Ugrant
11-16-2005, 12:51 PM
Some Broncos mentions, so I thought I'd post.
Chris Mortensen: (10:59 AM ET ) Good morning! Let's see how much we can talk about ...
Jeff, Huntington WV: Mort, I feel like the Jags are really flying under the radar this year. With wins over Cincinatti, Seattle, and Pittsburgh why is no one talking about them? Do you think Byron Leftwich and the Jags D have what it takes to make a playoff run?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:01 AM ET ) The Jaguars are flyingunder the radar for a few reasons, one being they play in the smallest market. But I think their loss to the Rams in St. Louis has put them in a position of proving they are ready for the bigtime again. Their schedule is very favorable down the stretch. Leftwich and the young receivers are coming on. The Jags could slip into the playoffs and then anything goes!
Jaime Garza (Matamoros, Mexico): Hey Mortimer, What do you think about the Cowboys win monday night? Is this victory that will put my beloved Cowboys over the top? Thanks
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:03 AM ET ) As Bill Parcells, it was just one more win. No more no less. If the Eagles make a late-season run, the fact the Cowboys swept them is a big plus. Otherwise, I think the Cowboys look like the slight favorite for the division title because I like their defense the best in the division.
KC in Pittsburgh: Thanks for the time Chris, If Roethlisberger is healthy do you think the the Steelers go into Indy in two weeks on a Monday Night and beat an undefeated Indy team? (I think they will beat Cincy) Come on Mort, your the expert we all trust. Look into that crystal ball of yours!!!!!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:06 AM ET ) For right now, I like the Steelers against the Colts. I like the matchups but the problem for the Steelers is that the Colts' offense is starting to get on a roll. The next two weeks willt ell us a lot about Indy.
Dave (DC): Is it coincedence that the day that Lavar went back into the starting lineup the D turned into Swiss Cheese, or is there something going on here? As a HUGE Lavar supporter, I am hoping its the former.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:07 AM ET ) I think the Redskins' biggest problem has been there all year - their defensive line is very average and that may be putting it kindly...and Sean Taylor has been hurt.
Paul (Minneapolis): Mort - What is your take on Culpepper? It seems to me that his mobility was a big part of his arsenal. If that is comprimised after his return, he is only half the QB he was before. Thoughts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:09 AM ET ) I thought his mobility was a small part of his arsenal. He is a big, strong classic dropback QB when he wants to be. The Vikes' problems this year were multiple - none bigger than the loss of an experienced offensive coordinator and center Matt Birk.
Sean (FL): Chris, What are your takes on Chris Simms? With more experience, can he take the Bucs to the promised land?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:12 AM ET ) I have always thought Simms was a steal for the Bucs - he should have been a first rounder ahead of guys like Boller and Grossman; As Rich Gannon said, Jon Gruden is not patient with young QBs , but I think it will work anyway; The Bucs' O-line is below average, especially with injuries, creating problems; Simms can be a big-time player in the NFL, but the Bucs' schedule is much tougher in the second half of the season and patience will be needed for a bigger payoff next year.
Sandy (Boston): Do you think the Falcons can recover from their loss to Green Bay? They are in a tough division but they have owned Carolina in the past. Their defense didn't look to great while playing Green Bay.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) I tried to warn a few of my Falcons' friends about the packers, who almost beat the Bengals and Steelers in back-to-back weeks. The Falcons are 6-3, and I'm not sure you could expect more than that, and the interesting twist is that they have "owned" the Panthers. But I'm always a little dubious of the past. I have picked the Panthers to win the division with the Falcons in as a wild card.
Jason (PA): You mentioned that the Indy offense is starting to roll, but their last 2 games have come against a destroyed NE secondary and the Texans. Are they really playing that much better or is it just a matter of them playing bad defenses?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) Good point. But is the Steelers' seocndary really that good?
