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Hey Pat, Which corner stands out as the Saints #1 and Why ?
Jabari Greer, simply because Saints paid him like a No. 1 corner. All right, we're starting the chat early. Fire away with the questions.
Why are people so down on the right side of the Falcons offensive line? From what I can tell, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo play with a nasty streak, finish off blocks, and do a good job protecting Matt Ryan. Am I missing something here?
Clabo and Dahl aren't the most talented guys in the world as far as pass blocking. But they block well for the run. Mularkey protects them and plays to their strengths and they did a nice job last year.
when Matt Moore started a few years ago, the analysts were praising his performence. Do you think when Delhomme goes he will be considered a steal...(because he was an undrafted free agent).
I wouldn't get too carried away. But Moore has some potential and could develop into something if he gets the chance.
Pat, what do you make of this from KC Joyner in last week's chat regarding a question about who would likely have more of a drop off this year, Ryan or Flacco: "I'd agree that Ryan is the more likely candidate both because he has further to fall and because at some point he'll regress to his collegiate habit of making a lot of bad decisions." Not that this really pertains to his statement, but do you put much stock in the work Joyner does? There are many things you can measure and keep metrics of in football. But not everything, and the "it" that many think Ryan has is not one of them.
I have the utmost respect for KC and his work. But I respectfully disagree with him on this. I think Ryan's only going to keep getting better.
Pat, I just want to say that you are the best blogger by far. You are excellent with your in-depth analysis, give an unbiased view of topics, and simply want to thank you. Keep at it!
Thanks (I'll put your check in the mail this afternoon).
Youve said it before if the saints defense can play average there gonna be a playoff team. What do u think those odds are , and can they at least relatively healthy?
Pretty good. I like their defensive moves. But not having the two DEs for the first four games could get them off to a rocky start and that's been a problem in the past.
Too long to get into here. But I did all-nfc south teams on the blog at the end of the season. Go back and take a look. And I'll try to do preseason all-nfc south teams in August.
What are the odds the bucs land burress
Don't get carried away on that one. They've got to wait to see how his legal situation plays out. There are some other veteran WRs out there and I hear they're doing some sniffing around.
Hey Pat do you agree with Bill Williamson's asssertion that QB is the weakest spot on Tampa's roster? While it doesn't appear they have any world beaters under center, I see the group of McCown, Leftwich, and Freeman as at least servicable. Where I'm concerned with is the D-line and everyone playing CB not named Aqib Talib. Your thoughts?
Actually, it was Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. I can't argue with him. Bucs have nothing proven at QB right now. That could change and they could be all right. But, right now, it's a big question mark.
Hey Pat, sorry about the long question. One question, who would you say is Tampa's greatest QB ever?
Doug Williams, without a doubt.
What do you think the chances of the bucs trying to make deal for a big name receiver like plex or maybe boldin might be?
Possible. But keep your eyes and ears open in the near future. I think there's another veteran WR they might be more interested in.
Pat, I don't know about you or other football fans out there, but I am tired about hearing about Vick. Is he really that news worthy? Should people be wasting their time reporting and reading stories about him. He's a waste of talent, and I honestly think he should not be in the news until a NFL team actually make the desperate mistake to sign him. What do you think?
Personally, I'm more than a little tired of the Vick thing. But the reality is it's a story because of who he is and what he's done and we'll keep hearing about it.
i know that you have said that the saints may be up for a rocky start because they won't have their defensive ends for the first four games of the season. but maybe its not such a bad thing. maybe grant and smith will have a fire lit up under them after not being able to play for the first four games. also, we don't play very difficult teams in the first four weeks. detroit has a rookie quarterback, a rookie HC,a weak offensive line, and a weak front 7. philadelphia is hard. buffalo won't have their star RB, and T.O. will give them locker room problems. the jets have 2 disgruntled runningbacks, a rookie QB, a rookie HC, and no go-to receivers.what do you think?
I'll give you the Detroit game. But those other three aren't that easy. If you can win one of those three, you're in good shape. And I agree Smith and Grant may come back very motivated.
Pat please tell Carlos that I am the best Buc's QB ever!
Casey, you're definitely in the top 30, right there with Scott Milanovich.
Hey Pat. What are the chances of Sammie Stroughter pulling a Marques Colston and becoming a key receiver after being drafted in the 7th round? Could you see him being a regular contributor to the offense this year?
He's looked great in OTAs. Expecting him to be Colston might be too lofty, but I think he can be a solid No. 4, maybe even a No. 3 this season.
