Gum flapping enhances rivalries
With technology's help, more NFL figures are speaking their minds
During my recent vacation, I was fascinated by New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs' critique of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
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Jacobs said on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York, "I don't think he's that good a passer, to be honest with you. I'm not a fan of Tony Romo. Keep him in the pocket, he's not that good. … His luck will be gone sooner or later. If you were to keep Tony Romo in the pocket, he's not that effective."
I don't agree with Jacobs because Romo has put up good enough numbers since becoming a starting quarterback, but I love the banter. With Twitter and sports talk radio, we're entering an interesting phase in the NFL. We're hearing more smack talk. New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has picked spats with just about everyone in the AFC East. Channing Crowder of the Miami Dolphins has replied to Ryan, and you know teammate Joey Porter will have something to say.
What I like about this smack talk is the chance to build rivalries and enhance existing ones. Ryan's entry as a head coach in the AFC East is making this division more feisty and interesting. Brett Favre as a Minnesota Viking would make the NFC North more interesting. The NFC East is great, but more smack talk makes it that much better.
Let's go to this week's mail.
From the inbox
Q: I know everyone's talking about the hole at WR for the G-Men, but why aren't I hearing anything about OLB? Are Chase Blackburn and Gerris Wilkinson really long-term answers? With Osi Umenyiora back, will Mathias Kiwanuka see any time at strongside LB?
Mo in Albany, N.Y.
A: Obviously, Chase Blackburn and Gerris Wilkinson aren't the long-term answers at outside linebacker because the Giants invested in a $5 million, five-year contract to bring in Michael Boley. The good news for the Giants is that they are good enough to get by. But Boley is coming off hip surgery and has been suspended for the opener for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.
Give the Giants credit for upgrading the defensive line to help out the linebackers. The additions of Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty were more important in the big picture because if the linemen perform well, the linebackers are likelier to be successful. I would worry if the Giants had stood pat and not signed any players. By bringing Boley, Canty and Bernard onto the roster, they showed they're willing to spend money to do well this season.
Short takes
George in Eden Prairie, Minn., asks a great question about how roles change for right tackles and left tackles when a quarterback is left-handed. One of the prime jobs on the offensive line is to protect the quarterback's blind side. My answer: A team with a left-handed quarterback can make do with an average right tackle because the tight end normally lines up on the right side and can help out in pass-blocking situations. The premium on both sides is protecting the quarterback's blind side. … Sono in Baltimore has noticed a trend in the AFC North that teams can be good one year and horrible the next. I attribute that trend to schedules. There I go again. But the difference this season is that the AFC North is coming off a tough schedule and going to an easy schedule. Don't expect much of a drop-off from Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and expect the Bengals to rise. As for Cleveland, we'll see. … Shane in Aberdeen, S.D., asks whether I like the Packers' switch to a 3-4 defense. I think it will work. In my opinion, only three legitimate, successful switches have been made from a 4-3 to a 3-4 during the past several years. The Chargers did it because they had a great nose tackle, Jamal Williams. The Cowboys were successful because they traded for Jason Ferguson at the nose and drafted solid players for the 3-4. The Packers' switch can work because Ryan Pickett can be effective at the nose, and there are enough big players along the defensive line and at linebacker. … Looking ahead to Broncos camp, Brian in Salem, Ore., asks which are some of the best battles shaping up on the defense. I'm looking forward to seeing whether Alphonso Smith, the second-round pick who cost the Broncos next year's first-rounder, can challenge Andre' Goodman for a starting job. I'd also like to see how Robert Ayers battles Elvis Dumervil for playing time. Both are ends/linebackers. I'd also like to see whether Marcus Thomas can challenge nose tackle Ronald Fields for playing time or earn more time at end. … Charles in Jacksonville, Fla., wonders who got the best of the Gerald Alexander-Dennis Northcutt trade that sent Alexander to the Jaguars and Northcutt to the Lions. If Alexander's neck is all right, I think it's a wash. Northcutt can help the Lions working out of the slot as a third receiver. Alexander is a decent safety with coverage ability if he's healthy, and the Jaguars need better coverage from their safeties. … Carlos in Panama City, Panama, labels the Bucs' offseason as a rebuilding process, taking out the old and bringing in the young. I agree. Is it going smoothly? I'd say yes. Raheem Morris is generating much energy as head coach. I just don't know whether there's enough talent for a good season in 2009. … Brian in San Jose, Calif., wants an evaluation of 