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Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me! Extra special M-Dub Birthday Chat today! Tunes blaring. Got my party hat on. Try to keep up!!!!
Saw Roger Waters in Portland a few weeks ago. Have you had the chance to see his show? Football question: Kafka looks like the backup, can he be AJ Feeley part two?
I have seen Floyd three times and Money is blaring as we speak-loud. But my buddy Ponce bought us tickets for The Wall the last time RW was in Pittsburgh. Turns out it was on a Sunday night during the NFL season...so I had to give them up. But he is coming again here in July...will be there with bells on. The Kafka/Feely comparison seems about right. I think he was drafted to be a get-it-out-quick WCO QB when the Eagles thought Kolb was going to be the starter.
Considering the Vikings Current Roster would 2015 be the most reasonable goal as to when they could be serious Playoff Contenders?
Critical season coming up for Minny-in just one respect. Where is Ponder after the 2012 season? That will be a reasonable body of work to judge him on. I have high hopes for Ponder, but if he fails-that will obviously put the franchises progress back quite a bit. But I am expecting him and the O to progress slowly but surely this season. And then another strong offseason, particularly on D, Minny could have something.
I have noticed the last couple of chats you saying the Colts will be terrible i say you have it wrong i see them going 8-8. and why do you hate the colts
I don't hate any team. They were terrible last year. This new staff is taking on a massive rebuilding project on both sides of the ball, where they are also switching schemes. Not much in the cupboard. I see the D being the worst in the NFL and the O going through many growing pains.
Is this a "milestone" birthday, Matthew?
Three Niner...365 Days away from the Big 40
Matt - what do you think of the Jets offseason additions (Tebow, Landry, Bell) in addition to their draft (Coples, Hill, Davis, Gannaway)? what type of impact will we see them have this season? Finally - prediction on their regular season record? Thanks!!!
Not sure that NYJ got much better this offseason. I have no doubt that the D will be amongst the best in the NFL. And maybe they will be better in coverage in the middle of the field. But I also think this is one of the worst Os in the league. 6 or 7 win team.
I think this is the year the Patriots start to decline I see them going 10 - 6
To me, their amazing O will be even better with the addition of Lloyd-that means they are going to score a TON of points. Their schedule is the easiest in the NFL. Are they better on D? Maybe, if the young guys pan out. Still, they look more like a 13 win team to me than a 10 win squad.
Matt - Happy Birthday! do you see anyone taking a flyer on TO? if so, what team? Thanks!!
Wow, I can't see any scenario where I would condone bringing in TO right now
Where do you rank Eric Weddle as a safety? He's coming off a All Pro season and the top guys Polamu and Reed have fallen of a bit.
Top 5 Safety. No doubt. Great player. I don't agree that Troy P has fallen off, but Reed has a bit. In their place will be Earl Thomas and Eric Berry though before long.
MATT, the season is not here yet there will be more changes how can you say who will be good or bad.
I am aware of that, but the majority of the offseason heavy lifting has been done.
Besides the injury concerns (which every player has), what does your scouting eye tell you about Hardin, the safety the Bears drafted?
Real good size/speed/AA prospect for a FS type. Good gamble for CHI. Transition might take a little time, but a huge need position for the Bears.
Do you see a trend where bigger guys who played saftey in college will be used as nickle LB?
Yes. I think 2nd level defenders will become more and more specialty players-like a nickel CB. We saw it in this past draft. Lighter faster LBs went higher than in previous seasons and teams didn't stress being able to be a great take-on LB in the run game. Adaptation.
All this talk about Richardson being the best prospect since Adrian Petersen, people seem to glance over that McFadden was drafted at #4 the next year. Health issue aside (I know, a big If), who is the most talented of the 3?
Peterson. I just think Peterson is the type of RB that you will tell your grand kids about. An all time great. In terms of Richardson vs. McF, they are very different. It took McF some time to be as incredibly aggressive as he is now with the ball. Runs with so much attitude. But while he is explosive and powerful, he almost has a big WR build and can expose himself to some big shots, esp from the side. With Richardson, he is immensely powerful and while not as explosive, just doesn't give defenders much to hit. All can be great.
