|
ESPN: SportsNation |
Hello everyone, hope you're having a good Friday...
What was your reaction of the Steve Mcnair death?
Sad. I don't know how anyone's first reaction could be anything but sadness. No one deserves to die like that.
Does peyton manning need to win another ring for his carrer i know hes got one but for all the record breaking stats and reg season wins comparing to a losing playoff record you kind of look at it as he should have won more SB kind of like farve Who had bad playoff games and In my mind got the pass a lot compared to Manning Top 5 alltime qb for me But if peyton wants to be the best ever He needs to win 1 or 2 more rings and play big in the playoffs dont get me wrong love peyton but he should have more than one ring.
I think he will go down as one of the all-time great QBs if he finishes with one ring, but certainly another would make his resume even more impressive.One ring was good enough for Favre's reputation, and Marino is a top all-timer with none.
QUESTION TO PAUL AT 2.10PM PM HI PAUL WHATS WAS STEVIE MCNAIR FINAL STATICS FROM SUPER BOWL VS RAMS JANUARY 30 2000
He completed 22 of 34 passes for 214 yards and ran eight times for 64 yards.
Since Kukiak has taken over the reigns of the Texans, the draft classes have been pretty good and even great (2006). With this plethora of talent and the CBA lockout on the horizon, tough choices need to be made on who to give priority regarding contracts. I feel some players, i.e. Dunta wanting a signifcant contract (I have watched plenty of games last year and watched him get burnt), are overvaluing themselves. Others rightfully deserve big paydays, i.e. DeMeco and Owen. Also I worry about the other role players (Walter, Pitts,etc.) and future problems (Slaton, Mario) that will arise. How do you see this shaking out?
I think they have all the leverage with Robinson (who will sign the franchise tender no matter how unhappy he is), Ryans and Daniels. Presuming there is no cap next year, Ryans and Daniels can be restricted free agents at best. If there is a cap, they shouldn't let those guys get near unrestricted free agency.They need to lock up top guys regardless, though, and I suspect they will with a few more.
Paul K, who do the Titans have behind Finnegan and Harper? I know they got Mouton from Hawaii, but the lack of depth at CB concerns me more than any position should a starter go down.
DeMarcus Faggins, Cary Williams and Mouton are the top three. Corner depth is a concern.
Hi Paul! It seems like the big Fantasy Football buzz of the AFC South is Anthony Gonzalez, at least in terms of breakout starts. I love AG and think he is a very good WR, but some people are saying he is faster than Wayne, a better deep threat, and a better route-runner. What kind of season do you expect from him stat-wise?
I think he'll be close to 1,000 yards if not beyond it, score more and be quite good.
I see the Texans' defense taking over as the top in the division this year. With the emphasis they have put on the front 7 in recent drafts they are building correctly. What do you think of their chances to make a playoff push this season.
I think if they get in the playoffs it's going to be from third place in the division unless Titans or Colts have bad injury bugs.Secondary remains a concern.
Do you think Torry Holt will become relavant again as a top 20 WR with Jacksonville?
I do.
Hi Paul as always thanks for the time it is greatly appreciated. I was wondering what your take is on the Jags? Is this team going to self destruct or was last year a fluke? Plus what significant moves on the o-line were made to improve this team ?
I think the one thing it won't do is self-destruct. The Jaguars don't have great talent, but they do have a much better locker room and much better talent. I think they know they are a young rebuilding team, that few jobs are locked down and that they have to compete and play hard and very well to win.I expect them to be a bit better and to show forward progress. But they still need a lot of personnel help.
How do Kenny Britt and Jarad Cook look so far? Will they both be in the starting lineup at some point this season?
Probably neither in the starting lineup this season.Cook has looked great, but OTAs are made for a guy like him. Britt missed time with a hamstring.Britt should be the third receiver behind Justin Gage and Nate Washington. Cook should be the second pass-catching tight end behind Bo Scaife.
Hi Paul, we were wondering what you think will eventually happen to LenDale White. Surely he will never be the #1 over CJ-4.24, but will the Titans try and trade him or let him walk?
Trading him is not possible -- this is the last year of his contract. It's not like baseball where you deal a guy approaching free agency.He'll be second to CJ and still get a lot of favorable situation carries.The Titans will surely let him test the market, and it seems with Javon Ringer they are preparing for life after LenDale.
The funny thing about Faggins is Texan fans feel the exact same way about him as Titan fans did when the Texans signed RB Chris Brown the previous offseason (i.e. good riddance). Here's hoping one of the rookies step up, and more importantly Harper and Finnegan stay healthy.