Coach Tuesday: Mort, is Losman the Man again in Buffalo, or will it be a week-to-week thing?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:17 AM ET ) I'm not sure. I have a feeling Losman has a chance to win back the job but every game is crucial to the Bills right now. They just have to play the guy who they think gives 'em the best shot that week. Losman was getting about 50 percent of the reps in practice and making enoyugh improvement that Mularkey was going to utilize him anyway.
Eric(Lexington): I noticed that Atlanta and Denver are first and second respectivly in total rush yards this season. It's no secret that both clubs employ Alex Gibbs zone blocking schemes, so my question is how big a factor our these teams mobile QB's in their success running the ball and why can't other teams just model their scheme's after the Gibbs model and have as much success?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) Very good question. And the blocking schemes are not that complex. A mobile QB certainly helps because of the naked bootleg possibilities. The biggest knock is that the blocking schemes require smaller, athletic lineman and they do not hold up well in pass protection (no matter what the stats say).
James (MPLS): Hey Mort. What are the odds the Vikes trade Daunte before next season...say to the Dolphins (Linehan) or Cards?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:20 AM ET ) I would have thought it a possibility - a longshot one - but the injury makes it pretty complex.
Ray (Plattsburgh, NY): I hear all this talk about how much better the AFC is than the NFC. Do you find it funny that NFC teams are 20-18 vs AFC teams?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:21 AM ET ) Yes, I do. But the AFC is not only better - it's much better.
Carl (Chicago): Why can't the Bears get any love? If/When they beat the Panthers this weekend will they finally get the recognition they deserve? or will they always be considered a team beating bad teams?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:22 AM ET ) I think a Bears' win over the Panthers would make a lot of people sit up and pay attention to them the rest of the year.
Steve, Washington DC: Hey Mort, Do you think the Colts haven't seen an offense like Cincy's yet? How do you think their D will respond. The stats for both teams are very similar. Thanks Mort.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:24 AM ET ) The only offense that was close was the Rams - and you saw them put a quick 17 on that defense before the injuries played into the game. I really believe this will be a high scoring game. I don't think the Bengals can stop the Colts, either.
Bryan (NJ): Will Tommy Maddox start this week from what you see?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) As of now, I'm guessing Maddox. The Ravens have injured Maddox and Big Ben over the past year, so I would think putting Ben R. out there at less than 100 percent would make the Steelers nervous. But if he's healthy enough, say, enough to be the No. 2 QB, then he probably should go.
Frank (Syracuse, NY): Come on Mort, please give me your take on the Miami Dolphins. Is their season over after only 9 weeks?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:28 AM ET ) Did they announce something?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:29 AM ET ) On the Dolphins, obviously they are inconsistent. That's what I expected them to be, but there are some positives and I would expect them to win three or four more games.
Leawood,KS: What do you thing about the 49ers quarterback situation? Do they draft Leinart if they have the chance next year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) Of course they don't. If they were picking No. 1, you see what you can get in a trade or you take Reggie Bush - assuming Bush comes out.
Michael (Atlanta, GA): Isn't it interesting that the AL MVP won a close race because of his defense, but defensive skills were totally ignored in the NL.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) Well, it's off football. I would have voted for Andruw Jones but Pujols is a great first baseman defensively, too.
Dan, Boston: Do yousee NY keeping Ty Law long term? If not, will a team be willing to meet his price in the offseason? He's one year older coming off an injury and I'm sure he still wants top dollar. Any chance he'll return to the Pats?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:32 AM ET ) I would think Law will not be retained after the year. I would not rule out the Pats but "top dollar" is probably not going to happen.
Rob (Los Angeles): C'mon Mort you haven't given any respect to the chargers for weeks. Do you see them getting into the playoffs?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:33 AM ET ) I believe the Chargers are one of the five best teams in the NFL but I would worry about a playoff spot. It will be close, I think. As an unbiased observer, I hope they get in because they would make it an even more interesting playoff.