Follow up: With more teams looking to be more specialty players on defense will we see more and more teams using the no-huddle offense to cut down substitution?
Maybe, but how many QBs can really properly orchestrate it? Playing QB at this level is hard enough as it is.
Anything happen to Terrel Suggs, lying about how he injured his foot?
I think how he was injured all comes down to money and if BALT wants to dock his pay because he was supposedly injured away from the game.
Hi Matt- How do you think Terrence Newman will do in Cinncy?
The Bengals have a collection of former 1st round picks, esp at CB. I would prob put him 4th or 5th on that depth chart at CB right now as it stands, which isn't good enough since he won't help on special teams. Was signed before the draft and they used a 1st rounder at CB. Hall is returning from injury, but it wouldn't shock me if Newman didn't make the team.
Do you think Ziggy Hood can finally take the big step forward this season that many of us yinzers have been waiting for?
I haven't seen much to suggest that is coming. Never really was the prototype player for PGH's 3-4 DE
BTW, Page & Plant's No Quarter album is just fantastic
Your birthday is today. Mine is in 4 days. Today is also the day my question got answered. THIS is why June has ALWAYS been the best month of the year.
Indeed. Happy Birthday Eve Eve Eve Eric
Do you see three teams from the AFC North in the playoffs again? How long till Cleveland's in the playoff mix again?
Such a brutal division to climb in, as you know the Steelers and Ravens front offices are going to keep their teams competitive. Certainly could see 3 AFC North teams going to the post season. Not sure if I am predicting that yet, but certainly a strong possibility. The Browns right now are a distant fourth.
Matt - with receiving his new paycheck, does Desean Jackson return to the probowl form of 2010 or repeat his lackluster/poor effort play from 2011? This has to be a make/break year for Andy Reid, no playoffs = andy's pink slip, agreed?
I am very bullish on the Eagles this year. Will most likely pick them to win the NFC East. The D will wreak havoc. As for D Jax, I see him becoming a highly effective 2nd WR, as Maclin is due to breakout in a huge way.
Do you think Chris Johnson can come back from the poor season in 2011?
I do. I don't love the interior of the Titans' OL at all, but Johnson really improved at the end of last season. The speed and explosion is still there.
Happy birthday MW. What are you thoughts on the Jets possibly running more 4-3 looks than before?
Have also heard that they are going to play a ton of 46, which makes sense with their CBs. I think their front 7 adapts well to a 4-3. Can see that. Move Coples around quite a bit.
"Colorful" by the Verve Pipe on now...one of my absolute favorites
Will the Colts let Luck go no huddle much this year or will they try and keep it more basic?
Too early to guess. I bet he can handle it mentally though right off the bat.
About Cleveland--if Weeden just does okay, and they lose enough games to be in the position to draft one of the top QB's next year, do they do it? COULD they do it and not enrage their fan base?
Those kind of questions are awfully tough to answer. Depends how good Weeden plays I guess. They certainly will have other needs other than QB, but I do hear where you are coming from. Can Weeden be that Franchise QB? He is physically gifted enough I suppose.
How much longer does Ray Lewis play?
I am thinking one more year...same with Ed Reed. I really hope they don't play one year too many. Amazing football players.
Who do you see as the front runner in the AFC West?
That is a tough one, but I will pick KC. Had a fantastic offseason and get all those young guys back from injury. Not a Cassel believer though.
Are you concerned with Vick's durability and how that will affect PHI this season?
Of course-a ton. But I also think having a full offseason is HUGE for Vick right now. Really high on the Eagles.
The Bucs got a lot better imo. You see them getting to 8-8 this year?
That might be strong. Tough division. I think they will reel Freeman in quite a bit and really become a running team. Is the D good enough now to win a lot of tight low scoring games? I would go UNDER 7.5 wins.