Excellent comparison.I'm told as the Titans play more zone, they think he can fare better in their scheme. I think if the kids are good and he's not, he might not be on the roster.But Fisher falls in love with veteran backup corners if they win him over.
Reminder: We're talking AFC South.Regulars: Finley has interfered again. The streak continues!
Hey Paul, someone is trying to edit your Wiki page saying that you enjoy dressing like a vulcan and going to Star Trek conventions. We are trying to confirm the accuracy of this statement. Is it true?
My page or Graham's?What I love most about Wiki is its airtight accuracy.
PK: Im not a Texans' fan, but I really see them competing for the division title this year. With an improved pass rush, it will make the secondary look better than it is. Besides the secondary, what other concerns do you have preventing the Texans from a divsion title? Schaub's health?
Beyond Williams, Smith and a healthy Okoye, their D-line people are unproven.Weakside linebacker won't be a strength, though I would think Adibi beats out June.They have a return man who fumbles a lot.They are inexperienced at winning important games, don't play well on the road and don't fare well in the division -- things they have to overcome to make a jump.
What has gotten into me signing so many of our draft picks so early? Don't I usually wait until the last minute?
Efficiency is a good quality.
Any chance the Bronco's battle out the Raiders for the worst record in the South this season?
I would not actually be that surprised. I expect the Broncos to be bad.
Paul, will you be attending the McNair services in Hattisburg?
No, I was there last night obviously, and was not asked to make the trip.
Paul,Will the Colts be able to stop the run this year AND keep Sanders healthy???
Sanders is healthy ever other year, so this should be his year, right?They will defense the run better. And middle of the pack should be fine for them.
Paul, who will be the odd man out of the Titan's RB depth chart (other than Henry), Little, Ringer, or Ganther? They all ready have Johnson, White, and Hall. Surely they won't keep 6 RB's, will they?
Ringer is on the team. Ganther or Little will be out, and right now it would be Little.
In an NFL world were most coaches are fired after 2-4 years, what's Fishers secret? He's had a few run ins with players, they've been steady but not outstanding...where does the confidence from the ownership come from?
He's respected and liked by his colleagues, other teams, players and fans.Steady has won him a long tenure. In such a lengthy span, a record near .500 is about right -- that's what the league strives to create. Obviously Pats and Steelers and Colts have been better than that.If he got fired, teams would line up for him. Bud Adams finally decided being Steelers-like with steadiness is a good thing.It also allows Fisher to have a stable, high-quality staff because they share his job security.
Since when are the Broncos and Raiders in the South?
Good job getting me back on the division with an excellent question.
Paul, it sounds like you drank a large glass of hater-ade with lunch today. The Texans have been 8-8 two years in a row (last year with a hurricane to start the season). Last year they went 3 and 3 in the division and twice showed that they potential to beat the colts. They have upgraded their defensive personnel and changed philosophy. Unlike say...the Haynseworth-less titans. Why do you have to hate so much. Can't you just admit it's possible that they could place 2nd or better in the AFC South.
Showed the potential? You want me to project big things on that? Please.I like Houston and I think the Texans will improve. I'm hating because I also expect Tennessee and Indy to stay good?Of course they could place better -- I'm not a prophet and the league is unpredictable, which is why it's so good. I was asked my opinion and I gave it.
Folks have been on me since I have been a little harsh on Steve and his parenting skills. Can you tell these people that I have to give my opinion immediatly, instead of waiting a week or so. There is no time to wait in this Twitter-filled society.
There are reasonable objections to the column. The timing isn't one of them. He's reflecting on the news of the day, which is his job.People need to be less emotional. Listen to Cowherd instead of Rome and follow his teachings.
People have had an easier time finding me than this chat. Are you trying to put me out of business?
Hey, I was at a funeral Thursday. Wasn't exactly an appropriate chat location. Things happen.And look, you found me.
Excellent coverage this week on McNair. Are you following through to Mississippi this wknd or are you done after last night?
Thank you very much. I was lucky to have such a perspective on Steve from witnessing nearly all of his career up close.I will post something more this afternoon and check in on Mississippi funeral from here.
Are you gonna help me move or what? I'll give you some Zima.
I can guess your salary. Bust of the wallet and hire some guys.
Id listen to Cowherd more if he didnt go on so many non-sports related rants!
Love him. Share many of his sensibilities. Wish he was reading.
Will Vince Young still be a Titan in 2 years?
Not in one year.And possibly not this year.
Who do you think will be the "breakout" player in 2009 from the AFC South?
