Matt Williamson

  (11:56 AM)

Okay everyone. Let's get this started a little bit early today. We had a few technical difficulties last week at this time, but I should have done a better job of adapting and overcoming the situation. Coming back with a vengence today. Let's roll.

Jim (Tampa)

Hey Matt! Does Buffalo have the best WR/RB tandem in the NFL with Lee Evans and Terrell Ownens at WR and Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackon and Dominc Rhodes at RB?

Matt Williamson

  (11:57 AM)

Hmmm....never thought about it. SD is pretty strong. So is Indy. Who else? Would have said Dallas a year ago-can't do that now with TO in Buffalo. GBay? Probably overlooking someone.

Broad Street Brian (Philly)

I really liked your series on NFL teams? weaknesses. I do have one question: Did you consider making DE the Eagles main weakness? Trent Cole is great at LDE, but RDE is currently manned by Juqua Parker, Victor Abiamiri, and Chris Clemons. The Eagles says they have three guys who can rotate in and be effective, I think that if you need three guys, then you don?t have the one you need. Wouldn?t a trade for a DE (say A. Kampman who is out of place in a 3-4) make Cole even better? You need a serious pass rush to take care of NE and Indy, and G-Men.

Matt Williamson

  (11:58 AM)

Thanks. Are you sure you didn't like that series because I had such a tough time coming up for a weakness for Philly? Kidding. But it was tough and I thought about DE for sure. However, I think Abiamiri is an up and comer. Your points are excellent though.

Eddie (Hamilton,NY)

Who needs to have a better year at qb this year Trent Edwards or Aaron Rodgers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:00 PM)

Not sure who "Needs" to have a better year, but I would expect Rodgers to blow Edwards out of the water (as he did last year) in this category.

collos (mami fl,)

hey matt, do you think the dolphins did enough this offseason given there much tougher schedule this upcoming season? and what type of impact do you supect jason taylor will have for the dolphins?

RAY GORDON REID ( TRENTON NJ 06808)

QUESTION TO MATT WILLIAMSON AT 12.15 PM HI MATT WHO GONNA GET PLAXICO BURRESS

Matt Williamson

  (12:02 PM)

I think the D will be improved, especially the pass D. JT will have a lot to do with that. Can rotate with someone like Wake. JT isn't equipped to play a real high amount of snaps anymore and keeping him fresh will be critical. Still, I keep coming back to Miami's passing game-I just don't think they have nearly enough in that department. Sorry to say, but they look like a 7-9 or 8-8 type team to me. I love their coaching staff and now their OL though. Schedule is awfully tough.

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

As for the Burress question, TBay sure seems to be the leader in the club house. Excellent fit. I love that O now...if they find a QB. But, there has to be a lot of teams VERY interested. These come to mind and I might be forgetting someone: Miami, Chicago, Denver if Marshall is dealt, Baltimore for sure, Dallas, Washington, STL and Carolina. Once again, might be overlooking someone. Baltimore would be very intriguing.

MJ Gill (Boston)

Matt - I'm a huge fan, but where was my email in regards to advising you on the Cowboys real weakness?

Matt Williamson

  (12:05 PM)

I have no idea what you are talking about concerning your email. Fill me in.

Brett (Wisconsin)

What are your thoughts about Kampmann in the 3-4? Is Jeremy Thompson the sleeper in their group of OLBs?

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

I hate Kampmann as a 3-4 OLB. Surely, he will rush more than he drops, but still, the guy was a heck of a player as a 4-3 DE. Reason number #32 why I didn't like GBay's switch to the 3-4. He often operated out of a four point stance-that isn't going to happen anymore. Thompson is a sleeper I suppose, but is he athletic enough to turn his hips and run with a RB like Forte? I have my doubts.

Brett (LA)

Have a bone to pick. While I've been skeptical of the Broncos moves, you've killed them for trading Cutler then, in the same breath, are hesitant to even call Jay a top ten QB. Two number ones, a three, and a player for someone you won't even call top ten doesnt sound too bad.

