. But, I'll say it again, I think Richardson might be scared off of big names after what he went through with George Seifert.

David (Albany, NY)


Do you really think their is a scenario in which Turner doesn't get 1000 yards? Really? He's not far off that pace now. He is averaging 4.3 per carry despite the perception. I think he will look more explosive as the OL adjust to their new schemes. He has shown that burst on the 60 yard screen and a couple of nice runs. No top end speed anymore, but he can be quick for a step or two through the hole.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:48 PM)


Not sure he ever had top-end speed. Thought he was a guy that was good once he got rolling, but it seems to be taking him a long time to get rolling this season.

Phillip (Villa Rica, GA)


Weather is supposed to be windy/rainy on Sunday for Iggles/Falcons game - who does it help? who does it hurt?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:48 PM)


Tough to imagine it would help a team that plays its home games in a dome. But not sure it helps the Eagles either.

Memo to Panters fans (Moon)


Before any big name coach became a big name, he was a nobody. Give the no name and less expensive guy a chance.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:49 PM)


That seems to be Richardson's preferred method. But, you never know, it could change this time around.

Will (Tampa)


At the end of the game i saw Bennett holding his ankle. What's being said about it? or is he fine?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:50 PM)


Schiano will be meeting with media in about 20 minutes. Will get you an update then.

CC (Atlanta)


At this point in his career Turner is best at turning a gaping hole into a 1 yard gain. So frustrating. He has the foot speed and quickness of a turtle.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:51 PM)


CC, that's what I respect most about you. You get right to the point.

Michael- Orlando [via mobile]


Gotta give Eric lorig some love.. Do you see him having a big role for this team going forward?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:52 PM)


His role has been getting bigger. He already has caught more passes this season than he did in the previous two years combined.

Matt (Pensacola)


Do you see the Saints stealing one in Denver Sunday night?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:53 PM)


They've got some momentum and they have Vitt coming back, so it's possible. But going into what's supposed to be cold weather, a hostile environment and facing Peyton Manning isn't an easy chore.

Jon (Falcons Fan) (GA)


Mike Smith is a good example.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:53 PM)


Exactly and that's what a lot of owners are looking for.

Atlanta Beer Week (77 UBU)


Corey Peters......WHen does he return full time?

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:55 PM)


You may see him on a limited basis this week. But I think he's a week or two away from playing a big role. Couple more questions before we wrap it up.

Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)


Sean Payton is a good example.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:56 PM)


Yep, he was the young up and comer when Saints hired him.

Greg Schiano (Tampa bay fl)


Pat I just want to let everyone know that I will be meeting with you and with the rest of Bucs Media at 2:05 today.

Pat Yasinskas
  (1:56 PM)


Thanks for the reminder. I don't want to be late. So I'm going to wrap it up and head over to media room. Thanks to all for stopping by. See you next Friday.

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