Depends on definition of breakout. To me Anthony Gonzalez is already established, so that's too easy. Same for Nate Washington.I've written it's Brian Cushing. I could see it being Derrick Groves or Donald Brown or Jason Jones.
What did you think of the sermon at Steve's funeral? I though the pastor was pretty amazing, especially his bit on how we shouldn't judge Steve
He was excellent. But as I said on the radio in Nashville this morning, I am still conflicted about the whole 'cast no stones' theme.No, we shouldn't judge McNair. But people suffer consequences for their sins, and I don't think discussing that amounts to throwing stone.I think it's reasonable to salute a good player and a good community guy, while still sorting through our questions about the circumstances of his death.
With the defenses of the South beefing up, what is the chance that Manning and his sweet behind will have another great season?
Multiple posts of the same question in quick succession get you kicked out, not answered.
Personally I thought the Whitlock column was terrible. Clearly we could all put two and two together and see what led to his death, but that was no place to comment on him as a father. He started out saying he wasn't the "morality police" but then went ahead and skewered him for his moral judgements. Just awful.
He can comment on anything he likes. It's part of America.
If you want to win games in 2011...Who do you think you QB would be? Vince Young or Kerry Collins?
Neither. And it won't be either of those guys.
What's the chances of the NFL going to an 18 game season? Maybe that will take a little attention away from me, for at least a couple of weeks.
Quite a strategy. I think it should happen and I think it will happen eventually.
Austin Collie is going be a break out player. Mark it down.
I like him and expect good things. But what's a breakout for a rookie receiver?
I don't know what Mike Walker said. I don't know who Black Joe Lewis is.Please help me with more context when you can.
Dude, can I have some water? It's hot out here!
You're fine. I just sprinted to check on you. For a ferocious guard dog, you're being a little whiny.
Out of the 15 or so Titans to be free agents next year, which ones, if any, do you see them extending this year, i.e. KVB, Bulluck, Tully, etc.?
I think KVB may be the most important. I won't be surprised if Bulluck is gone.If there is no cap, he's one of a small pool who could hit the jackpot if there is a team that feels it's one OLB away from a Super Bowl run.A lot of the other guys are more role players than necessities.
Who do you think will be the most improved team in 2009 from 2008?
Seattle? Maybe GB.
When will there be a rookie salary cap and why has it not already been done? It seems like an obvious move - reward for performance, not for potential.
Has to be a negotiated part of the CBA. And I don't know that it will be a salary cap. It will be some mechanism to keep down the salaries of the top picks.I expect it will be a piece of the next deal.
Just wondering, but why is football so boring? Shouldn't you watch something exciting like boxing instead?
Can someone out there show him the door?Dude, you came to a football chat to complain about the subject matter? Slow day, huh?
What good does Speculation about what happened or why it happened do for the McNair family? No matter what we say, Steve isn't coming back, and I think it's making it harder on his family to deal with this entire situation because of judgment by the media like Whitlock
I respect the family, and know it's very difficult for them.But others of us also need to sort through it, no?That's not defending Whitlock, it's saying if the community needs to discuss things to come to terms with them, it's allowed.
So does your definition of break out entail having past experience/production to compare to? I would think anyone making a big contribution who wasn't making one before would be a break out player, regardless of whether the reason was because he was in college last year or didn't play much/well in the league.
Example: I saw Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie picked as an NFC West breakout player. The guy played 16 games, started 11, was very good, had four picks and played in the Super Bowl.To me, that's good enough that he's an obvious choice to play very well in 2009. And, Ryan, I suspect you don't want obvious choices, right?
That's a personal foul against Eric from Fresno for whining about football when it's the greatest sport ever. 15 yards and he is ejected from the chat.
Any self-penalty for late arrival?
When was the last time you went to a dry wedding?
It was 1999 or 2000, I think. Why?
PK - Do you see Dave Ball coming on stronger than last year? I think it was Cecil or Washburn who said that if the season were to start today that he would be starting. Your thoughts?
It was Wash. If Ball is healthy, I think he builds on things and is a player. No fluke. Finally found right situation.
Hey Paul, I enjoy your work. How do you see Courtney Roby doing this year?
I see him getting cut at the end of camp. You know, the usual.
What's your exercise regimen? Never seen anything, but a head shot. I assume you are fit and trim the way you crack on Mark Howard and Frank Wycheck on 104.5 the zone. You didn't even give Frank a break this morning, telling him he was fatter than all of his retired counterparts at the funeral.
Now, now, let's be fair. I included him in a group with Gary Walker, who looks about the same, but has a mustache.I'm no exercise machine. Except compared to Howard. (Sorry Mark, hope you're enjoying Anaheim.)