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Pick away. Not sure that I killed them, but I have not been kind to all their decisions under this new regime. I maybe have also been a bit too rough on Cutler as well. He is a Top 10 QB-and potentially a terrific franchise guy. I do wonder about his maturity levels and pension for forcing the ball in a bad decision scenerio. I would rather have a guy like A Rodgers however. So, am I on the fence in this? Perhaps, but I give Chicago credit for going out and taking a chance on a supreme talent at the most important position and truthfully, Denver got more than I expected in that deal and all things considered, appears to be fair value. But...just think how good that O was last year. Now, the absolute strength of the team is completely torn up. Hard to get on board with that in the middle of June.

Joe (Montana)

What teams have the potential to be the #1 ranked D this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

Pittsburgh and the Giants come to mind right off the bat and I have to say they are the guys to beat for that honor. Balt probably isn't going away, but losing Rex Ryan and to a lesser extent, Bart Scott, is a blow for sure. The Jets could pull it off. It wouldn't blow me away if SD made some noise in this battle as well. Still...give me the Steelers immediately followed by NYG.

Vincent R. (Bakersfield,CA)

Do you expect Kyle Orton to put up good numbers in the Broncos offense if they keep Marshall?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

If they keep Marshall, yes, I expect his numbers to be good. Not as well as Cutler would have done, but good stats for Orton. Without Marshall, I could really see problems for that O. BUT-once again on the fence a bit-trading a guy with Marshall's off the field background doesn't sound so terrible to me either. I don't know the man, but would anyone reading this be shocked if he did something again and was suspended for an entire season? Hard to trust someone like that. But, they do need him on the field for sure.

jacory h (lauderhill fl,)

do you forsee the jets "d" living up to the hype of a rex ryan coached team, and what type of impact do you expect from gohlston?

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

I do forsee that and expect NYJ to end up in the Top 5 in total D this year. Exceptional defensive play caller in Ryan. I bet he gets something out of that group of OLBs for sure-including Gholston. This scheme will be far more attacking. Get off the ball and get after the QB. Gholston should be able to do that.

MJ Gill (Boston)

what do you think Denver wants for Marshall, lots of potential and lots of baggage.

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

That is the thing. A few posts ago, I listed about 10 teams that should be interested in Burress. On the field, Marshall should be considered by the same clubs. But really, what do you give up for a guy like this? Certainly not a first round pick-even though his play warrents it. Maybe-just maybe-if you are a contender and expect to select at the end of the draft, would I move a 2nd for him. But wow-would scare me to death. Burress takes a lot of flack, but his issues are no where near as severe to me as Marshall's.

MJ Gill (Boston)

Matt - I did hype the Cowboys last year, and you took a beating, because you were supporting them too, so I felt I let you down, but you'll see. I like the youth movement on D, minus Brooking....I'm expecting big things....

Matt Williamson

  (12:20 PM)

Just think if Dallas had a reasonable backup QB (which they do now) when Romo went down last year. That O was awful with BJ behind center. As for the youth movement-not sure I really follow. They drafted a TON of players, but all of them with late selections and their roster is somewhat stacked to begin with. I still see them as a contender though.

Jeff (South)

What do you see happening in the NFC South this season? I don't see any great Super Bowl caliber teams in the division, but no terrible Detroit/St. Louis/KC teams.

Matt Williamson

  (12:22 PM)

I agree with that and have 1. ATL 2. NOrl 3. CAR 4. TBay. My issues with TBay are at QB and with almost their entire D. I see Car falling rather dramatically this year and I see NOrl's D improving and hopefully they can run the ball a little more often/effectively. ATL could be a contender. I think I presently have them as the 3rd best NFC team behind Philly and NYG and slightly ahead of Dallas. That O could be awesome. Huge believer in Ryan as well. Of course the D is worrisome, but ATL should win plenty of shoot outs.

Vincent (Bakersfield,CA)

If the Broncos trade Marshall for a good D lineman would you view it as a good trade?

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

DLinemen are gold, so I probably would...but I need a name of a specific DLineman to make a decision.