Hans (Berkeley): Mort, of the teams projected to draft early next year, which are likely to go after Matt Leinart?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) It's going to be interesting. The 49ers (Alex Smith) and Texans (David Carr) have used the top pick on QBs. I think the Packers still would for Leinart, as would the Jets, Titans & cardinals. But I want to add that I think this is a very good QB class (and I'm always right, of course) - I think Brodie Croyle (Alabama), Jay Cutler (Vandy - a Brett Favre type) & Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) are really worth a first-round looks.
Matthew (Logan, Ut.): Do you give the best team in the NFC to the Panthers or the Seahawks?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:38 AM ET ) Probably the Panthers slight over the Seahawks but Seattle should have home-field advantage.
Jack, Philly: Mort, I hear the Eagles have added Jeff Smoker today. Since Amdy Reid doesn't make a habit of carrying 4 QB's, is this a sign the McNabb might be done for the year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:39 AM ET ) Well, it doesn't sound good for McNabb the rest of the year but it also could be to get Smoker in there for a month....I'm sure we'll hear something soon.
Jason (San Diego): The Eagles used their 3rd QB on Monday, but then Detmer was holding on the final FG. I thought he wasn't allowed in the game after they used the #3.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:40 AM ET ) I believe that's if the 3rd QB comes in before the fourth quarter...I could be wrong, and I also think there's a special teams exemption on that rule.
Jason (Music City): Chris, just wondering why you think so highly of Brodie Croyle. I believe his overall record is somewhere in the neighborhood of 16-10, and that's wit hsome of the best talent in the country around him (Bama is always full of talent). I'm not sure if he's even a top-5 SEC QB this year, or even the best QB in the state.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:42 AM ET ) You're flat out wrong. Forget Croyle's record. His arm is better than Leinart's, his moxie is right there and, contrary to your statement, the Crimson Tide's talent at WR is young, inexperienced and the O has been hurt since Prothro left the lineup. I do have conerns about Croyle's durability for the NFL - I think he needs more time in the weight room.
Ryan, Canada: Chris, are my Eagles sunk? Should we be looking forward to the draft? Is Mike Mcmahon going to be the savior?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) I am not sinking the Eagles so fast. I believe McMahon will prove to be pretty darn good. I thought it was one of the most underrated pick-ups of the off-season. Too bad he doesn't have T.O. in there, huh?
Mike (Boca Raton): Mort, is Ray Lewis an unhappy camper in Baltimore? The news sources there seem to suggest that he is upset about not getting another contract extension. Any thoughts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) Yeah, Ray Lewis wants a new contract. Don't they all. The Ravens have to draw a line sometime - sooner than later.
Dan (VA Beach): Simms over Boller coming out of college, I can understand. Why Simms over Grossman? Size? Or is that hindsight given how unlucky he's been?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:45 AM ET ) No, I just liked Simms as a prospect more than Grossman - based on size, arm strength and the fact that he has shown a lot of mental toughness. But I will say that what little I saw of Grossman last year and in preseason, I did like.
Nick, NJ: Hey Chris, I really feel the Giants have a good shot at making playoffs. Especially the wildcard, which takes 2 of these 3: Falcons, Bucs, Giants. And I dont think that 3 playoff teams can come from 1 division? What's your take?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:46 AM ET ) If you're talking wild card, I would take the Falcons and Giants out of that group.
Chuck (Pittsburgh): Mort, the Steelers have 3 very good backs, but Cowher dresses only 2 per game. So far, one has always been hurt, but if all 3 are healthy by playoff time, who should sit, Staley, Bettis, or Parker?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) I would sit Staley if all three were healthy.
Tim (gainesville, Fl): Mort, I'm sure most people here would dream of having your job. What are some parts about it that you don't like? Travel? Hours?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:49 AM ET ) At my age, the travel is probably the only thing I don't like. I used to love it. Traveling isn't as easy as it used to be - I'm sure a lot of you can relate. But I have a great job, I'm grateful and blessed to have it.