HEY PAT, don't leave us hanging! Which receivers have you heard the Bucs are interested in?
I don't have enough to report it yet because it's only preliminary, but they're doing homework on some others. Think about who else is out there or might be out there.
hey pat, love your work. i check up on the nfc south blog every day. have you considered ranking say the nfc souths 20 best players? just an idea.
Sounds like a good idea for the slow days of June and July.
Pat, I don't get why there's no love for the Bucs O-LINE. Its by far one of the best and youngest groups in the league.PS: I have no idea of who casey weldon is.
It is a very good o-line. Strongest area of the team. Casey Weldon was a backup QB for Bucs in the mid-90s. Once beat up Dilfer on a golf course -- that's his claim to fame.
Hey Pat, who do you see having a break out season for the saints?
Not sure if it qualifies as breakout, but I think Sedrick Ellis had a nice rookie season, but will really be a force this year.
With such a talent as D. Jarrett was at college why do the Panthers not use him more to free up Smith over the middle, Do you see that them having him take on a bigger role
I think they're going to give Jarrett a shot this year. I think he started to earn the trust of the coaches at the end of last season and that was an issue in the past.
What about Roy Miller? What kind of impact do you see him making this season? I could see him getting into the rotation with Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims
I can see Roy Miller starting if he shows anything at all. I'm not sold on the two guys you mentioned at all.
PY, good afternoon. Because I love to tease you about this, which Spring/Summer QB story are you more tired of: Culter to the bucs or Vick's story in general?
Hmm, Vick gets the nod right now. But, heck, we've got a couple months until training camp starts. No telling what Favre may do in the meantime.
Pat, Is Jarrett another 'Eric Shelton' or is he going to start living up to his draft pick?
No, there's at least still hope for Jarrett. Shelton just never had his heart in it. Jarrett at least tries.
What is Warick Dunn going to do? Is he retired?
Says he still wants to play. Might be one of those deals where somebody signs him after they have an injury in camp.
Hey Pat, I heard Pierre Thomas is working very hard this offseason. Do you see as the every down back the saints need?
I think Pierre's a solid back and closest thing Saints have to an every-down back. But I'm not sure they need him to be that. Give him bulk of the carries, but mix Reggie and a short-yardage guy in there, too.
BIG PAT, do you think the Bucs are more confident in their QB's than we know? they're loading up on targets (bryant, winslow, the mystery man). That'd be a waste if the QB couldn't get the ball to them.
I think they're just trying to give QBs best possible chance to succeed by surrounding them with good players. Ideally, I think they'd like McCown to play well enough to start all season and let Freeman learn slowly.
is it Marvin Harrison?
Might be one of a couple to keep an eye on.
Who would be the better franchise QB for the Panthers if something happened to Delhomme: McCown or Moore?
McCown. Panthers are paying him good money and think he has the ability to be a starter.
HEYY PAT. LOVE THE BLOGS YOU POST! YOUR DOIN A FANTASTIC JOB!! IM A BIG FALCONS FAN OVER HERE IN THE OC! WATCH EVERYGAME! LOL CONSTANTLY ON THE COMP. TRYING TO READ SUMTHIN NEW BOUT THEM. THATS WHERE YOU SAVE MY LIFE! BUT WITH ALL THAT BEING SAID... WWITH THE FALCONS HAVING ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENCES IN THE NFL AND A DEFENCE THAT WE HAVE NO IDEAS GONNA TURN OUT.. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ATLANTA FALCONS UPCOMING NFL SEASON? HOW DO YOU BELIEVE THEY WILL DO?? THANKSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Think they're gonna be good again. But the schedule's very tough and the defense will have to come on quickly to get them to the playoffs.
Pat, do you think any of the undrafted rookie FA's will come in and help Carolina this year? What about that Larry Beavers kid Tom wrote about in the Observer yesterday? He averaged like 40 yards per kick return and 30 per punt return (even though it was a small college). That kid also runs a high 4.2 and low 4.3 in the 40....those look good to me!
Yeah, I read Tom's story, too and Beavers sounds promising. Tom loves to pick out a long shot with a good story this time of year. Sounds like a guy to keep an eye on.
I think the Bucs should resign Kevin Carter to be a veteran mentor for Gaines Adams. What are your thoughts?
Not gonna happen. Check out the blog. I've got a big column on Adams that should be posted over there now.
hey pat, huge saints fan here. in my opinion i believe a 4 game suspension might be the best thing for will smith and charles grant. with the off season additions of hargrove and spicer they will actually have to earn the two DE spots. if hargrove and spicer both perfrom well in smith and grants absence gregg williams will have those two bustin their butts to get the starting jobs back. something they havent had to do in their careers at new orleans. your thoughts?