JD (Tampa, FL)

As far as WR/RB goes... If the Bucs get Plax... Plax, Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, Derrick Ward, Ernest Graham and hopefully a healthy Cadillac

Matt Williamson

  (12:24 PM)

No question. Like I said earlier, I would love this O in general if they get suitable QB play. Of course that remains a massive question mark, but if you get Burress, I would then give Leftwich the job and go from there. However-this cannot be overlooked-there are some unstable (let's just leave it at that) personalities there with K2, Bryant and Burress. Whew.

Brad (NM)

Shouldn't Buffalo be concerned about having a less-than-impressive backup QB with Edwards' injury probability? Who is out there besides (gulp) JP Losman?....Surely Gus Frerotte won't stick around Minny will he?

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

Glad you brought that up and that is a huge reason why I am picking the Bills for last in that division. They ran out and signed Fitzpatrick immediatly when free agency opened like he was someone to get excited about. That team would be terrible with Fitzpatrick. As for Edwards, he isn't the hardiest guy around. I think many people are far too high on him....especially with awful OT play. That is a huge problem for me with this team and I see it ending badly for Buff.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Does Chicago trade for Marshall and reunite him with Cutler?

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

Certainly thought of that one. Wow. That actually makes a lot of sense. Clearly Chi is in a win-now mode and that move could be enough to put them right in the hunt...unless Marshall goes and screws it up with some poor decision off the field, which is entirely possible. Still, Cutler handing it to Forte and throwing to Hester (who is going to break out by the way), Olsen and Marshall? Now you are talking.

Brian (Michigan)

Do you see anyone signing Vick? I don't think so.

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

Oh yeah. No question in my mind.

Raymond (Cleveland)

Is there any reason for me to find hope in this season? We are horrible, our front office is horribe, give me a reason to hope!

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

I don't disagree with that, but I will look at the Browns' situation through rose colored glasses. They have brought in a lot of bodies and could change the culture a bit there while also creating more competition at many positions. The OL looks stable and maybe Quinn turns into something. But still, don't bank on it.

Jake wi [via mobile]

Hey Matt, love the work. I was curious to who you thought could be a real sleeper team this year? I like gb if a rod can close out some games, but I'm also interested in seeing kc with cassel and bowe, as well as the bills with the addition of t.o. Your thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

Seattle is my team. Do they count? They did pick 4th in this past draft. Cincy could surprise. Can't give you KC or Buff.

Tim (San Diego)

Matt, sounds like you think SD should at least have a top 5 defense. Do you expect them to have a top 3 offense? If so, what do expct them to do in the playoffs (how's that for June question)?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Great June question. I like the D. Top 5 would be great. Top 10 seems extremely attainable. I like the O better though. Rivers is awfully good and their passing attack is superb. If LT can be close to what he was, look out. I don't love the OL at all, but they should make due. I have said this over and over, SD will moon walk through that terrible division and should assure themselves a first round bye. After that, I am not doing any more predicting in the middle of June!

James (Indy)

Hail the Chat King and the Cup Champion Penguins!!!!!

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

Lord Stanley. Lord Stanley. Pass me the brandy. Shame on you for six weeks if you missed Game 7. Two parades in my home town this year. Great time to be in the 'Burgh.

Liam ((P-town, CA))

Coaches are saying Alex Smith looks as good as he ever has. Do you think with the addition of Crabtree, maturation of V Davis, and Singletary's philosophy on offense, Smith can be an effective QB? I think he may finally get some coaching stability now that Singletary is in charge.

Matt Williamson

  (12:35 PM)

I tend to agree with you-hesitantly. It depends what they ask him to do. I think he can develop into a quick hitting quick decision making QB who can make some plays with his feet. If they ask him to do a lot of five and seven step drops and make tough throws, he will struggle. But-and he has not been good, so don't get me wrong-that poor guy really had little chance of success all things considered.

Brad (NM)

I'm totally being serious with this question Matt...how about Vick going to Buffalo?

