pakowitz

im going to post all of the chats for the week in this thread so be sure to check back each day to see the rest

Monday May 5th

Wes W (Columbus ,Ohio): Perfect man to answer this question concerning the Carolina Panthers. Do you feel they made a good trade with Philly to get the 19th pick to draft Otah or did they get fleeced?

Pat Yasinskas: Welcome all to the chat. Glad to be here. Let's have some fun. We'll start with Wes' question about the Carolina Panthers since I spent the last nine seasons covering them. I think getting Otah was a very good move. Good tackle and the Panthers certainly need to improve their offensive line. I like it from a pure football perspective. However, and this is a big "however'', I think they gave up an awful lot to trade back into the first round. They gave up next year's first-round pick. If the Panthers don't make the playoffs, that price is going to seem awfully steep. If they don't have a big year, John Fox and Marty Hurney will be gone. If they win, everything will be fine and Fox and Hurney will look like genuises for making the move.


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Chris (Staten Island, NY): Pat, what is Dallas planning to do with Roy Williams if he continues to be such a liability in coverage? If Pacman is reinstated, after he gets his bearings back, it's not hard to imagine that Dallas best alignment is Pacman and Newman at the corners with Anthony Henry at FS and Ken Hamlin at SS with Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick as the nickel and dime corners.

Pat Yasinskas: Williams has been a liability in coverage for a long time. The Cowboys will continue to try to hide him, but that's difficult when the rest of the league knows his problems and tries to attack him. If Pacman gets reinstated and with Jenkins, they'll have a lot more flexibility in the secondary. I know Pacman and Jenkins are CBs, but they allow Dallas to consider moving some people around. They're not going to put up with the Williams coverage problems forever and he could end up on the bench.


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giants fan Louisiana: There are still rumors the Saints are still seeking a trade for Shockey,do you see this happening?I seen on Foxsports.com that Peyton is serious about getting it done.Do you see Reese pulling te trigger?

Pat Yasinskas: Where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Everything I've heard is that the Saints really are interested in him and it makes a lot of sense. He'd make a very good offense even better. I think something will happen before training camps. From everything I hear, he wants out of New York. I think we'll see something in the next month or two.

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len (oakland): Pat, could you explain the Raiders decision to take McFadden when they have 3 other RB and what is the situation with Kiffen, in or out?

Pat Yasinskas: Wish I could explain that one. Guess the best answer is, they're the Raiders. Al Davis is going to do what Al Davis wants, even if it makes no sense. That approach used to work nicely for Al back in the 1970s, but he hasn't made a good move in years.


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adam (houston): Why is houston getting no love from football fans?

Pat Yasinskas: I like the Texans' roster. I think they're kind of under the radar because a lot of media folks saw them as an up-and-coming team last year and they didn't quite meet expectations. So they've kind of been put on the back burner this year. Tough division, but they have enough talent to surprise some people.


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Garett (Brighton, Mi): Could you shed some light on the Lions draft. Why would they select Dizon, when they could have had Dan Conner? Why not grab Calais Campbell who has immense potential, especially considering Rod M's talent helping DLine? I personally thought it was a crap draft for the most part. What do you think? Thanks

Pat Yasinskas: Won't argue with you on that, but we've come to expect that from the Lions. I would have taken Dan Connor in a heartbeat. I've got to admit I may be partial because I grew up as a die-hard Penn State fan. But I think Connor's a great player and Carolina got a steal taking him in the third round. Now, they've just got to figure out how to use him.


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len (oakland): Pat, you answered the first part. what about Kiffen? thanks

Pat Yasinskas: Hit me with the Kiffin part again. The questions disappear quickly and I'm trying to keep up. Thanks.


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leo (oxnard CA): Pat, do you see Alex smith having a break out season if he stays healthy?

Pat Yasinskas: Would like to say yes because I think Smith has some talent. But I'm not sure Nolan's sold on him. Saw the comment about this being a "three-QB competition''. Maybe he's just trying to fire up Smith. But not everybody reacts positively to that and I think Smith's confidence could be hurt.


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Grant (Tampa Florida): What do u feel about this QB the bucs drafted Josh Johnson. Is he the real deal or is he another chump?

Pat Yasinskas: Stood next to Josh Johson at Bucs camp the other day and he's bigger than I realized. He's close to 6-4 and has room to put on weight. Watched him throw and the arm looks very good. He's a project, but that's what Gruden's been wanting. Not saying he'll be a stud, but it could work. He'll have a year or two to get groomed by Gruden as Garcia plays and it could turn out to be a nice move.