It might be just what those two need. And don't forget Bobby McCray. I think he can be a force if they use him as a situational pass rusher.
Pat, do you see any sophomore slump coming for Ryan, Stewart, or Talib?
Nope, none of the above.
True or False. The Buccaneers will be in the top 5 for rushing yards.
I'll say true. But I'll put their pass offense somewhere between 25 and 32.
Pat, what do you think the likely hood is of Dan Morgan playing for the Saints. This would be a dream come true.
As I've said many times, I'd love to see Morgan stay healthy and have a great year. He's one of my favorite people in the NFL. But the reality is injuries are always a concern with him.
You've been to some Bucs OTA's. How does Raheem look at the helm? Decisive, hesistant, in control?
In control. Though he acted decisively by running their legs off the day after the Talib incident last week.
You think Double Trouble will be a strong force again this year?
Yep, absolutely. Whole offense is built around them.
Hey Pat -- are the Falcons still in the NFCS?
Last I heard.
Do you think that Jamal Anderson will finally have a breakout year? Or should we just label him a bust?
Give him this season and then it's fair game to make a call.
What do you think about Sherod Martin? He was the 2nd pick, in the 2nd round for the Panthers. Seems like not many people are talking about him. He is needed to step up big time (probably as much, if not more than Brown) to feel in for Marshall's vacated spot. I expect we'll see a LOT of 3 receiver sets in the NFC south this year. So, that nickel/dime back is very important.
Yep, Sherod's gonna have to play right away as the nickel behind Marshall and Gamble. Nickel is basically a starter these days.
So you're just ignoring all my (and others') Falcons questions today? Did you have a bad Varsity chili dog??
No, as always, the questions pop in fast and furious and I answer what's on the screen in front of me at the current moment.
Is Ovie Mughelli the best lead blocker in the game today?
Top five. Very important part of that offense.
Have you heard anything more about the Barrett Rudd deal?
Nothing, but Mark Dominik's been out of pocket this week. He'll be back next week and I'm sure they'd like to get Ruud resolved before camp starts.
In all likelihood, what are the chances that Malcolm Jenkins just ends up playing Safety?
They're gonna start off with him at CB. I think he can play it.
How concerned are the Saints w/ Colston's knee? If he's out or hobbled, that O isn't nearly as tough to defend.
I'll be able to give you a better answer next week when I go to New Orleans for minicamp.
hey pat. i love your work. in your opinion who has the best O line in the nfc south??
Carolina.
Pat, CC doesn't speak for the rest of us, I appreciate the spread of questions. Anyways, Len Pasquarelli put the Falcons 20th on the Power Rankings(3rd in the South), does he know something we don't?
Len's one of the best in the business and one of my mentors. Not sure for his rationale on that, but I'm sure he wasn't just guessing. Think I had the Falcons 9 or 10.
Pat, Got any advice on what to do with my J. Peppers jersey? I tried selling it on E-Bay but found I couldn't even give it away!
Donate to charity -- tax write-off.
Is it Matt Jones?
That's not one of the names I've heard.
Pat, I'm a huge panthers fan and of your blog. My question is if you can think of one sleeper on the Panther's roster to step up big this season?
Dan Connor because he's a Penn State guy.
Pat, do you think Meachem is going to have a turn around?
Yeah, I think he has a chance to contribute. Not saying he's gonna come through with 80 catches, but I think he's ready to make a step.
So you're a huge fan of Ki-Jana Carter and Blair Thomas?
Don't forget John Cappelletti.
BIG PAT, last question. Do you think the Bucs are done at the D tackle position? or do you think they may try to add someone else? Thanks for getting to my questions
I hope so because I think they're very weak there. But, seriously, who else you gonna get now?
Pat, did you grow up wanting to be a journalist and then found football? Or are you like the rest of us and loved football first and used journalism as away to get into the sport?
Way too long a story to get into here. My degree's actually Pre-Law. Was gonna be a lawyer. But long story short, loved to write an loved sports and it just kind of happened.
So what do you think of Peppers signing his tender and staying in Carolina?
Seems to be about his only choice. That or holding out for the season.
Hey Pat have you seen WR Kelly Campbell in action for the Bucs yet and what do you think are his chances of making the squad? He has NFL experience and averaged something like 23 yards per reception in the CFL. The reason I ask is it seems the local media has been running several "feel good, player on the rebound" type articles about him lately.