Rob (Denver, CO): True or False: Denver will get a first round bye in the playoffs.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:50 AM ET ) I'll say....true...wait, false...no, true. It'll be close.... right now, I would say the Colts are a lock for a bye and the Steelers, Bengals and Broncos will battle for the other one. Denver might have a tougher schedule.
bob, boston: True or false, the Patriots despite all their injuries, can be dangerous in the playoffs because of Tom Brady?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:51 AM ET ) True. But I do think they will need to be as healthy as possible on defense. They will make a lot of people nervous, primarily because of No. 12 and, let's face it, they are the defending champs 3X.
Jess(Denver, co): How do you think the denver broncos will finish up this year? that have a pretty easy schedule to win the divison
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:52 AM ET ) Easy? i think the road games (Dallas, KC, Buffalo and San Diego) are pretty challenging. The rest is good.
Jim (LA): Is Roy Williams a dirty player with his horse collar tackle which he still uses?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) No, but I'm surprised he hasn;t been flagged more this year. I think Williams has pretty average speed and he just gets caught in bad angles. Still, the horse-collar has been ignored by officials this year and I need to see why.
keith (shaw afb): What affect will the new MLB baseball drug policy have on the NFL?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) I don't know. A first steroids positive in the NFL results in a player losing one-fourth of his season, as opposed to about one-third now for baseball. I could see the penalties stiffen, though.
dan (chicago): Mort, i believe that Lofa Tatupu is the steal of this year's draft, especially after Mel Kiper said he was. Could he win Defensive ROY?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:56 AM ET ) He'll be in the running but Odell Thurman (Bengals) is the leader right now.
dan (chicago): Fact or Fiction: Shaun Alexander rushes for 2000+ yards and 30+ tds.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:58 AM ET ) With their schedule, closer to fact than fiction.
Brendan (Mountain Home AFB, ID): Mort, Why would you give the edge to Carolina? Don't you think that Seattle has won the games they should have while Carolina has struggled against weaker teams (loss to N.O. @ home and a loss to Miami on the road). We have won our gimmie games so far...
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:59 AM ET ) I think Carolina was struggling earlier in the year but they are better now. I can only deal in the present. But I only said an "edge."
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (12:00 PM ET ) That's all today. Thanks again and God Bless!
Chris Mortensen: (10:59 AM ET ) Good morning! Let's see how much we can talk about ...
Jeff, Huntington WV: Mort, I feel like the Jags are really flying under the radar this year. With wins over Cincinatti, Seattle, and Pittsburgh why is no one talking about them? Do you think Byron Leftwich and the Jags D have what it takes to make a playoff run?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:01 AM ET ) The Jaguars are flyingunder the radar for a few reasons, one being they play in the smallest market. But I think their loss to the Rams in St. Louis has put them in a position of proving they are ready for the bigtime again. Their schedule is very favorable down the stretch. Leftwich and the young receivers are coming on. The Jags could slip into the playoffs and then anything goes!
Jaime Garza (Matamoros, Mexico): Hey Mortimer, What do you think about the Cowboys win monday night? Is this victory that will put my beloved Cowboys over the top? Thanks
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:03 AM ET ) As Bill Parcells, it was just one more win. No more no less. If the Eagles make a late-season run, the fact the Cowboys swept them is a big plus. Otherwise, I think the Cowboys look like the slight favorite for the division title because I like their defense the best in the division.
KC in Pittsburgh: Thanks for the time Chris, If Roethlisberger is healthy do you think the the Steelers go into Indy in two weeks on a Monday Night and beat an undefeated Indy team? (I think they will beat Cincy) Come on Mort, your the expert we all trust. Look into that crystal ball of yours!!!!!
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:06 AM ET ) For right now, I like the Steelers against the Colts. I like the matchups but the problem for the Steelers is that the Colts' offense is starting to get on a roll. The next two weeks willt ell us a lot about Indy.
Dave (DC): Is it coincedence that the day that Lavar went back into the starting lineup the D turned into Swiss Cheese, or is there something going on here? As a HUGE Lavar supporter, I am hoping its the former.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:07 AM ET ) I think the Redskins' biggest problem has been there all year - their defensive line is very average and that may be putting it kindly...and Sean Taylor has been hurt.