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len (oakland): what impact will the non-support of Kiffen shown by Davis have on the Raiders and will he be gone before the season starts?

Pat Yasinskas: It's a terrible situation. Lane Kiffin is a good coach and a good guy. I knew him back when he was in high school and was a ball boy for the Bucs. He should never have taken that job. He's got to keep his chin up and do the best job he can. People around the league know the situation there is ridiculous and Lane will get another head coaching job if he handles this situation well. Remember, John Fox once quit as Oakland's DC and went on to have lots of success.


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Jason (Indiana): What do you think the Bears will do with Cedric Benson? Will they put up with his antics more more?

Pat Yasinskas: If I were the Bears, I'd unload him right now. He hasn't shown much on the field and he's in trouble off it. Too bad they let Jones go last year.


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Grant (Tampa Florida): I know that we need a QB of the future and He sounds like he could be it with the right coaching. What do u think about the rest of the bucs draft

Pat Yasinskas: Interesting in a lot of ways. Talib wasn't the guy I would have expected, especially with Jenkins on the board. But Talib is very physically talented and Gruden sees a lot of Charles Woodson in him. I like Dexter Jackson. Yeah, he's small. But I saw Steve Smith come into Carolina expected to be nothing more than a return man and look how that's worked out.


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Adam (Philly): What do you think will happen with Lito? The Eagles say they will use 3dbs 60-70% of the snaps, so can it work with Asanta, Lito, and Sheldon Brown?

Pat Yasinskas: Nickel backs do play as much as a lot of starters, but I'm still not convinced Lito will be in Philly when all is said and done. Lots of other teams out there that could use a proven starter. But he's got to lower his contract demands if he wants that to happen.


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Lardy (Miami): How nasty can the Miami O line be with the addition of Long and Smiley.....it's a young talented group that will dominate for years in my opinion. I see Ronnie running left for about 1500 yards next year.

Pat Yasinskas: Could be great line, especially with a former O-line coach as head coach. Take Ronnie Brown in your fantasy drafts.


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PT (Franklin, NC): If by some miracle Kiffin gets the Raiders to the playoffs will Al keep him around?

Pat Yasinskas: ANYTHING is possible with Al. Could see a situation where they have a decent season and Kiffin turns the tables on Al.


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Jason (Indiana): What do you think of the QB situation in Minny? Is T. Jackson the starter or do you see someone else sneaking in and stealing it from him?

Pat Yasinskas: Childress seems to be set on Jackson. But I just haven't seen much out of him. I think they've got a good team around him and can't afford to stay with him if he doesn't show improvement. I see it becoming a situation like the Bucs back in the Trent Dilfer days, where everything else is good, but the passing game keeps them from reaching full potential. I wouldn't stay with him too long, but Childress seems pretty stubborn.


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ashley (mississippi): do you think the philly eagles should of drafted a back up QB just incase D-Nabb leaves philly?

Pat Yasinskas: Nope, they drafted one last year - Kolb. They had other needs and you don't take QBS early in the draft so close together.


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Majeed: Who would you put $$ on to start the season at QB for the Fins?

Pat Yasinskas: Chad Henne. He's the pick of the new administration. Maybe not Day One, but before long.


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Clint (Atlanta): How much of a shot do the Falcons have at going 0-16 next year? The Dolphins last year look like a way better team the Atlanta coming up.

Pat Yasinskas: Falcons will be bad, but it's actually tough to go 0-16. Smith can coach and he's got an excellent staff of assistants. They'll squeeze out a couple wins.


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JB (Houston): dude, enough raiders! There's a reason they draft top 5 every year! What do you think of the Titans not getting an impact WR for Vince in the 2nd round when they had exptra picks to deal??

Pat Yasinskas: Think it was a big mistake. Vince needs some more talent around him. I think the Titans should have done a lot more at WR in free agency and the draft.


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Josh (Viringa): Do you think the titans have done enough, to go deep into the playoffs. I dont think they did much, but will they go further than last year.

Pat Yasinskas: Again, don't think they have enough offensive playmakers. Very tough division. Don't see them going real far.


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Jared (College Station): So if Roy Williams continues to be a liability in coverage, do you think he could be moved down to linebacker?

