Mortensen Chat

Mothra · Jul 20, 2005

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=8733

Chat with Chris Mortensen

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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen will stop by to take your questions on the the upcoming season, free agent moves and much more.

Send your questions now and join Mort in The Show, Wednesday at noon ET!

The ShowGirl: (11:53 AM ET ) WElcome to The Show! Mort will be here shortly with THE NFL report. Send him your gridiron questions now!

Chris Mortensen: (12:06 PM ET ) Hello again! I'm itching for it all to get going here....so let's talk about it...

<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Andy-MD: What actual leverage does T.O. have in Philly, if any?

Chris Mortensen: (12:07 PM ET ) It's the only leverage - he withholds his talent. You know, Emmitt Smith rolled the dice with the Cowboys in '93 and won when Dallas started 0-2 and rushed to get a new contract done. It works both ways, though. Personally, I see NO bending from the Eagles on this one.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Mikey(Lackawanna N.Y): Mort, Do you think Willis Mcgahee is one of the top ten RBs in the NFL? And do you ever invision him winning a rushing title?

Chris Mortensen: (12:09 PM ET ) I'd say McGahee is right on the cusp. The thing everyone needs to see is a full-16 game-plus season in which he stays healthy. Last year, I think he had to go to the sidelines in about six games when he got "nicked up." That's not uncommon for a guy coming off major injury and rehab. Otherwise, if he stays healthy, he should be very, very productive. He's a lot bigger and stronger than I anticipated.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Scott (Greenville, NC): Do you think Ty Law will want to sign with a team that has a chance to win a SuperBowl for a little less money (like the Colts) or is he just out for a big payday at the end of his career?

Chris Mortensen: (12:11 PM ET ) I think first and foremost, Ty Law is looking for a big pay day. Otherwise, he would have stayed in New England. Now, if reality proves that he can't get tht big pay day, then his decision will be very intriguing - his comfort level is still in New England.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Mark (A. Bay): With or without TO, will Donovan put up numbers like he did last year or will the Eagles be defensive oriented again?

Chris Mortensen: (12:12 PM ET ) Without T.O. id don't see how Donovan could put up the same huge numbers but he made the Pro Bowl a few times without T.O. I also think the Eagles will be much better running the football this year....but, remember, defense wins championships - unless the offense is so sensational with a decent defense 0 so that defense better be up to the task.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Luke (Baldwin): What do you think of Ricky Williams coming back?Do you think he'll make the dolphins better?

Chris Mortensen: (12:15 PM ET ) I'm curious, like everybody else. Even Nick Saban has no real idea what he's getting with Ricky. But Williams' presence will hopefully keep Ronnie Brown motivated (I hear he might have been a little out of shape this summer). If Williams shows well in preseason, and then serves his 4-game suspension, he could simply be an asset when he returns, or he could have some trade value in the small window that will present itself in October.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Hans (Arlington): With the offensive firepower that Martz has on hand, the adjustments with the O-line and Steven Jackson emerging as the starting RB, do you think this Ram's team looks more like the GSOT era Rams or the 8-8 Era Rams?

Chris Mortensen: (12:17 PM ET ) Well, the defense and special teams has to improve somewhat dramatically or else they'll be the 8-8 Rams. I do anticipate Marc Bulger having a really big year and I think you will see Kevin Curtis emerge as the second most producitve receiver, ahead of Isaac Bruce.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Dewayne (Springdale): Mort, how well do you think Matt Jones will do?

Chris Mortensen: (12:19 PM ET ) I really expect Jones to catch anywhere from 6-to-10 TDs this year but his overall production won't be spectacular because there's just going to be a transition due to the position switch. But, as you know in Arkansas, Jones may be the most unique athlete to ever enter the NFL.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Jeff (from Odenton): Mort out of 3 USC defensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft, which one will become the better pro?

Chris Mortensen: (12:22 PM ET ) I'm kind of expecting Mike Patterson to do good things with the Eagles because he really fits their scheme. The most intriguing is Manny Wright, who just went to the Dolphins. He probably is more talented than Cody or Patterson but he only got 20 percent of the snaps last year at USC so that tells you he has a lot of issues. He must grow up fast!


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Jordan (NYC): Will Braylon Edwards be the ROY of a receiving-depleted Browns team?

Chris Mortensen: (12:26 PM ET ) I think it will be pretty difficult for Edwards to be the rookie of the year. Receivers generally have it pretty rough as rookies and not having a lot of talent there will make it tougher. However, if the Browns can somehow run the ball effectively, Edwards could benefit because Trent Dilfer still has a big arm.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Bill ( SanAntonio, TX): do you think cedric benson will rush for 1000 yards and at least 6 TDS?