Paul (Minneapolis): Mort - What is your take on Culpepper? It seems to me that his mobility was a big part of his arsenal. If that is comprimised after his return, he is only half the QB he was before. Thoughts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:09 AM ET ) I thought his mobility was a small part of his arsenal. He is a big, strong classic dropback QB when he wants to be. The Vikes' problems this year were multiple - none bigger than the loss of an experienced offensive coordinator and center Matt Birk.
Sean (FL): Chris, What are your takes on Chris Simms? With more experience, can he take the Bucs to the promised land?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:12 AM ET ) I have always thought Simms was a steal for the Bucs - he should have been a first rounder ahead of guys like Boller and Grossman; As Rich Gannon said, Jon Gruden is not patient with young QBs , but I think it will work anyway; The Bucs' O-line is below average, especially with injuries, creating problems; Simms can be a big-time player in the NFL, but the Bucs' schedule is much tougher in the second half of the season and patience will be needed for a bigger payoff next year.
Sandy (Boston): Do you think the Falcons can recover from their loss to Green Bay? They are in a tough division but they have owned Carolina in the past. Their defense didn't look to great while playing Green Bay.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) I tried to warn a few of my Falcons' friends about the packers, who almost beat the Bengals and Steelers in back-to-back weeks. The Falcons are 6-3, and I'm not sure you could expect more than that, and the interesting twist is that they have "owned" the Panthers. But I'm always a little dubious of the past. I have picked the Panthers to win the division with the Falcons in as a wild card.
Jason (PA): You mentioned that the Indy offense is starting to roll, but their last 2 games have come against a destroyed NE secondary and the Texans. Are they really playing that much better or is it just a matter of them playing bad defenses?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) Good point. But is the Steelers' seocndary really that good?
Coach Tuesday: Mort, is Losman the Man again in Buffalo, or will it be a week-to-week thing?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:17 AM ET ) I'm not sure. I have a feeling Losman has a chance to win back the job but every game is crucial to the Bills right now. They just have to play the guy who they think gives 'em the best shot that week. Losman was getting about 50 percent of the reps in practice and making enoyugh improvement that Mularkey was going to utilize him anyway.
Eric(Lexington): I noticed that Atlanta and Denver are first and second respectivly in total rush yards this season. It's no secret that both clubs employ Alex Gibbs zone blocking schemes, so my question is how big a factor our these teams mobile QB's in their success running the ball and why can't other teams just model their scheme's after the Gibbs model and have as much success?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) Very good question. And the blocking schemes are not that complex. A mobile QB certainly helps because of the naked bootleg possibilities. The biggest knock is that the blocking schemes require smaller, athletic lineman and they do not hold up well in pass protection (no matter what the stats say).
James (MPLS): Hey Mort. What are the odds the Vikes trade Daunte before next season...say to the Dolphins (Linehan) or Cards?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:20 AM ET ) I would have thought it a possibility - a longshot one - but the injury makes it pretty complex.
Ray (Plattsburgh, NY): I hear all this talk about how much better the AFC is than the NFC. Do you find it funny that NFC teams are 20-18 vs AFC teams?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:21 AM ET ) Yes, I do. But the AFC is not only better - it's much better.
Carl (Chicago): Why can't the Bears get any love? If/When they beat the Panthers this weekend will they finally get the recognition they deserve? or will they always be considered a team beating bad teams?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:22 AM ET ) I think a Bears' win over the Panthers would make a lot of people sit up and pay attention to them the rest of the year.
Steve, Washington DC: Hey Mort, Do you think the Colts haven't seen an offense like Cincy's yet? How do you think their D will respond. The stats for both teams are very similar. Thanks Mort.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:24 AM ET ) The only offense that was close was the Rams - and you saw them put a quick 17 on that defense before the injuries played into the game. I really believe this will be a high scoring game. I don't think the Bengals can stop the Colts, either.