Happy Bday M Dub! Listening to Tangerine from III right now, very underrated tune.
OH BABY! Maybe a Top 5 Zeppelin tune...and wow, is that saying something.
What are your thoughts on AJ Jenkins? He is in such a crowded WR core can he even see the field as a rookie?
It is crowded, but I have a hunch on something. I think SF is going to really speed the game up. Almost a hurray up attack-often out of the spread. A Smith is very smart and could thrive in such an O. In turn, I expect SF to rotate O skill players in and out very rapidly-stay fresh
Who landed in the better situation and has the better year - Doug Martin or David Wilson?
Martin-by far. Better OL. Martin will be the immediate starter. Wilson will back up Bradshaw.
you a Jack White/White Stripes guy at all?
Starting to be
Happy birthday! My question is do you think steelers should go after burress as a red zone target? Redzone offense was terrible last year
Nah, PGH is loaded at WR-with Wallace that is. Burress looks like he is running with a piano on his back and doesn't play special teams. I do realize that PGH doesn't have a big red zone type WR though.
How long does it take for Eric Berry for him to be the #1 Safety in the NFL? I say after this year. He'll get his recognition after that freak injury. Crazy good.
Agreed. I want to see how well he is moving around in the preseason though post-injury. But it won't take long before he is #1.
Loving the Led Zep talk, easily the best of all time in my book! I love the Patriots additions on offense, but what is the best case scenario for their defense - still bad, dominant, or bend but not break and opportunitistic? Happy B-day
I would say Bend But Not Break and Opportunistic. You prob realize that this group does really tighten up in the red zone-and playing D is all about not letting up points. It will be very versatile in the Front 7, which BB loves and uses so well.
Why don't we see 7-footers playing receiver? What's the downside?
James Harrison would break them in half and 7 Footers can't run or get out of the way of 11 angry defenders crashing down on them-SO much area to hit/break
In regards to the Browns QB competition, what?s the point? It seems clear that Weeden will be the guy so why lie or skate around the truth of the matter? Colt was told he would be able to compete but on the first day of mandatory camp Weeden was taking first team snaps. That doesn?t seem like a chance to complete. Your thoughts?
I agree. You use a 1st round pick on a 28 yr QB, he needs to start-which I am fine with. To me, McCoy's ceiling is as a strong #2. And I bet they know that too.
I believe in AP he's got the heart of a lion. Can he really be back week 1 like the old AP?
I don't doubt or question his heart at all and if anyone can pull it off, it is Peterson-again, an all time great. But I tend to doubt it and I also think Minny would be foolish to rush him in any way. Let Gerhart be the guy for a while.
Maybe James means as a Red-zone option?
That I can see. I watched LeBron in high school as a WR and would love to see what an athletic specimen like he would do in that role. But can you keep a WR that doesn't play on special teams on your roster just to come in for a few plays a game? And could a super tall dude ever get off a jam? Could put any NFL LB right on top of him at the line of scrimmage and just beat on him for five yards.
To me, that is similar to "Why don't you just put a Sumo Wrestler in goalie pads and skates to be an NHL goalie?"
With Peters down, do you see the Iggles' O struggling because of the line?
No, from left to right, Bell, Mathis, Kelce, Watkins and Herremans is still one of the better OLs in the NFL. Peters is awesome though.
The last 7 footer I think was Carmicheal in Philly as Tight end though.
I think he was like 6' 6"...and a WR
Ryan Mathews, tons of hype, you buying it all? Top 5 rb this year?
Yup, buying it. Two huge questions of course though: 1. Durability, really hasn't shown the workhorse durability/mentality to this point. 2. Bad OL
genetically speaking, 7-footers are rare...those with good hands are better off in the NBA...
I would retweet that if we were having this convo on Twitter...btw, I am @WilliamsonNFL
Just out of curiosity, what did you think of LeBron out of high school as a football player?
