Matt Williamson

  (12:00 PM)

Happy Halloween!

Squall (Balamb Garden)

Best 4-3 team, non-Denver division: Colts, Steelers, or Dolphins? I'd make a case for Miami - three straight wins including two on the road, no really egregious losses, D giving up just 18 points per game.

Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

I hear ya on MIA and I did my Power Rankings (Filled in for Ross) yesterday on Football Today. I had the Steelers ahed of Miami, but I think both are going to the playoffs and I bet I would rank Miami higher than most.

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

Oh...by the way...extra points today for Halloween references!

Kris G (Indy)

Has Gates finally hit the wall? Or is this a product of bigger issues on the offense in SD?

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

Hard to say on him. He looked good two weeks ago, so I lean towards NO. Their protection and WRs (outside of Floyd) is a total mess-as is Rivers in reality. So I am going with "Bigger Issues"

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Speak of the devil..do you consider this Denver Def legit? They did shut down NO without Von or Elvis having huge days, it was all coverage...but they were mauled by NEng a few weeks back...

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

You can do better than that for a Halloween ref Scott, but I am coming around on Denver's D. That was just a bad day all around for the Saints though too. Don't see DEN as a Top 10 D, but better than I expected. Still not in love with ability to cover in the middle of the field or stuff a physical inside running game.

Luke (Oakville, Ontario)

Who's had the most impressive rookie class. Dolphins? Pats? Colts? Other?

Matt Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

Now that is tough. CLEV, WASH & SEA HAVE to be in that convo too. BTW, my Rookie Report was posted just a few mins ago. 2 Skins in Top 10. 2 Hawks. Vikes also have an excellent rookie class.

Ed HULKali (at the gym)

Hi M-Dub! Keep up the great work and as you know, we are all pulling for you!

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

Ed, it has been too long since we talked-but I know you always have my back. No one has gotten out of line here lately though.

Mike (San Diego)

M-Dub, Phillip Rivers is SCARY bad these past couple of seasons...do you think he lost "it"? 6 kids, a huge amount of money...I wouldn't have time for football either.

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

6 Kids...Great Googaly Moogaly!!! Forget about "It", he doesn't like getting hit as much now as he used to be able to tolerate it-and he has been getting hit a ton behind that OL. Little chemistry with his newer receivers. Forces things. Skills might have eroded some too. I am not off the bandwagon though...but considering jumping

Adam (Jersey)

Don't forget the Bucs rookies

Matt Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

For certain. Martin is actually this week's featured rookie. David and Barron have been strong too.

Rob (San Antonio)

If Dwyer keeps running like he is now will Mendenhall be trick or treating somwhere else next season?

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Thought that was a possibility either way, but Dwyer might make that process a little easier to decide. But, as strong and with as much attitude as Dwyer has brought, he is running through some huge holes. Steelers' OL has come a long way. And I contend that Mend takes some of those runs that Dwyer gets 12 on and then runs over a DB 60 or 70 yards.

Jake (Dallas)

Encouraging game for Stafford. You still a believer he's a top 10 QB ??

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

Yes. Very encouraging game. Still love Stafford for the long term. His fundamentals were a nightmare this year-lazy with his arm and feet.

Aggie (TX)

How do you omit Mo Claiborne from the Rookie Report? Held Nicks to under 40 yds.

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

He was an Honorable Mention....real good game, but couldn't crack my Top 10.

Matt Williamson

  (12:13 PM)

I just double checked on Claiborne-he was omitted. Sent a note to my editor to get that corrected.

Aggie (TX)

Can the Cowboys defense keep this up? Have been best in their division.

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

It has been for sure. Why wouldn't it keep up? I do think the loss of Lee will be felt at some point and I not have doubts about their ILBs (not Carter) and Safeties in coverage in the middle of the field. But Ratliff is back and making a big impact and Dallas is excellent on the edges.

Randall Cobb (GB)

I'm going to be Percy Harvin for Halloween...since people mistake me for him on the filed anyways...even if Jennings comes back, I'm a top 10 WR? In real life...

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Not Top 10, but a Great Player in the Making. And yes, many similarities to Harvin, although I think Harvin is thicker/stronger/more physical.

Buckley (Danville)

Is Alex Smith an "elite" QB as Harbaugh suggests?

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Oh my no

DeAngelo Williams (pouting)

Do I get to wear a different costume this year? Maybe a green and gold one up north?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

It sure isn't the Packers' style and I don't know how it would work with their cap, but DeAngelo or S Jackson sure would be on my radar if I were charge of that team. Imagine that O with those guys! I have been extremely unimpressed with GBay's RBs this year, including Benson

Boris (Transylvania)

All-Zombie QB list: Sanchez, Newton, Fitzpatrick, Kolb/Skeleton, others?

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

I have faith and hope for Newton though. Rivers might belong on there this year too. Ponder has been zombie-like of late. Bradford? Cassel/Quinn!

Tim (DC)

I thought the Rams were supposed to have a good defense?

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

Well, I firmly believe that NEng still has the best O in the league and will do that to a lot of Ds. But that was a hapless performace accross the pond by STL. We shall see

Aggie (TX)

Andy Reid a dead man walking? How bout Vick?