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

First off, I would have NEVER thought that organization would have had the slightest interest in TO. It appears that they (Juaron) knows that his leash is rather short. So, in that regard, it does make a little sense. I get the feeling that Buff is planning on using more spread this year and getting the ball out of Edwards' hand quick. They had better considering who is pass blocking for him, but that also might not really be Vick's game. Also, to sign Vick, you almost have to concede that he isn't a QB this year until he gets back in the flow.

Chad (Detroit)

Will detroit make the playoffs this year

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

Seriously?

Adam (Jersey)

Let's just get Vick to Tampa and see if he can distribute the ball to Plax, Bryant and K2. Ah, that would be hilarious.

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Yeah, I don't see any room for error in that plan at all.

Brian (Michigan)

More serious question, will Detroit win 4 games this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Without looking at their schedule, I suppose that I would take the Over on that and could see them winning five more likely than just winning three. 4 is probably the perfect O/U.

Clayton (La) [via mobile]

Matt, i know the Saints made some moves to improve their secondary but it wont do them much good if they continue to get poor production from Grant and Smith considering their salaries.Do u see the Saints parting ways with them if so?

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

That must be a serious worry-great point. These two need to bring more to the table. Also, their DTs overall are very worrisome to me. Ellis looks okay-but isnt' a sure thing yet. Clancy is solid. The rest are worrisome. DL depth in general is just okay at best. McCray could be servicable though.

Adam (Jersey)

How about a Boldin/Marshall trade? I know it'll never happen, but it makes some sense, no?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

Doesn't make any sense for Zona. They hold the Cards (funny one) with the Boldin situation. That team went to the Super Bowl last year. They are a contender. Why make that deal for a guy who can't stay out of trouble?

James (Indy)

Was the Yuengling flowing this past week Matty?

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

Not my style really. More of a macro brew type of guy. Come hockey time though, you really can't go wrong at all with a few chilly Mooseheads.

Drew (Brunswick)

Don't you think that Atlanta could benefit from trading a 2nd round pick for Marshall? With White, Marshall, Gonzalez and Michael Turner and Norwood toking the rock that would have to be the #1 Offense in the NFL, right?

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

They might have the #1 O in the league anyways and they used that pick to get Gonzo. That team doesn't need any more fire power. In fact, they dealt L Robinson because they had no room for him.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Do you see Waters getting traded from K.C. and if so, where?

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

They dealt Gonzo and have to know that they are in the beginning stages of a huge rebuilding project-so moving him now makes a ton of sense. But, to who? Hmmm. Tough one. Pittsburgh immediatly comes to mind. Maybe Zona as well. Seattle? Chicago? Dallas?

Collos (MIAMI, FL)

Hey Matt, Besides the obvious answer who do you see finishing second to last in the AFC East and why?

Matt Williamson

  (12:46 PM)

I like NEng to win it and Buff to lose it. The other two spots are tough decisions for me. I really worry about the Jets' ability to throw the football, but their D should keep everything close. Miami is so fundamentally sound and if they value the football like they did last year, they should be in every game. I have picked New York of late, but that is really a coin flip right now.

B (NC)

Matt, will the loss of Ward hurt the Giants rushing offense this year, or will Bradshaw, Brown and/or Ware be able to pick up the slack?

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

I have no worries at all about the Giants' RB situation. They might have to end up cutting or trading one of those guys...like they did with R Grant a few years ago.

Kreger (Boston)

Best WR tandem = Miss and Welker

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

Give me Fitz and Boldin over those two. Both sets are superb though.

Adam (Jersey)

Oh come on... another "holding the Cards" pun? You're better than that, Matt.

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

I am glad you called me out on that. It was a horrible decision on my part and regretted it as soon as I hit the "Submit Answer" button. Not getting anything past you guys.

Clay (Charlotte)

Peppers plays in Charlotte this year, right? No way he holds out all season, too much money to lose. Maybe a mid-season trade, but I don't see anyone spending the money/draft picks to get him. Teams will wait until the season is up then throw the house at him, right?

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

Isn't he in line to get like 18 million dollars for playing this one year? He will play.

Dan (Chicago)

so why hasnt my comment been posted yet?

Matt Williamson

  (12:49 PM)

Happy?