Well, he didn't play as a senior. And from what I remember, watching his junior tape, I think it was pretty clear that he was just playing football because his buddies were on the team. Wasn't exactly a Hines Ward type WR out there. Pretty sure he knew he had a respectable basketball career in front of him! But was still rather awesome-go up and get it! BTW, when I was the U of Akron, LeBron came around a lot-his HS coach and teammates were on the U of A team.
If our secondary is better this year than last which isn't saying much, how many sacks could I get this year?
It prob is better, but by a lot? Should be in time, but I see two rookies starting at safety...against Cutler, Stafford and Rodgers!
Do you ever draw a blank on an NFL player? Someone at the bottom of a roster?
Rarely
Are the Bears contenders this season? O-line should be good enough to put up some points. Cutty was doing it last year with virtually no help.
I do have tons of worries still with the Bears' OL, but scheme will help a ton. Yes, I think CHI is a contender.
How good will Mark Barron be? Force or Farce? Thanks
Force. Immediate impact. Leader. Versatile. Might be able to help a great deal vs. Jimmy Graham (don't think TBay wasn't thinking about that). But I don't think Barron will be elite or special. Pro Bowls in his future though, but not a Berry or Thomas like safety prospect.
Do you study Canada's players?
No, but did a bit with the Browns. Loved Wake back then
Will test your knowledge Matt Dub - Mario Fannin!...was a URFA RB for Broncos last year...6'1", 230, 4.4 40..hurt his knee...anything there this year?
Fantastic receiver with great hands, but also pretty much a straight line guy, so doesn't play as fast as he times. Hillman will be the man and thrive as the Broncos' RB. Maybe Fannin is a good bigger complement after McGahee is done, which could be sooner than later.
But the Vikes' veteran safeties were really, really bad...
Indeed...
Even with Barron and presumed health from their recent DL draftees, do you see another rough season for the Bucs D?
Not rough-improved. But still not a Top 10 type of D at all
Thoughts on Jonathan Baldwin this year? Seems like with another year and an actual normal traning camp (Also Bowe is out), he can make a nice leap. Has the physical tools..
Agreed. That could/should be said for many of last year's rookies. Really intrigued with the Chiefs this year. Again, QB really worries me, but if Cassel is just a caretaker, I think KC has enough to win the AFC West-Baldwin is just yet another interesting puzzle piece that could bust out.
How about some redskins love? Who do you see winning the RB battle in washington? I have high hopes for Helu, but Hightower might be better in the passing game. Thoughts?
To me, the beauty of Hightower is he is so good in the passing game (which you said), but esp in protection. But Helu is the much better fit as a runner in Shanny's O. Hightower will play, but Helu gets the bulk of the carries.
Better year this year AP or CJ?
CJ...I don't trust Peterson to be himself, esp early in the season
Will the Panthers NFL team be off to their best start yet?
REALLY like CAR's O. A ton. Can be the best running team in the NFL and Newton will be an even better passer next year. But that D-outside of the LBs-is still a huge concern to me. They didn't do enough this offseason to improve that side of the ball.
Who stands to get the most carries behind Isaac Redman? Dwyer has yet to prove himself and Clay looks too stiff.
Yeah, I agree and Rainey won't be that guy either. Batch? Maybe they pick up a free agent between now and then.
Happy Birthday Matt!!! In a normal chat what team do you get the most questions about?
The Steelers...they know it is my soft spot
Better - Hakeem Nicks or Dez?
Dez is more talented, but right now, it isn't even close. Nicks. Going forward? I think I stick with the bird in the hand and say Nicks.
Who do u most likely will have the best defense this season in the nfl
Betting against a Niners D that is bringing back EVERYone seems foolish for best D in NFL, but here are my high end Ds: SF, PGH, PHIL, BALT, NYJ, SEA, ZONA, NYG, HOUS, CIN, BUF, JAX, CHI, KC
Folks, that is a wrap! Time to start celebrating my 39th a bit! Drop me a line on Twitter and Take Care.