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, who many believe has been a disappointment. I'll take a different position. Sure, he hasn't lived up to his incredible physical skills, but he blocks well and is willing to do it. I think he's better than people think. … Jeff in Baltimore wonders how worried I am about the Redskins' offensive line. I am more worried about the Cowboys' offensive line than the Redskins' O-line. The Redskins have grown younger at right tackle and guard with Derrick Dockery back. Mike Williams could be a plus if he keeps losing weight. … To Kevin in Honolulu, the phones have been pretty quiet for Deuce McAllister. He might have to wait until the regular season to get a chance. … Kevin in Chesapeake, Va., suggests a possible tampering investigation of the Vikings because of the way Brett Favre maneuvered to get his release from the Jets and how the Favre family was gobbling up rooms for the Vikings' regular-season meeting in Green Bay, Wis. No chance. The Jets' and Packers' front offices have moved on. … Matt in Yankton, S.D., asks whether Favre is motivated to come out of retirement by his chances of winning a championship or taking a shot at the Packers' front office. Sure, he wants to make the Packers' front office pay, but he still loves the game and wants to squeeze out one more year by playing. … Jack in Bawmer, Murrland, wants a detailed explanation of what the uncapped year could mean in 2010. It means fewer benefits for players and very little free-agency signings. In an uncapped year, the minimum service time for unrestricted free agency jumps from four years to six, and a team can keep a player's rights for longer and cheaper. We'll obviously get into more details as 2010 approaches. … Finally, Gary in Madison, Wis., asks whether anything prevents Michael Vick from playing in the Canadian Football League. Yes, his arrest record could hurt his chances of getting a visa to play in Canada.
Q: With free agency and trades, why is so much emphasis put into strength of schedule? Other than the consistently top teams like Pittsburgh, New England, Indianapolis, there are surprises each year. Who would have thought Arizona, Atlanta or my squad (Miami) would've been division winners last season? That's why I don't understand the thought that the Dolphins automatically will be worse off this year thanks to a strength of schedule that can't be accurately predicted.
Will in Washington, D.C.
A: You know you're hitting the wrong guy when you ask about the schedule, because I'm probably the biggest promoter of the schedule concept. So bear with me while I explain myself. You can forecast the surprise teams by looking at the schedule. The Dolphins, who played teams from the AFC West and NFC West last season, had an easier chance to win compared with teams in the NFC East, which had tougher schedules. The Cardinals won a division that had three losing teams. Each year, I come up with more accurate ways to forecast the surprise teams because I base my predictions on schedules and quarterback play.
You are correct in thinking that good teams survive tough schedules and that doing so will be the Dolphins' test this season. Schedules in pro football are like ballparks in baseball. The ballparks have different dimensions. In the NFL, some teams have easy schedules while other teams have tough schedules. But the teams with the great quarterbacks usually win regardless of whom they play.
Q: Are the Chicago Bears a true No. 1 wideout from being the scariest offense in the NFL? I know it sounds strange to string the words "Bears' offense" and "scariest" together, but I mean scariest in this sense: Any of the skill position players could score on any play, and all of them warrant attention. Devin Hester needs to be watched for deep speed alone. If you have to double-cover a Brandon Marshall or a Plaxico Burress at the same time, will Greg Olsen post a Tony Gonzalez-like 90-catch season over lonely linebackers? Also, where does Matt Forte filter into the [opponent's] defensive game plan at that point? Do you play the coverage angle and give Forte room? Do you stack the box and blitz Jay Cutler, running the risk that someone with explosive potential is open early? What would a team do?
Braden in New Brunswick, N.J.
A: Even if the Bears get a No. 1 receiver, their offense will never be confused with anything scary. All it needs to be is good. Hester is a scary threat, but he's scarier as a returner than a receiver. Forte should be a good running back for the next few years, but he won't outrun Adrian Peterson or make linebackers brace for pain like Brandon Jacobs. Call it progress. The Bears made a giant step forward in acquiring Cutler, who's a great talent. For decades, the Bears have settled for second or third choices at the quarterback position. Fans have been waiting patiently for them to develop, but they haven't. Cutler's arm should prevent defenses from loading the box against the running game, and that should make the offense more exciting. As for adding a No. 1 receiver, that won't happen this year.
Q: In your last mailbag, you talked about how teams need to pay quality prices for quality receivers (players). What do you think about this trade: Anquan Boldin to Philly, Julius Peppers to Arizona and draft picks (from Philly) to Carolina? Carolina has a great base to keep contending for the next few years, Philly needs to win now and Arizona sorely needs a threat in its front seven that will scare people.