Chris Mortensen: (12:28 PM ET ) Yes. I think Benson will be a rookie of the year candidate. I think Bears O-coordinator Ron Turner will get a lot of milege out of him.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Brandon (STL): I expect a HUGE year from Lamont Jordan being that we wont be the defenses focus when playing Oakland. Do you think he can rush for 1,500 yards or more?

Chris Mortensen: (12:29 PM ET ) Yes! I would roll the dice on Jordan getting 1,500. I know this much: Norv Turner will get his money's worht out of Jordan and the only question will be whether Lamont has the stamina and durability to handle it.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Kevin (Pittsburgh): Mort, do you think that the Steelers will open up the offense in Big Ben's 2nd year and how much of an impact do you think the Rookie tight end will have?

Chris Mortensen: (12:31 PM ET ) The Steelers will not stray from their identity - they will run the ball and play black-and-blue (or gold) football. Roethlisberger benefittted from it a year ago and he is still very young. I do think Heath Evans will prove to be an excellent pickup. But Big Ben did enjoy Burress, who is now with the Giiants, as you know.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Frank (London): Mort, what do you think the point of AJ Smith blasting out against the Postons and Sexton was? Do you think his comments were wise? They seem to set-up a batlle that hasn't even started yet. Thx

Chris Mortensen: (12:34 PM ET ) I was surprised, but AJ is like his old boss, the late and beloved John Butler - he's competitive and he's feisty. I'm still not sure the Chargers got the best of the deal with Rivers and his agent, Jimmy Sexton. But Rivers was there all last off-season, whereas Shawn Merriman (Poston's client) has been absent. Naturally, I'm betting on another prolonged negotiation because both sides have some history in that area. You can't just balme the agent. But AJ Smith was a great candidate for executive of th year last season and I'm sure he will stick to his guns.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Joe (NYC): Mort what are the disappointing factors the Bills staff see in Josh Reed (there must be some with the Roscoe Parrish pick)? Thanks and God bless.

Chris Mortensen: (12:36 PM ET ) I just think Reed may not talented enough. Roscoe Parrish could prove to be a great pick - along with Moulds and Evans, it gives the Bills some more skill and speed at those position.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Jeff (New Haven): Can Pennington to Coles be the same as it was before Lavernous sold out?

Chris Mortensen: (12:38 PM ET ) I don't think so, but a lot will depend on whether both Pennington and Coles are as healthy as they were when they played together. The foot/toe injuries have nagged Coles,. who is as tough as they come. And Pennington is the only QB I can remember who had this kind of rotator cuff surgery and is trying to make a comeback. We'll see.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Rick (Detroit): Mort, is there a quarterback in the NFL who is under more pressure to perform than Joey Harrington? Thanks

Chris Mortensen: (12:41 PM ET ) No, I'd say that he's No. 1. And I expect him to do very well. The biggest question is that they're still breaking in young receivers - Mike Williams is a rookie and Charles Rogers is basically one, too, while Roy Williams - who had offseason ankle surgery - is a 2nd year guy. But I like picking up Marcus Pollard, too, and I think Kevin Jones could be a big-timer. It's pretty promising if Harrington steps up, along with the defense. This division - NFC North - is very interesting.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Bob (Rochester, NY): Mort- What's your take on the Javon Walker holdout threat? Do you think Favre's comments and the Packers' stance will bring him to camp?

Chris Mortensen: (12:43 PM ET ) I think Javon wants to be there and I think it's Ok for the Packers to send a message of conciliation. Brett isn't going to back down. He's Brett Favre, for goodness sake, but I just think Walker would do himself a favor in the long run if he reported on time. I think he would be surprised with the results (finanicially). Everyone needs to put their pride to the side.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Brad - Milwaukee, WI: Mort, Can the NFL do anything to punish Drew Rosenhaus for his rediculous practices?

Chris Mortensen: (12:45 PM ET ) Listen, it's just like Favre said: The players are in charge. They direct their wishes to Rosnehaus and it's his job to try to get what they want. However, it's also Drew's job to give wise counsel and in Walker's case, I think wise counsel is to tell Javon to report on time. It will work out.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Michael (Chapel Hill): Who is the better back: Julius Jones or Kevin Jones?

Chris Mortensen: (12:45 PM ET ) Oh, man. I think you can't go wrong with either Jones.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Craig (Shaw AFB): Mort - Do you see Carson Palmer having a similar career to Peyton Manning?

