Breakdown with Bucky Brooks
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ETBucky Brooks
15 comments
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, chatted live on Thursday, November 5, taking your questions on all the matchups ahead in Week 9.
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Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
What's up, NFL Nation?! I'm excited to tackle your questions today. We have an exciting slate of game set for the weekend, and this should be a week where we separate the contenders from the pretenders. Anyways, Let's get started... -
Rob Colunga, Niagara University
1:06 PM ET
Bucky, Pittsburgh at Denver...Battle of 2 powerful defenses...Which won puts the hammer down and comes out with a win?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Rob, This should be a terrific match up between two top defenses. I think that the Broncos' D will be a tough match for the Steelers at home, and I'm willing to favor Denver in a tight one based on the home field advantage. -
Miroslav, Bosnia
1:09 PM ET
What is the biggest problem with bears? Coaching, scheme or something else?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Miroslav, The biggest problem with the Bears is their offensive line. They are unable to create a push in the running game, and their spotty pass protection has forced Jay Cutler to throw errant passes from the pocket. Additionally, the Bears have yet to find a rhythm in the passing game. Devin Hester has been good, but Greg Olsen has been a non-factor for most of the season. If they can resolve those issues, they can make a strong push for the post-season. -
Brent,
1:12 PM ET
Have you had a chance to see Beanie Wells play this year? What do you think of his potential to be a great player in the NFL?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brent, Beanie Wells is going to be a terrific pro player. He has the running skills and toughness to be a feature back, but needs to be better taking care of the ball. Additionally, the Cards need to give him more carries to add balance to their offense. If they continue to let him develop, I would expect him to become an upper echelon player in a few years. -
Umair Khan, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
1:14 PM ET
Hey do you think that Dallas can pull the upset this Sunday against the Eagles? The Eagles are a good team but I'm still not convinced, they have beaten teams on the downfall, Redskins and the Giants. The Cowboys will have a good test for both their offense and defense.This should be a good measuring stick for both teams wouldn't you say?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Umair, I think the Cowboys have a great chance at upsetting the Eagles. Dallas is loaded on both sides of the ball, and they have the potential to dominate any team when they play to their strengths. If they take care of the ball and establish the run, they will give the Eagles problems on Sunday night. Defensively, they can't allow the ball to be thrown over their heads. The Eagles are a big play offense and the Cowboys must force them to drive the field on an assortment of short plays. If they do that, I think that they will win an exciting match up. -
Matt Galliani, Novato, CA
1:18 PM ET
Hey Bucky, Would you elaborate on why all of the analysts think that the Panthers are going to beat the Saints. To me that just seems ridiculous to even say.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Matt, The reason experts are picking the Panthers is because the Falcons exposed a potential weakness in the Saints' defense. Michael Turner had a big rushing day, and the Panthers' rush offense is one of the most dynamic attacks in the league. If the Saints are unable to stop DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers will control the tempo and keep Drew Brees and Co. on the sidelines. I don't know if the Panthers are capable of running at will, but they have every intention of testing the Saints' run defense. -
Tony, Sparks, NV
1:21 PM ET
What up Buck! Do you think my niners are a playoff team this year?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Tony, The 49ers still have a good chance of earning a playoff berth. They are not too far away from the division leaders (Cards) and they have another opportunity to play them down the stretch. Additionally, the offense is starting to find a rhythm with Alex Smith under center. If they can put it together and maintain the solid play defensively, I think they can move past the Cards for the division title. -
Mike, Boston
1:23 PM ET
why arent the Patriots getting any Love? atleast we beat a couple of good teams , Both 7-0 teams havent beat anyone impresive!
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Mike, The Patriots get plenty of love. They have been roundly touted as a title contender, and people expect them to be in the mix at season's end. Though you may not feel that the Pats are getting respect, I believe that they are respected league-wide as one of the top teams. -
Andrew, Wisconsin
1:30 PM ET
Hey Buck! With the return of Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton pending...Do you think the Packers will shot at making it to the playoffs?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Andrew, I think the Packers still have a shot at getting into the playoffs, but they need to play better on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they need to start creating havoc and turnovers consistently. The D has played at a high level at times, but needs to step up their play in big game. On offense, the offensive line has to protect Rodgers better and create more room for Ryan Grant on the ground. The team needs to play with better balance and the offensive line is the key. -
James, Queens
1:34 PM ET
Hey Buckster!!! How bout those Steelers??? What did you say at the beginning of the season? 7-9? You know I had to come back to you about that Nostradamus!
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
James, Seriously? Are you still holding on to the preseason prediction. As I stated that had concerns about the Steelers' offensive line and running game, and both of those areas are still troubling. While the team has found ways to win games, I think the team long term prospects will suffer if they don't find a way to get more production from the offensive line and the running game. I'm impressed with their defense, but I don't know if a one-dimensional Steelers' team can win another title. Time will tell. -
Eugene, Sinichkin
1:41 PM ET
Does Jairus Byrd from Bills has a big future in NFL? Or his great game in last matches is just a kind of luck? Of course it's difficult to say something so early, but maybe you have information that help you to predict. Thanks, Bucky!
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Eugene, I believe that Jairus Byrd is an outstanding player with a tremendous upside. He has incredible instincts and a knack for tracking the ball in the air. Throw in the fact that Bills have a system that allows him to make plays, I believe that it is reasonable to assume that he will be a good player for a long time. -
mike, baltimore
1:47 PM ET
hey bucky i saw the rams got their first win on sunday what are the chances of them going 9-7?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Mike, The Rams' win was definitely a good one, but I don't think that it will lead to a nine-game winning streak. I believe that they can win a few more games and finish the season on a positive note. -
John, san diego
1:52 PM ET
Chargers Vs giants who do you take and why??
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
John, This is a big game for both teams. The Giants aren't playing well, but they realize this is a "must win" for them to stay in the NFC East race. They are getting Chris Canty and Michael Boley back and that will help their struggling defense. However, I think the Chargers will test their defense with their aerial attack. Philip Rivers is playing well and the emergence of Vincent Jackson has opened up the field for Antonio Gates. If the Chargers can get something in the running game from LT, I believe they will have their way with the Giants on the road. I'll take the Chargers in a slight upset on the road. -
L.A , florda
1:56 PM ET
whats up buck? you didnt pick the steelers to do so well how are you feeling about that now?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
LA, I feel good. I'm impressed with their ability to win games despite a shaky offensive line and inconsistent running game. However, I think that they must address both areas if they are to win another title. -
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Guys, my time is up. I enjoyed fielding all of your questions today. I hope that you have a great football weekend. Also, be sure to drop by my chat on Sunday after the games. I would love to hear your comments on the day's event. Later. BB