Bryan (NJ): Will Tommy Maddox start this week from what you see?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) As of now, I'm guessing Maddox. The Ravens have injured Maddox and Big Ben over the past year, so I would think putting Ben R. out there at less than 100 percent would make the Steelers nervous. But if he's healthy enough, say, enough to be the No. 2 QB, then he probably should go.
Frank (Syracuse, NY): Come on Mort, please give me your take on the Miami Dolphins. Is their season over after only 9 weeks?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:28 AM ET ) Did they announce something?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:29 AM ET ) On the Dolphins, obviously they are inconsistent. That's what I expected them to be, but there are some positives and I would expect them to win three or four more games.
Leawood,KS: What do you thing about the 49ers quarterback situation? Do they draft Leinart if they have the chance next year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) Of course they don't. If they were picking No. 1, you see what you can get in a trade or you take Reggie Bush - assuming Bush comes out.
Michael (Atlanta, GA): Isn't it interesting that the AL MVP won a close race because of his defense, but defensive skills were totally ignored in the NL.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) Well, it's off football. I would have voted for Andruw Jones but Pujols is a great first baseman defensively, too.
Dan, Boston: Do yousee NY keeping Ty Law long term? If not, will a team be willing to meet his price in the offseason? He's one year older coming off an injury and I'm sure he still wants top dollar. Any chance he'll return to the Pats?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:32 AM ET ) I would think Law will not be retained after the year. I would not rule out the Pats but "top dollar" is probably not going to happen.
Rob (Los Angeles): C'mon Mort you haven't given any respect to the chargers for weeks. Do you see them getting into the playoffs?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:33 AM ET ) I believe the Chargers are one of the five best teams in the NFL but I would worry about a playoff spot. It will be close, I think. As an unbiased observer, I hope they get in because they would make it an even more interesting playoff.
Hans (Berkeley): Mort, of the teams projected to draft early next year, which are likely to go after Matt Leinart?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) It's going to be interesting. The 49ers (Alex Smith) and Texans (David Carr) have used the top pick on QBs. I think the Packers still would for Leinart, as would the Jets, Titans & cardinals. But I want to add that I think this is a very good QB class (and I'm always right, of course) - I think Brodie Croyle (Alabama), Jay Cutler (Vandy - a Brett Favre type) & Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) are really worth a first-round looks.
Matthew (Logan, Ut.): Do you give the best team in the NFC to the Panthers or the Seahawks?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:38 AM ET ) Probably the Panthers slight over the Seahawks but Seattle should have home-field advantage.
Jack, Philly: Mort, I hear the Eagles have added Jeff Smoker today. Since Amdy Reid doesn't make a habit of carrying 4 QB's, is this a sign the McNabb might be done for the year?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:39 AM ET ) Well, it doesn't sound good for McNabb the rest of the year but it also could be to get Smoker in there for a month....I'm sure we'll hear something soon.
Jason (San Diego): The Eagles used their 3rd QB on Monday, but then Detmer was holding on the final FG. I thought he wasn't allowed in the game after they used the #3.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:40 AM ET ) I believe that's if the 3rd QB comes in before the fourth quarter...I could be wrong, and I also think there's a special teams exemption on that rule.
Jason (Music City): Chris, just wondering why you think so highly of Brodie Croyle. I believe his overall record is somewhere in the neighborhood of 16-10, and that's wit hsome of the best talent in the country around him (Bama is always full of talent). I'm not sure if he's even a top-5 SEC QB this year, or even the best QB in the state.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:42 AM ET ) You're flat out wrong. Forget Croyle's record. His arm is better than Leinart's, his moxie is right there and, contrary to your statement, the Crimson Tide's talent at WR is young, inexperienced and the O has been hurt since Prothro left the lineup. I do have conerns about Croyle's durability for the NFL - I think he needs more time in the weight room.
Ryan, Canada: Chris, are my Eagles sunk? Should we be looking forward to the draft? Is Mike Mcmahon going to be the savior?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) I am not sinking the Eagles so fast. I believe McMahon will prove to be pretty darn good. I thought it was one of the most underrated pick-ups of the off-season. Too bad he doesn't have T.O. in there, huh?