He's looked good in OTAs and he was a popular target for local media yesterday at a time when they're looking for off-beat stories. He's got a shot. But, remember, lots of guys look good in May and June. Maurice Stovall's had some great May and Junes. So have Robert Meachem and Dwayne Jarrett.
Do you see the falcons making any late offseason additions like they made with Foxworth last year?
Dimitroff's always gonna be on the lookout for that kind of thing. But who knows who'll be out there.
Pat. There's a lot of talk about the Saints DE's underachieving. While it's justified that Charles Grant has I don't think it's far to criticize Will Smith the same way. He has been a very good end since coming to the league. He had an off year last year but was playing with an undisclosed sports hernia. When healthy he is a top 12 DE and people around the league should recognise his toughness. Your thoughts?
Smith and Grant both have talent to be very good. They just need to do it consistently.
Pat, when I look at the Panthers defense, I see a lot of young guys who should only improve -- yet analysts seem to be predicting that the Carolina D will have a major decline.Charles Godfrey, Charles Johnson, Dan Connor, Jon Beason, and Richard Marshall are all really young guys at impactful positions, and I see no reason why all of them shouldn't improve -- particularly Godfrey and Johnson.Do you expect the Panthers to return to a top 10 D or do you expect the decline of the other analysts?
I think the concern is with the front four and not knowing how the Peppers situation plays out. The back seven is very good.
Tony Gonzales, Jeremy Shockey, and Kellen Winslow. Which of these guys has the best and worst year?
In order of best to worst for this season: Gonzalez, Winslow, Jeff King and Shockey.
Braylon Edwards? Bucs seem to like dealing with the browns.
I've heard some rumblings of that being at least a possibility, but not at the forefront right now.
Is Sam Baker all fully healed from his injuries from last season or did he show any signs of discomfort during the Falcons mini camp? He looks like he could be a solid LT for us for years, so long as he isn't injury plagued
Looked fine in minicamp. Of course, back issues are always tricky. But they think they've got him taken care of.
pat, what do you think of the saints using reggie bush in the slot and using him in motion situations. in my opinion payton is using him in all the wrong ways. too me he is a liability at the RB position due to his inability to run north and south. your thoughts?
My thoughts are pretty much the same as your thoughts on that one.
Will the bucs pick up plax or matt jones
I'd bet against both of them.
Will Smith is not and never has been a top 12 DE in the league. Talent and production are two very different things.
I didn't say he's a top 12 guy. Just said he and Grant have the potential to be very good if they play up to their potential.
Pat, I'm a huge panthers fan and of your blog. My question is if you can think of one sleeper on the Panther's roster to step up big this season?
Dan Connor.
Other than at RB, what would you say is Carolina's strongest position?
Offensive line.
If Adrian Arrington turns out to be a good WR, Do you see the Saints maybe using Colston and Arrington as 1 and 2 and then playing Lance Moore in the Slot?
Hey, I'm high on Arrington, too. But the guy was a seventh-round draft pick. Let's not go making him a starter just yet. He could turn into that, but Lance Moore's a starter for the forseeable future.
Heya, Pat. Thanks for hanging in there through the May-July slump. Is there a reall chance that Charles Grant and the Fresh Prince can serve their suspensions at different times?
Doubtful. Only if they somehow get really creative with the appeals.
It's hard reading some of the blogs that come from the Tampa Bay media. What were once loyal fans seem to continually bash the Bucs and the moves they have made this off-season. To me, I remain very optimistic. I think that 99% of these moves will only help this team. I feel that they will have an honest competition at every position. They have brought in new blood to compete. All the players seem to have a positive attitude about this open competition. They have brought in a great coaching staff that have all had success at some point in time in their careers. Please write an article for the blog to help bring back some optimism for us Bucs fans.
Yeah, moving back to Tampa after being in Charlotte for nine years, it's been a little surprising to see how (some) Bucs fans have changed through the years. Seems to be a lot more knee-jerk reaction now. Back in the old days, there was a more patient approach.
Steve smith is one of the best WRs in the NFL - will he ever win a SB in Carolina, and can he eventually make it to the Hall of Fame playing in Charlotte?
He can make the HOF. Needs about five or six more good years and a Super Bowl would certainly help.
Thats one that I can definently agree with, but were you just saying that because you like Penn State or you actually believe that?
Both.
Pat, which, if any, player eligible for that HOF in the next few years will enter as Saints??
Morten Anderson. Willie Roaf. But let's clarify one thing: In football HOF, you don't enter designated for one team. Tha's only in baseball.
Any news on Marvin Harrison? Some team has to be interested in his services!
