Week 9 chat with Bucky Brooks
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM ETBucky Brooks
17 comments
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks checked in for a live chat with NFL Nation on Sunday, Nov. 8, after taking in all the Week 9 action.
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Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
What's up, NFL Nation?! What a great set of games today. We saw a few teams separate themselves from the pack, and we saw a few disappointing teams fall by the wayside. I can't wait to chat about it.. Let's get started.. -
Brendan, Severna Park MD
7:37 PM ET
What do you think about the Titans with VY back in the lineup?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brendan, I like the way the Titans are playing with VY in the line up. They are running the ball well, and he is throwing better than anyone could've anticipated. When both aspects of their offense are working, they are a tough team to stop. With two straight wins you can see the confidence growing in the team on the sidelines, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them continue their good run over the next few weeks. -
Jarrod, New Zealand
7:39 PM ET
Bucky. Why do u have it in for my Colts there 8-0 man! show some respect?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Jarrod, I have a ton of respect for the Colts and their ability to win games. I think that it's clear that they are one of the top teams in the AFC and a strong favorite to get to the Super Bowl. The one area of concern in my book remains their inability to run the ball consistently. While I think that Peyton Manning is one of the best QBs in the history of the game, I don't know if he can continue to carry the offense on the strength of his right arm. He may be capable of doing it, but it will be tougher against the likes of the Steelers, Patriots and Broncos for the AFC title. -
Ben, Columbus
7:41 PM ET
What should we take away about both teams from the Bengals-Ravens game?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Ben, I think that you should included the Bengals in conversations regarding top teams in the AFC, and you need to worry about the Ravens' D. This is the second time that Cedric Benson has gained over 100 rushing yards on their defense. And the chink in the armor will lead to other trying to pound the ball right at the Ravens. Additionally, the Bengals may have given defensive coordinators a solid game plan to use when facing Joe Flacco and Co. I don't know if everyone can pull it off, but the bluerprint is clearly in place. -
xlichamps2006, VA
7:45 PM ET
who do you think is the best defensive end in the league this season so far?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
That is a great question. We have so many guys playing well that it is hard to make those decisions. Jared Allen, Dwight Freeney and Julius Peppers are wreaking havoc off the edges, and they are joined by Elvis Dumervil as possible Defensive Player of the Year types.If pressed, I would choose Allen over the others for DPOY. -
Mauro , Fortaleza , Brazil
7:50 PM ET
Hi Bucky! After seeing the NYG game , I can't stop wondering about that Giants defense. Is it overrated or just plagued by injuries? I also don't see a TRUE LEADER in their team.. Do you think that its affecting how they play?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Mauro, The Giants' D is struggling, but it will get better when Canty and Boley are fully recovered from their injuries. The team needs an improved pass rush, and they are both capable of delivering sacks off the edges. If they can shore up the leaky coverage in the back end, they can still emerge as a formidable team this season. The Giants will go as far as their defense will take them, but they need to get the unit straightened out soon. -
Ismael, Mexico
7:57 PM ET
Hey Brooks wassup? I hate how the 'Fins are struggling right now. On the first 3 games they lost due to turnovers, then they could win against IND, NO & today at New England but due to the lack of playmakers and capacity of making big plays on the last seconds of the game, they lost, what do you think?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Ismael, The 'Fins are struggling, but they could easily be at the top of the league if they had performed better in the clutch. Taking care of the ball and not allowing big plays are the key to winning in this league, and they have been consistent enough in either area to win at a high level. If they take better care of the ball and get more plays from their designated playmaker, they can still make a push for the playoffs. -
Conor , San Diego
8:00 PM ET
Bucky what do you make of the chargers ?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Conor, That was a big win for the Chargers today. They needed to show that they are capable of grinding out close games and the way that they battled back down the stretch said a lot about their team. Although they still have a lot of holes (running game and rush defense), they are as talented as any team in the league and very capable of going on a strong run down the stretch. With the Broncos still in their sights, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chargers win the AFC West. -
Lee, Denver
8:07 PM ET