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

Reid? I think so. I hate to even bring this up, but no one talks about the tragedy this team faces when Reid's son passed away in training camp. Hey, I am not excusing Reid's poor coaching this year, but I would sure have a tough time going through the season under such circumstances. As for Vick, he HAS to be Philly's starter while they are still in the playoff hunt. Has to...esp behind that non-terrible OL.

Derek (Indiana)

Who has the highest ceiling in your opinion in the AFC? Patriots, Broncos or Steelers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

Pats...just need to stop letting up the huge plays

Lou (Denver)

What a mess in KC, Quinn looked horrendous. Any heads gonna roll?

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

They should all roll. And with a Top 5 (or higher) draft pick, KC could be a prime job to take over

Marc (Malden, MA)

You know who's a dead man walking? Anyone who plays QB for KC behind that OL. Both Cassel and Quinn have had concussions this season.

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

Hmmm....cursed? Because...little known fact: KC has one of the very best OLs in the NFL

Blueman (Indy)

Lot of people want to see Romo and Vick lose their jobs but realisticly other than trading way up in the draft where would they find anyone any better?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

Exactly. There is a better argument for Vick to be replaced than Romo. Romo is still a Top 10 guy! During the Niners/Cards Cover it Live when Smith was completing every pass, Romo came up. I said SF or SEA would be the best teams in the NFL with Romo behind center. SF fans went nuts saying they wouldn't trade Smith for Romo under any circumstances...I couldn't agree less. And it isn't like Romo is historically a huge INT guy.

Mike ((Boca Raton))

Will the steelers d be able to slow down Eli and his receivers come sunday?

Matt Williamson

  (12:25 PM)

I am betting not...esp without both starting Safeties if Clark can't go. Could be a shootout-and a real fun one between Eli and Ben...two truly Elite QBs.

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

BTW Mike...Angels and Airwaves on iPod now-great stuff and thanks again for the Blink 182 recommendation!

Aggie (TX)

How great would it be if Norv got fired and joined Jason Garrett in Big D as OC?

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

I do like the sound of that. Have we noticed how tuogh it is to be the Head Coach and also the D (Crennel) or esp the O (Reid/Garrett) play caller? Some do it, but the game management suffers...bad

Jason (FL)

Schwartz says LeShoure has no injury, but no practice for him today. Is Joique the "Bell-cow" in that offense if LeShoure sits?

Matt Williamson

  (12:29 PM)

Kev Smith would prob get increased touches, but I would expect even more throwing (they did just trade for a #4 WR too) and Bell is also a very good reciever at RB

Michael Myers (Your backyard)

What is the REAL difference in Calvin Johnson this year? Wasn't he doubled/tripled up last year too? Is it more the injury than Stafford's effectiveness?

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

Well now, I think Calvin is legit injured and playing through it. Calvin deserves a little heat too-had some bad drops this year. Ds didn't take away the deep ball as drastically last year as they have in 2012. But Stafford deserves much of the blame and before last week, the other DET pass catchers were not stepping up to take heat off Calvin J.

Michael (Cincinnati)

You forgot to mention Pat Shurmur there in the HC who call plays...

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

There are others too, but it isn't for everyone

Aggie (TX)

Is MDub honing a costume for tonight?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Actually because of the storms, Trick or Treating got bumped back to Saturday here...hasn't stopped raining all week. As for a costume, I was wondering if I could pull off "NFL Scout"

Mike (Boca Raton)

Your thoughts, please, on Mike Wallace's market value given his inability to catch footballs that aren't thrown perfectly to him?

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

As for Wallace and his drops, it is def a concern, but it is also a new development. Wasn't a problem before a few weeks ago. Let's see if it keeps up.

Glenn (Antelope)

Any chance Tebow takes the helm? He took Denver alot further than has Sanchez. If Tebow takes over, shrimp cocktails for everyone!!

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

If it is going to happen, I say do it now during the bye. I honestly don't think either is the answer, but Sanchez is the better QB. But that doesn't mean you can't eek out some wins with Tebow to semi-save the season.

David (New Jersey)

I know you were not a McNabb supporter, but I see the current struggles in Pha largely reflecting an inability to replace McNabb and Jim Johnson. Reed and those two guys provided a formula that worked.

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

Never adaquately replaced Johnson, who is truly an all time great. Even with McNabb though, Reid couldn't run his true WCO, which is why I think he was excited about Kolb. Has always been sort of a square peg/round hole situation with Vick and Reid, but remember, Vick fell into their laps for free after his dog fighting mess.

Brad (Atlanta)

Do you see the Falcons making any moves before the trade deadline? Or is it a "don't mess with success" situation?

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Not sure what they would go after. I don't love their RBs one bit, but they are sticking with that stable this year. Not a lot to pick from on the trade market from why I understand.

Marc (Malden, MA)

As a Pats fan, I hope Sanchez/Ryan/Tannebaum are all back next season...but I don't understand why they would be.

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

During his tenure overall, I think Ryan has done a heck of a job-mostly without a QB. As for the other two...I think their time has come to move on. And actually, a backup gig in a new town might be great for Sanchez. Less Pressure. Work on your craft and mature a bit. Another shot will come.