Shane in Los Angeles
A: None of that works. The Cardinals want to keep Boldin. They also don't want to pay a linebacker [defensive lineman Peppers has expressed a desire to move to that position] $16 million, and that's what Peppers is making. They can't get anything done with Karlos Dansby, who is a pretty good linebacker. The other problem is the Panthers are in win-now mode just as much as the Cardinals and Eagles. They won't give up their best player for draft choices. Now you see why trades move slowly in the NFL.
Q: What is the deal with Koren Robinson? I thought he did pretty well last season in Seattle considering its QB situation last year. Will it take a boatload of injuries for him to get a job, or is he done?
J.B. in Charlotte, N.C.
A: Robinson is staying in shape and waiting for a team to call. Injuries in Seattle or Green Bay could put his name on speed dial. I don't think it will take a boatload of injuries, but it will take a few to open some doors for Robinson. He did well in his role for Seattle last year. The biggest thing is that he appears to have cleaned up many of off-the-field problems.
Q: Losing an ILB on one of the best defenses in recent memory would hurt almost any team, but I don't see it that way [with the Steelers]. As blasphemous as this may sound, I was not disappointed to see Larry Foote go because it opens up the spot for Lawrence Timmons to play full time. Do you see a breakout year for Timmons this year? He's a freak of an athlete and will fit perfectly into [defensive coordinator Dick] LeBeau's system.
Nate in North Huntington, Pa.
A: It would have been nice if the Steelers had the cap room to keep Foote, but Timmons was drafted to replace Foote. That's the great part about the way the Steelers develop their linebackers in the 3-4. They don't have to rush them into starting early. LaMarr Woodley, the second-round pick, already is developing himself into a pass-rushing star on the outside. Timmons has great range and speed. I love his closing speed on tackles. It was time for him to start, and now he gets his chance.
Q: As a Seattle Seahawks fan, I am curious to know where my team stands in regard to Super Bowl contention. Obviously it would be a stretch to expect the Seahawks to make a deep playoff run this season, but a division title would be a step in the right direction. Do you see the Seahawks as potential Super Bowl contenders in the next few seasons (pending Matt Hasselbeck's health)? Alex from New York
A: The great part about being in the NFC is that any team that makes the playoffs is in contention. As long as Hasselbeck stays healthy, the Seahawks should contend because the NFC West is a health clinic. Kurt Warner stayed healthy last year, and the Cardinals won the playoffs. When Hasselbeck stays healthy, the Seahawks win the division. Last season, Hasselbeck was hurt. As long as he stays healthy, the Seahawks should get back to averaging at least 24 points per game. That should put them right into contention. Once the playoffs come, the NFC representative in the Super Bowl is usually the healthiest or hottest team in the conference.
Q: Let's say Brett Favre signs with the Vikes. Regardless of how he plays and even if he plays for them in 2010 as well, what will the Vikings do about the quarterback situation for long term? Will they draft someone after this season? Will they address it in free agency? (I think Jason Campbell will be a free agent.) How do you think the team will resolve this?
From Ajay in Oakland, Calif.
A: Great question, but wasn't that the same question the Jets were asking a year ago? Maybe the Vikings can get lucky and draft a first-round quarterback who can be the long-term answer. The draft is a better place to find that quarterback than free agency. The Vikings put themselves into this position by putting all their eggs in the Tarvaris Jackson basket. The Jets, to a certain degree, did the same thing with Kellen Clemens. The Vikings will sign Favre and will deal with the future next year.
Q: Last year, the Steelers won a Super Bowl despite having one of the worst running games in the league (if not statistically, at least effectively). They picked up a short-yardage specialist in the draft but appear ready to rely on the inconsistent Willie Parker as the featured back once again. Is there any reason to think the running game will be any better this season, or will the Steelers be forced to rely on the Big Ben "duck-and-chuck" offense to move the ball again this season?
Bill in San Francisco
A: The reason the running game should be better is Rashard Mendenhall. He is being groomed as the running back of the future but doesn't have the pressure of taking over the No. 1 role this season. Willie Parker will be the starter, but Mendenhall has looked good so far this offseason. Mendenhall is a bigger back who can allow the Steelers to revert to a more physical running offense. Parker isn't big enough to be physical with his running style. He is good, but the style of the running game has to be different when he starts. You'll see the transition in the next two years.
John Clayton, a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's McCann Award for distinguished reporting, is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
- Senior NFL writer and commentator
- Joined ESPN in 1995
- Member of the writers' wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio
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