Pat Yasinskas: There's been some talk of that. But I think it's more likely he ends up with another team before it comes to that on a full-time basis.


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Clint (Tyler, Texas): All I've been hearing is how much the Cowboys screwed up by taking Jones over Mendenhall. If memory serves me correctly, Mendenhall's stock rose dramatically after the combine. Prior to that, he wasn't considered such a stud. It's annoying, because I think Felix was a great pick with an amazing college career and everyone is acting like he's just a "complementary back".

Pat Yasinskas: Felix is a great back. Look back in six months and the Cowboys will have made the right decision.


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matt ryan: first off, what's with all the questions about oakland? they're no better than my new team...pat, do i get the start next year? how will i do my rookie year? and how do you think my new team will be in the next few years? thanks.

Pat Yasinskas: Matt, you'll be starting before long, but you're going to take a pounding early on. Hang in there. You'll be fine in a couple years.


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Anthony (NYC): Pat was the play of OT-Shane Olivea that bad that he's still a free agent? He did block for this years leading rusher in the NFL. Which was LT.

Pat Yasinskas: He'll end up in a camp with somebody. Once teams see what they're lacking after the draft and undrafted guys, somebody will bring him in.


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Josh (Virgina): Will Marvin Harrison be healthy near the beginig of the season. Will the shooting at philly have anything to do with him playing this season?

Pat Yasinskas: Too early to answer that one. Gotta see what comes out of the whole Philly thing. Maybe it's nothing. But that's in the hands of the law.


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ray (mn): vikings, best starting d-line in football?

Pat Yasinskas: On paper right now, yep.


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Robbie (Chicago): How good of a season do you think Matt Forte will have for the Bears this season?

Pat Yasinskas: Think we'll get a chance to see him very quickly.


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Sam (Oakland, Ca): Are rumors involving Ed Hartwell signing with the Raiders true? And if so can he still give anything to this team?

Pat Yasinskas: Would you sign with the Raiders? I mean, if you had choices to go to other teams?


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Tom D. (NY): what kind of split do you see for carries between michael turner and jerious norwood this year in atl? it seems it should be norwoods shot now but turner just got a huge contract... should be interesting

Pat Yasinskas: I've been saying for the last two years Norwood should get more carries. But money talks and, you're right, Turner's got the big contract. He'll get the bulk of the carries.


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Jay (Boise): I think the 9ers could surprise a lot of people. The defense has the potential to be nasty, and if the QB play is ust average, with their running attack, they could have a nice O as well. What say you...

Pat Yasinskas: Lot of people thought 9ers would be surprise team of last year. But they could be a year late. Like how aggressive they were in offseason. But a lot is going to depend on QB.


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Steve (Moscow, ID): Is DeWayne Robertson enough to plug up Denver's bad run defense or will their lack of linebacker talent hurt them against the run?

Pat Yasinskas: Nope. I mean, Robertson will help, but one guy isn't going to solve everything.


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Anthony (NYC): How upset were the Titans when Limas Sweed got drafted a pick before them by the Steelers in rd 2? Titans got what they deserved, should've pick WR in the 1st rd.

Pat Yasinskas: Should have been very upset. But they could - and should - have gotten a WR in first round or moved up in second to get one.

Pat Yasinskas: Great point on the Neal loss. Something a lot of people overlook. It's HUGE. I remember when the Bucs let Neal go, like 10 years ago, and Warrick Dunn struggled without him. And, yea, I'll go with on best CB duo.


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sean (denver, co): Should the Cowboys have taken a DB in the first round, or was Felix too good to pass up?

Pat Yasinskas: I'm a big believer in Felix. Think that was the best move.


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sean (denver, co): HOW do the Pats get the softest schedule in the league?

Pat Yasinskas: They've got film of somebody in the league office.


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Brad (Philly): you mentioned earlier steve smith coming in originally as a guy who could help out on punts and him blossoming into the stud receiver he is today...do you see a little of that in Desean Jackson?

Pat Yasinskas: Possible. But, keep in mind, Smith didn't develop into a stud WR overnight. It took a few years. Jackson may be more polished as a WR right now than Smith was then, but can't say he'll develop the same way.


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Zac (MN): Hey Pat, what is your opinion of Tyrell Johnson? Were the Vikings correct in taking him over Henne or Brohm?

Pat Yasinskas: I would have taken Henne.


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Jarrod (Hawaii): name first to last to have the best nfl carrer- quinn, russell, ryan.