JD (The Time Warp)

Is Ryan Matthews going to get benched again for his fumbling problems?

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

Not sure why they feel the need to throw to Ronnie Brown so often, but NO. Norv is truly fighting for his job and benching his best player would be nuts.

Rob (San Antonio)

Just read where Emmanuel Sanders has to go to the league office to explain his sudden cramp in the game the other day. Do you think players fake injuries on the fiel more than we think they do?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

I do think it happens with some frequency, but that was totally rediculous.

Joe (San Antonio)

The Cowboys D did a heck of a job with the predictament they were put in last week. Is this the year Rob Ryan gets a job?

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Did a fantastic job and saved the game for Dallas. Not sure on Ryan-I think he is certainly qualified, but I want to see what jobs open up and where he might fit.

Tickle Monster (Pennsylvania)

What are you hearing (if anything) about the rumors of Tebow being traded to the Jags? Will he be able to go to the slate with power for Jacksonville, or will he end up in the typical soap battles that he's engaged in during his stays in Denver and New York? Thanks. Take good care now. Have a good life. Bye bye now.

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

TM, I guess I can buy into Tebow going home to JAX. Obviously a much smaller market and they need to sell seats. Hey, I have no problem having Tebow on my roster, but no where near my starting QB position. He has value and is a good football player who can contribute. But he can't be a true QB.

James (England)

How good do you think Chandler Jones will become?

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

One of the best DEs in football before long

Paul (Denver)

Can the Bears make a playoff run with their defense and with an average offense?

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

The D is amazing and obviously it isn't a fluke, but I tend to doubt that they can continue to score on D with the same frequency as they have. Insane pace. But I also think the O is better than it has showed of late. At times, I think they go into a shell and stop attacking.

Aggie (TX)

No way Tebow agrees to go to JAX. He wants the attention that comes with New York.

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

JAX is where he grew up...I have no idea, but I would think he would jump at that chance. Plus, it isn't like he has a No Trade Clause...doubt he has any say in the matter

Blueman (Indy)

Is A.Luck a more cerebral Big Ben?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Mentally, Ben has been excellent of late...but he wasn't eary in his career. There are some similarities, but I think Ben early in his career relied on his size/strength/ad lib style, where Luck has a far better understanding and respect for the structure of the O. Luck is big and strong and can run like Ben, but he doesn't have as much of a power arm as Ben, who can drive the ball with 280 lbs DEs hanging on him. Once Luck's cast of characters around him gets up to speed, he will look much more structured

Corey (D.C.)

How many LBs do you rank above Daryl Washington?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Not many! My Top 50 players list will be coming out at the mid point and Washington is on that list for sure.

Brad (Atlanta)

Do you see Julio Jones as a top 3 receiver in the near future?

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

That is prety lofty but it is do-able for sure. He is still very much a puppy in terms of his route running and feel for reading and setting up a D.

Ryan (Lake Tahoe, CA)

Matt, what do you think of the Raiders' LB core, specifically Burris?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Have been tempted to add Burris to my Rookie Report, but just haven't yet. I like him but I don't see a real special player. I will admit, I need to investigate him deeper though. But I love Wheeler...what a great pick up that was for OAK. Guy is making a ton of plays.

Joe (San Antonio)

Candy corn, yay or nay?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Huge Nay

John (Wisc)

Packers rookies?

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Good group, esp Hayward and McMillion, but not getting enough from their first rounder

David (New Jersey)

Do you like picking games, or is it something you have to do? No one really has any more idea than anyone else, do they?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Can't say I love it, but it also isn't the worst thing in the world! Fun to break down how it might go, how each team should/will attack the other, the individual matchups, etc. But in the end, no one knows-which makes it fun. I can't say I love hearing from fans that "Told me so" when I get a game wrong where I picked against their team. "Isn't personal Sonny...strictly business"

Paul (Boise, Id)

Did you see that PFF rate Russell Wilson as the best QB in the NFC West, ahead of A Smith? What's your take on that?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

I did not...interesting. We had this discussion on the latest Cover it Live too. I said Smith is the best right now by default, but Wilson is improving rapidly and will pass him soon. Huge Wilson fan here.

Paul (Denver)

How has McClellin looked lately? Is he a future 3 down DE?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

They are so deep and their DLinemen can do so many things that McC hasn't had to play a ton of snaps-ease him in during his rookie year, which is a great way to do it. I like what I have seen, but want to see him more on early downs to make that distinction.

Casper (Cheney)

I was a little disappointed when Denver drafted D. Thomas instead of Dez Bryant. Now, it's looking like a pretty good choice, don't you think?

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

Agreed. Both have the ability to be Elite, but I would take Thomas now between the two knowing what we know

John (Wisc)

If Hayward keeps going the way he has been, can he have a shot at DROY?

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

Should be in the discussion, esp if he keeps up the INTs. A stat like that always helps quite a bit. To me though, C Jones is by far the most deserving

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

Folks, I am going to call myself out for not making this chat more Halloweenish, but you guys didn't step you game up either in that regard. Great stuff though overall. I am out