Any chance the Titans draft another QB in 2010?
I'd be surprised if they don't.
Paul: Can you name some second day draft picks from this draft that may have a real impact for their teams? Thanks.......MM
Nice, Mike.Second day is now third round or beyond:TEN -- Cook, MoutonINDY -- Taylor, Collie, McAfeeHOU -- Hill, CaseyJAX -- Knighton, Cox. all three WRsThose are all really about opportunity than anything else.
Hey, I use my CardioTwister once a week, whether I need it or not!
With a shirt on, we hope.
Do you think Nate Washington will have anywhere near the mediocre season he had at Pittsburgh last year? His hands arent the best so it leaves me to wonder. Should I dunk on him?
If DBs follow him deep and he catches one of every four, that still helps the Titans, who gain room for their top weapon, Chris Johnson, to operate.I wish he's admit he has had drop problems, but it's not most WRs' nature.He is unquestionably an upgrade over Justin McCareins.
who would you feel better about being your no.2 Orlovsky or Grossman?
I'd put my faith in Kubiak's initial read -- Orlovsky. Thinks he's better suited to their system and more like Schaub.
How do you think LenDale White will do this year, any chance he slims down?
He's already slimmed down, may have even been under 230.
Are we slowing down, folks?
I'd love to hit each team once more before Ed calls it a chat. Bring it.
I'm kind of hurt by that. Here I guided an offensively-challenged Bears team to the Super Bowl just a few years ago, and now I can't beat out a guy who ran out of the endzone cause he was scared of Jared Allen? What gives?
People looked at film and saw promise for Orlovsky, thought they could make him better. I think most think you maxed out and are too inconsistent.I hate that back-of-the-end-zone safety too, and I don't want my quarterbacks to lack an understanding of the construct of the field.But he laughs about it now. Another boneheaded move and he's in big trouble with me.
How big of a role will Bo Scaife play in the offense this season?
Still significant. You hope with the receiver adds and Cook, they go to him a little less.He only had more than three catches once in the Titans' last seven games last season.
Will Jacksonville be drafting a QB next year?
I suspect yes, but am reserving judgment on Garrard because of the circumstances last season.But people much more familiar with him than me don't think he cuts it.
How wil steve mcnairs death affect the titans play this year?
Not one bit, and that's not saying anything bad about McNair at all.He wasn't on the team anymore. It's not like they haven't gotten to having another quarterback in the huddle.Guys leave teams all the time, by the way, and I've found players think very little about who's not in the huddle once they circle up.
If groves and Harvey step up and have a big breakout season do you see the jags defense being able to hold up better than people expect?
Still, there would be concerns at tackle (at least one, maybe two if Henderson doesn't snap back) and at one spot in the secondary. And all those linebackers underachieved last year.Lots of questions. I think their defense may have more than their offense.
Colts. Looking for a good Colts question to end on. C'mon Indy. Paulie needs some new shoes.
Who finds their No. 1 receiver first, Tennessee or Jacksonville?
Whether you like him or not, and whether he fits your definition of a No. 1, the Titans like Justin Gage as theirs.And Torry Holt is unquestionable No. 1 in Jacksonville.So they've both already found theirs.
What's up, Paul? You all healed up after I dunked on you in Bristol a few months ago?
Now the story goes there was a race and a basketball game?Oh yeah, now I remember. Remember how I confiscated the tape?
Besides MJD is there anything promising on jacksonville?
Young offensive lineman, new vibe with Gene Smith, better locker room and character, Holt...
Why didn't you ask for a Colts question earlier? I would have prepared one..... I feel like we aren't communicating very well. By the way, have you checked out ESPN mobile? It's a good way to stay on top of all the latest news from around the league.
Sorry Peyton. Let's do lunch.I read most of the other ESPN.com blog network on my BlackBerry as I move about.Unfortunately, those clicks don't count on my main totals, so I need you to set up a program where all your computers click on the blog on the web over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over...Get my drift?
Paul: Do you think we will see more AFC South defenses trying to mimic the heat that the Chargers provide on Peyton. Especially since their run game is still suspect after last season? Thanks...MM
Everybody wants to. But the ball is usually out of his hand by the time people get to him.It's not so easy to mimic a team's approach if you don't have the same personnel.
How many good years does Peyton Manning have left on him? 3 or 4? Or is he able to go more productive years?
I say at least five. He's 33, right? A lot of great quarterbacks haven't played their best ball until well after that.
Thanks much folks. Next week we should be back to Thursday at 3 ET. Friend me on Facebook, follow the AFC South Blog on Twitter, and send questions to my mailbag. Have a wonderful weekend.