Chris Mortensen: (12:47 PM ET ) Craig, I'm not sure. I think Palmer will never be as mentally sharp as Manning, and it's almost impossible to work at the same intense level. However, Palmer has more physical skills and he has plenty of weapons. I think he and the Bengals could have a playoff season.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Marcus Scott (Cambridge, MA): Do you see the Raiders making the play off with the addition of Randy Moss and Lamont Jordon

Chris Mortensen: (12:49 PM ET ) The Raiders offense will give everyone headaches. The Raiders' defense still might give Raiders' fans headaches. I'm thinking it will be tight - I'm looking at 9-7 at best for right now. I could make a case fot any of those four teams (SD, KC, Den & Oak) but I have to see the Raiders' defense before I call them a playoff team.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Nolan (Philadelphia): Do you think ex-Seahawk Koren Robinson will land a spot with a team this year or will teams stay away from his off-field issues?

Chris Mortensen: (12:50 PM ET ) With his latest guilty plea on a DUI, I'm expecting Koren will miss the season.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Joe (Santa Clara): Mort, people say Alex Smith is extremely intelligent and has the ability to grap the NFL systems quickly. Do see him making an immediate impact?

Chris Mortensen: (12:51 PM ET ) Not an impact right away because you still have to surround the guy with talent. And they are a work in progress.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Kenny (Carmel, CA): Do you think Owens will become the same sized pain to the Eagles that he became to the Niners, eventually whining his way out of town?

Chris Mortensen: (12:52 PM ET ) Sure looks that way. The ESPY appearance reinforced that thought - Ownes took another shot at McNabb ("he's running the ship") and that's who he is. He may play this year in Philly, but I think he'll be gone in '06, if not sooner.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Dan (Minneapolis, MN): Ok Mort, you you skipped my question and waited for a close one that you could sidestep and then half-answer. Now don't be afraid.... Being a team will cut a player who is injured and can no longer perform, who is old and can no longer perform, force pay cuts on players who underperform their contracts, etc. Why is Drew Rosenhaus grilled for trying to get his clients paid based on their level of play? I hated the guy at first too, but after watching him in an interview, he has a real valid point. For example, Jerome Bettis the last couple years has lost a step - he has had to take pay cuts or be cut because he isn't "worth" that kind of money. But now if he was young and "outplayed" his contract, he has no right to ask for more???

Chris Mortensen: (12:55 PM ET ) Quickly, I'm not saying the player doesn't have the right to ask for more.... I just think each case is different and needs different counsel. Drew is a dealmaker. Teams don't mind negotiating with him but they all try to adhere to a basical organizational philosophy and each organization may be a little different. You have to counsel your guys in that area.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>nick (Cincinnati, OH): Ok, mort, heres a good one to close out with, give me your early superbowl prediction.

Chris Mortensen: (12:56 PM ET ) You're looking for the Bengals' Super Bowl pick, arent't you? I'm closeon them. They're my darkhorse Super Bowl team but the defense is young with many question marks. I'm anxious to see them play early in the year. My Super Bowl predictions? I know, but I am saving them for a little later.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>chris (wilimington, NC): Will the panhers miss moose as much as they think they will?

Chris Mortensen: (12:58 PM ET ) They will miss Muhammad, of course. He was an outstanding receiver who blocked for the running game. But Steve Smith will be a terrific year if he stays healthy and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Panthers pick up another big WR, say, maybe Rod Gardner (Redskins). I like the Panthers a lot this year.


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Dan Coulson (Danvers MA): Do you think the colts have done enough to take down the patriots on Nov. 7? or is this game going to be the same old drubbing of peyton manning?

Chris Mortensen: (1:02 PM ET ) So, first you ask the right question - have the Colts done enough to overtake the Patriots? Then you call it a Peyton Manning drubbing! It's a team game. That Nov. 7 contest probably will determine (at least in my mind) whether th Colts finally get to the Super Bowl. The Colts will be better this year; will the Patriots? Remember, the Colts took the Patriots to the mat in a nail-biting 3-point game in last year's regular season game in Foxboro that took away home field advantage opportunities for the Colts (The Steelers did end up with it). I think the ultimate answer to your question is: Have the Patriots lost too much to sustain their excellence?


<HR width="80%" noShade SIZE=1>Liz (Milwaukee): Drew Rosenhaus, is he pure evil or are his intentions truly for the players benifit?

Chris Mortensen: (1:03 PM ET ) Drew is not evil. He's a very likeable guy and obviously controversial.

Chris Mortensen: (1:04 PM ET ) That's the hour and, folks, I had a great time taking your questions. I wish I could answer 'em all but well be rolling again next week. Take care and God Bless!

Mortensen Chat

Mothra

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