I think there are some teams starting to show interest in Marvin. Be patient. He's not a guy who needs to be in workouts right now.
It's obvious that the best/worst corps on the bucs right now are the OL and DL, respectively. Behind that, what's really the #2 best and worst positions? The easy answer for worst is QB, but looking around, I have a few questions marks everywhere. At safety, you have Sabby and Jackson but no depth. WRs are a bit inconsistent. LBs you have Ruud and maaaaaybe Phillips, but again, untested depth. RBs, you have Graham and Ward, but Caddy is coming of another knee injury. Could it be possible that the second best position behind OL is TE?!
Bucs have great TE depth, for what that's worth.
I'm surprised you picked OL with the depth issues on the O-Line and not LB with our depth there and Beason running things in the middle.
LB is very solid, too. No argument on that.
Kudos for fleeing the Media General ship, which continues to circle the drain. Love the mindset of less content = less circulation = more reduction in content. Gayle Sirens can double on the sports desk.
Sad to see. Still have many great friends there.
Pat can you clarify the HOF thing? Do you go into the HOF with the last team you played for? Is that why retired players sign one day contracts? Thanks Pat.
No, repeating, in football HOF, you don't go in designated as being affiliated with any one team. That's only baseball, so they can put the right cap on you.
Pat I just want to see my name on the screen. Best all-around offense in the division?
All-around? ATL.
Pat, I keep reading you say that you think that Leftwich will be the Bucs starter this year (at least until Freeman is ready). I just wonder why you think that? Byron has experience I suppose but he couldn't even beat our Redman in Atlanta for the backup job. He is has slow feet and even slower delivery and it seems that the team is very intent on McCown starting. He doesn't seem to be a guy you would want Freeman to watch and learn the position from. Please explain.
Not sure when or if I said Leftwich would be starter. If anything, right now, I'd say McCown until Freeman's ready.
Thanks for answering my question Pat. Here's one more:Mike Goodson was a draft pick I didn't fully understand. In college he was a poor man's Reggie Bush -- so how will the Panthers use him? Will he be the Ahmad Bradshaw of our running game? Will he line up in the slot? Be used for Smoke? Or just return?
All of the above, in a best-case scenario. At very least, I think you'll see him on returns.
Who do you think will be the NFC South MVP this year? Pick an offensive and defense player.
Brees and Beason.
With such weak lines and no QB, if the Bucs are terrible, is it possible Morris is fired after this year?
Yes, in this day and age, there's not a lot of patience. But let's give the guy a chance for now.
Bucs offensive and deffensive mvps this yr
Ward and Ruud.
Pat, which NFC South QB and NFC South DEF do you want with 2 minutes left in the game and the game on the line?
QB may shock you, but I'd take Ryan. Defense, right now, Carolina's the only choice.
Hey Pat, cheers for answering my last question! How long will the Falcons give Anderson before they pull him in favour of Davies? He had a much better than Jamaal last year, then again, so did Biermann.
They're hoping the light comes on in camp. If it doesn't, then Chauncey gets the starting job.
Which do you think will be the strongest division in the league this season?
NFC South. You think I'd say anything else?
Hey Pat. Do you think the Saints found the center fielder they were looking for with Sharper in Gregg Williams' scheme? Also, how do you think Jenkins will do this year?
Yeah, I think Sharper helps and I think Jenkins either starts or is the nickel back.
Raheem can run the boys all he wants. I don't see him being the Parcells intimidator type. He had better be ready to keep his boys focused for 60 minutes every Sunday and find a creative way to hide his D-line weaknesses. If the last four games of last year are any indication, those boys up front could be in for a long sixteen weeks.
Agree with you on D-line. Especially DTs. I think that's gonna be a real problem area. Two more questions before I run.
How much longer does Ronde Barber have in the league?
I'm guessing two years.
Enough of these softball, easy lob questions. Recently, there was an article on the ESPN MLB homepage about cheering in the pressbox. Is it frowned upon in the NFL as well or is that just a MLB thing. Thanks Pat.
Very much frowned upon. In fact, there's an announcement made at the start of each game that no cheering is allowed and you can be removed if you break the rule. You won't see any print media breaking the rule, but it sometimes happens with radio and tv guys.
Pat, please tell me that it's not my fault.
It's not your fault. Good luck with the new gig. I've got to run. Thanks for stopping by.
The local guys can't cheer from the press box?
Absolutely not. Seriously, I've seen people have their credentials taken away for cheering. Know it may seem odd to fans, but journalists are supposed to be impartial.