Mike (Boca Raton): Mort, is Ray Lewis an unhappy camper in Baltimore? The news sources there seem to suggest that he is upset about not getting another contract extension. Any thoughts?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) Yeah, Ray Lewis wants a new contract. Don't they all. The Ravens have to draw a line sometime - sooner than later.
Dan (VA Beach): Simms over Boller coming out of college, I can understand. Why Simms over Grossman? Size? Or is that hindsight given how unlucky he's been?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:45 AM ET ) No, I just liked Simms as a prospect more than Grossman - based on size, arm strength and the fact that he has shown a lot of mental toughness. But I will say that what little I saw of Grossman last year and in preseason, I did like.
Nick, NJ: Hey Chris, I really feel the Giants have a good shot at making playoffs. Especially the wildcard, which takes 2 of these 3: Falcons, Bucs, Giants. And I dont think that 3 playoff teams can come from 1 division? What's your take?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:46 AM ET ) If you're talking wild card, I would take the Falcons and Giants out of that group.
Chuck (Pittsburgh): Mort, the Steelers have 3 very good backs, but Cowher dresses only 2 per game. So far, one has always been hurt, but if all 3 are healthy by playoff time, who should sit, Staley, Bettis, or Parker?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) I would sit Staley if all three were healthy.
Tim (gainesville, Fl): Mort, I'm sure most people here would dream of having your job. What are some parts about it that you don't like? Travel? Hours?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:49 AM ET ) At my age, the travel is probably the only thing I don't like. I used to love it. Traveling isn't as easy as it used to be - I'm sure a lot of you can relate. But I have a great job, I'm grateful and blessed to have it.
Rob (Denver, CO): True or False: Denver will get a first round bye in the playoffs.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:50 AM ET ) I'll say....true...wait, false...no, true. It'll be close.... right now, I would say the Colts are a lock for a bye and the Steelers, Bengals and Broncos will battle for the other one. Denver might have a tougher schedule.
bob, boston: True or false, the Patriots despite all their injuries, can be dangerous in the playoffs because of Tom Brady?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:51 AM ET ) True. But I do think they will need to be as healthy as possible on defense. They will make a lot of people nervous, primarily because of No. 12 and, let's face it, they are the defending champs 3X.
Jess(Denver, co): How do you think the denver broncos will finish up this year? that have a pretty easy schedule to win the divison
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:52 AM ET ) Easy? i think the road games (Dallas, KC, Buffalo and San Diego) are pretty challenging. The rest is good.
Jim (LA): Is Roy Williams a dirty player with his horse collar tackle which he still uses?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) No, but I'm surprised he hasn;t been flagged more this year. I think Williams has pretty average speed and he just gets caught in bad angles. Still, the horse-collar has been ignored by officials this year and I need to see why.
keith (shaw afb): What affect will the new MLB baseball drug policy have on the NFL?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) I don't know. A first steroids positive in the NFL results in a player losing one-fourth of his season, as opposed to about one-third now for baseball. I could see the penalties stiffen, though.
dan (chicago): Mort, i believe that Lofa Tatupu is the steal of this year's draft, especially after Mel Kiper said he was. Could he win Defensive ROY?
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:56 AM ET ) He'll be in the running but Odell Thurman (Bengals) is the leader right now.
dan (chicago): Fact or Fiction: Shaun Alexander rushes for 2000+ yards and 30+ tds.
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:58 AM ET ) With their schedule, closer to fact than fiction.
Brendan (Mountain Home AFB, ID): Mort, Why would you give the edge to Carolina? Don't you think that Seattle has won the games they should have while Carolina has struggled against weaker teams (loss to N.O. @ home and a loss to Miami on the road). We have won our gimmie games so far...
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (11:59 AM ET ) I think Carolina was struggling earlier in the year but they are better now. I can only deal in the present. But I only said an "edge."
SportsNation Chris Mortensen: (12:00 PM ET ) That's all today. Thanks again and God Bless!