Pat Yasinskas: Ryan, Quinn, Russell.


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Tom, NYC: Hey Pat, why would the Giants trade shockey now? He's a weapon that can improve their offense and the Saints can't give them anything to help the Giants in '08? What would the incentive be?

Pat Yasinskas: Locker room chemistry, perhaps?

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Anthony (NYC): Pat do you think Jonathan Stewart will eventually replace DeAngelo Williams as the feature back?

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, but not right away. Fox always defers to the veteran - Stephen Davis over Foster long after it became obvious Davis was washed up and Foster over Williams long after it was obvious Foster was mediocre. He'll give Williams a shot, but I'm not sure he's big enough to handle 25 or 30 carries. Stewart's time will come.


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Nate (Madison): Do you think Brohm was a victim of overanalyzing. Hard to believe a guy was seen as a top-10 talent forever, then suddenly has a mediocre season due to injuries, coaching change, etc, and suddenly barely get's picked inside the top 40.

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, exactly. Great point. Analyzing too much has given us the likes of David Carr and Joey Harrington.


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Josh (Virgina): Pat do you think cedric benson will recive any kind of suspesion this year, if so how long

Pat Yasinskas: Hang loose a bit on that and see what comes out of his whole legal situation. Can't really speculate until we know more.


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Jarrod (Hawaii): If colt brennan changes him arm motion, lack of size, and decision making do you think he'll be a productive nfl starter?

Pat Yasinskas: That's a lot to change. I like the guy, but he's a project.


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Anthony (DC): Give me a early Washington Redskins prediction?

Pat Yasinskas: 10-6 and in the playoffs. I think Zorn can coach. And I think, as the offseason showed, Snyder has learned you can't buy a championship and he's backed off.


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Bobby (Toledo, OH): Who are the odd men out in TB at the QB position?

Pat Yasinskas: Simms and Gradkowski, definitely out. They may keep four on the regular-season roster.


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Vince (Sacramento, CA): Pat, could you please preface all answers to Raiders questions with "I hate the Raiders for no apparent reason and therefore with never have a positive thing to say about them"? I mean really...why all the baseless negativity?

Pat Yasinskas: I don't hate the Raiders at all. But, really, what is there positive to say about them in the last few years? If this were the 70s or 80s, I'd be happy to talk them up.


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Zach Rastall (Marinette, WI): Your greatness, how well do you think the Pack will do without Favre?

Pat Yasinskas: All right, just a couple more questions and sorry I couldn't get to them all. It won't be disaster without Favre, but it won't be the same as last year. Rodgers is lucky to have a good team around him and he'll do fine. See them as a border-line playoff team.


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Josh (Virgina): Hey Pat, who do you see winnig the rookie of the year honors on offense and defense?

Pat Yasinskas: Defense, I'll go with Sedrick Ellis. Think he's really going to help the Saints. Offense, hmmm, tough one. I'll go out on a limb and say Flacco.


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Joe (Aurora, IL): Pat, thanks for answering so FAST! Do you see Rex or Orton starting for the Bears this year? And, do you see EITHER of them as the starter in '09 and beyond? Thanks.

Pat Yasinskas: Rex at the start. Orton by the end of the year. Somebody else next year.


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Zach Rastall (Marinette, WI): The Mighty Pat, do the Texans make the playoffs?

Pat Yasinskas: No, but not far off.


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Tim (California Viking): Pat, who do you think takes the NFC North? Vikes or the Pack?

Pat Yasinskas: I'll stick with the Pack, narrowly over the Vikings.


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PT (Franklin, NC): So do you think Flacco gets the start right off the bat?

Pat Yasinskas: Just a hunch, but, yes.


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Josh (Virgina): Sir, Who are you Superbowl picks, Come on I know youve picked someone

Pat Yasinskas: All right good question to wrap it up with. Thanks very much for all the questions. Sorry I couldn't get to them all, but I was typing as fast as possible.

Super Bowl picks in May?

I'll go with the Saints and Chargers. I'll give you a winner next time around. Thanks again.

I Live In Beastmode!

hagan714

I'll go with the Saints and Chargers. I'll give you a winner next time around. Thanks again.

Guess it all depends on Shockey

Papa Voodoo

Isn't Ghent or Campbell our best blocking TE? We'd have to send one of them and picks to get Shockey. I think the closer the season gets the more likely we get Shockey. Or Deuce for Shockey?