You give great, well thought out answers but geez, you don't get to many, glad Sportswriting isn't what you get paid for.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Lee, I guess it depends on if you like quality answers or quantity answers that leave you scratching your head. I prefer quality in my book. -
AJ, Waltham,MA-02451
8:09 PM ET
Bucky, please tell us Bears fans whats wrong with the team? Listening to Lovie Smith is like listening to bad bad record.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
AJ, The Bears' offensive line is killing them. They aren't able to run the ball well and their blocking in pass pro is suspect. Without the ability to control the line of scrimmage, the Bears will always struggle on offense. Defensively, the injuries to their linebackers have hurt them against the run and their defensive line is no longer a dominant unit. Without a dominant front seven, they will have a tough time playing the Tampa-2 style defense that they prefer. -
James, Seattle
8:12 PM ET
What do you think about the future of Seahawks?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
James, The Seahawks are at a crossroads. They have to address their offensive line situation and they will likely need to take a Left Tackle in the draft. Additionally, they need to find a feature back and identify a quarterback of the future. I love their coaching staff, but they will need to take a step back before they return to the top of the NFC West. -
Jason Tipping , Leicestershire England
8:15 PM ET
I am becoming more and more impressed with Vincent Jackson. Is it time to start mentioning his name in the class as Fitzgereld and Moss ? How good do you think he is '?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Jason, You should be impressed with Vincent Jackson. He is having a great year and is worthy of being placed in the elite category of receivers. I don't think that he is up there with Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss, but he is certainly in that next tier. -
Lee, Denver
8:17 PM ET
guess it's something as an analyst that someone like me who doesn't get impatient often wants your opinion enough to complain about your speed, So whats your opinion on Freeman?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Lee, It's hard to evaluate Josh Freeman off one game, but I think that he flashed the talent and potential that made him worthy of his selection in the first round. I believe that he gives them a chance because of his arm strength, poise and athleticism. He will undoubtedly experience his struggles as their starter, but I thought that he had a solid performance against the Packers today. -
Kevin Plunkett, Rossford, Ohio
8:19 PM ET
Why is Chris Johnson doing so good, is he becoming more of a complete back, and will he continue to get these yards and get 2000 yards on the season?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Kevin, Chris Johnson is such a dangerous weapon because of his speed. He has the ability to get to top speed in a hurry, and defenses must stay sound with their gap responsibilities or he will break off long gainers at will. Additionally, he has outstanding hands and that makes him a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. I don't think that anyone anticipated him making this kind of impact early in his career, but he is one of the most dangerous players in the league. -
Tia, Atlanta, GA
8:23 PM ET
Hi, Bucky! I know that the Saints are 8-0 right now, and as a Falcons fan I can't stand it...BUT do you think the Saints are really unbeatable right now or do you think the teams they're playing are just beating themselves? What is the weakness that teams need to exploit when they play NO?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Tia, I don't think that the Saints are unbeatable, but their offense is so explosive that they will always in the game regardless of the score. I think teams are beginning to see that the best way to attack them is by running right at them. The Falcons and Panthers had success on the ground, so I would expect more opponents to try the tactic. There is no question that the Saints are one of the top teams in the league, but I'm not ready to give them the title at this point. -
Colin, Cullowhee, NC
8:25 PM ET
I used bad grammar last time I typed this, so here goes round two. Where in the world has Steve Smith of CAR gone? Delhomme isn't good but he's not the reason either. Smith's hardly trying.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Colin, It is clear that Steve Smith is frustrated with his role in the offense. He is a top notch receiver, but he is not getting enough touches to impact the game. Of course, Delhomme's struggles have been a major reason for his declining production, but their offensive staff has to be more creative in getting the ball in his hands. I know that they make an effort each week to get him involved, but they have to do a better job soon or their dwindling playoffs hopes will go down the drain. -
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Thanks for all of the questions. I apologize for not getting to all of them, but I hope that you save them until my next chat on Thursday. Also, please check out "Sunday Drive" tomorrow. I think that we will break down the Chargers' game-winning drive against the Giants. It should be a good one. Have a great night!