MJ Gill (Boston)

who'd you rather have Barber/Jones/choice or Jacobs/Bradshaw/Ware?

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

The Cowboys' threesome. Close of course. Barber and Jacobs are similiar, but I prefer Barber because I trust him to stay healthier and he can actually catch a football. Felix is my guy and he is the biggest reason I take Dallas. Also, Choice is very good and also more proven than NYG's third guy. The Giants' blocking is better though.

Brandon (Bellevue)

Best value pick for Fantasy QB (that means who is the best FF QB outside of Brady, Brees, Manning, Rogers, and Rivers)?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Gotta put Warner in that group too, right? If he stays healthy, look out again. There are a lot of quality guys in that next group though like Romo, Schaub, Ryan, Palmer, McNabb and even guys like Hasselbeck, Orton and Cassell. Good year to wait on your FF QB I think.

James (Indy)

Brandon...Ryan. Dude is a stud.

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Big time stud. My only FF question with Ryan is that ATL seems to score their points on the ground. That could change with their fire power however. Stud.

MJ Gill (Boston)

Romo...i can't stand him...but he's a fantasy gem

Matt Williamson

  (12:53 PM)

Big time. I doubt Dallas throws as high of a % of the time this season-and they shouldn't. See a few posts ago concerning their RBs to see why, but Romo produced big numbers just about every time he walks on the field.

Jesse Harris (Boise, ID)

Wow, you really hate our Bills this year, huh? Even with the no huddle?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Hate is strong, but dislike, yes. The no-huddle should help though. I think Edwards is going to be adept at quick hitters. TO should fit that well too. Excellent after the catch. Big and strong. So-so hands though. I see that scheme really hurting Evans though. How much will Juaron actually run it though? The guy is so conservative and wants to pound the rock. Still, just can't get over the OT issues here.

Vincent (Bakersfield,CA)

How bout Marshall for Justin Tuck?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Not a chance. Tuck is a big time guy. Worth FAR more than Marshall.

Anthony ((NYC))

M-Dub with LT having injuries the past two seasons, yet he's still been able to put up 1250 yds

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

I know he has. He looked terrible to me last year and obviously his OL didn't help matters. I do think he is declining. But he is also very crafty-especially near the goal line-and knows how to gain yardage.

Cameron (Geico Cubicle) [via mobile]

Top 5 FF RB's Go!

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

Wow. Pressure. Maybe I should not have unlocked that FF treasure chest just yet. It makes people do crazy things. 1. Peterson of course. 2. MJD 3. Turner 4. Forte 5. S Jax

Anthony ((NYC))

Tell me what you want but LT is still in the top 3 in my book.

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

AS for LT for FF, is there a safer guy in the NFL to hitch your wagon to with the expectations of at least 8 TDs? He will get into the end zone this year if he can walk. What is interesting though is that LT never plays in the preseason. I REALLY want to see him in the preseason this year. I can't just assume that all his teammates in camp who are saying that he looks better than ever are all correct. The guy REALLY struggled last year and that is when RBs of his mileage break down.

Vincent (Bakersfield,CA)

Marshall is in the top five of every recieving category and your saying he's not a big time guy?

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

Not in terms of what his value is on the open market-especially against someone like Tuck. Not even close.

Cory (Philadelphia)

To respond to youe earlier coment about how great it is in PGH, do not forget the WS Champion Phillies. Keystone State is 3/4 right now. Its a shame that the Sixers suck to screw up the Grand Slam.

Matt Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

I suppose that I will let you enjoy the ride with us in Western PA. Wait a second, no I won't. Baseball is dead to me.

Bryan (MA)

Now that Ellis signed with the Raiders, does a Burgess to NE deal look like a real possibility?

Matt Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

First thing I thought of as well.

Brad (NM)

Do you think Miles Austin could have a breakout year?

Matt Williamson

  (1:02 PM)

I very much do. Big fan of what I have seen from him. Impressive.

Matt Williamson

  (1:02 PM)

Okay folks, I am out. Great work today. See you next Wednesday at noon.