Playbook with Mike Mayock
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM ETMike Mayock
22 comments
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock takes a break from breaking down the film to break down your questions during a live chat on Thursday, November 12 at Noon ET.
Mike joins Brian Billick and host Solomon Wilcots on Playbook every Tuesday and Wednesday, breaking down the previous week's action. Playbook airs four days a week (Tuesday through Friday) on NFL Network at 6 p.m. ET.
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Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey everyone, ready to answer your questions. -
Doug, UK
11:59 AM ET
Hi Mike. Who do you think will win between the Bengals and the Steelers? and Why? I have never been so confident that the Bengals could sweep the division. Thank you muchly
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Doug, The Bengals are the best kept secret in the NFL. They've already swept the Ravens and play the Steelers in an opportune time for the Bengals. The Steel;ers had to travel to Denver for a big monday night win, so the Bengals get them on a short week. Carson Palmer is playing as well as he ever has, the run game with benson has taken off and Mike Zimmer is the most underrated d-coordinator in football. This will be a physical and tough game between two of the best teams in the league. -
Pierre Von Baren, Quohog, RI
12:01 PM ET
Thanks for chatting with us Mike. What's your take on the game everyone wants to know about -- the Colts vs. Patriots?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Pierre, huge game with a tremendous legacy. Despite the fact that Indy is undefeated and playing at home, I like NE this week because Indy is forced to play two rookie corners. Andre Johnson had ten catches last week vs. Indy and I really believe Randy Moss and Welker will have huge games. -
Yueh Ho, Cleveland, OH
12:03 PM ET
The Saints and the Vikings look very powerful in the NFC. Can any other team possibly hope to compete with them?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Yueh, I believe that the Saints and Vikings are clearly the dominant teams in the NFC. If Favre stays healthy the Vikings could very well be the last team standing. The AFC has a lot more depth and I think there are 6-8 teams that could end up being the best team coming out of the AFC. -
Trevor, Iraq(US Army)
12:05 PM ET
Mike thanks for your time!! What do you think the Cowboys chances are at making the playoffs, getting their first playoff win, or even making a superbowl run?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Trevor, happy Veterans Day and thank you for serving the US people. Dallas is beginning to peak at the right time. Romo has played the most complete games of his career in the last three weeks, the running attack is sound, and most importantly, the defense is starting to get to opposing QBs. DeMarcus Ware may be the best defensive player in the league. I think the NFC East goes down to the final weekend and Dallas, Philly and the Giants will all be in the mix. -
Nick, Vermont
12:07 PM ET
Mike, With the never ending problems in Washington - how do you see this story ending?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Nick, I don't see this story ending well. I believe Snyder will fire his head coach and I believe he must be taking a very hard look at his GM Vinny Cerrato. This is a team that has spent a lot of money, which has left them insignificant results. I would expect to see a former NFL coach with a Super Bowl ring walking the sidelines next year in Washington. -
Eric, So Cal
12:08 PM ET
Mike, when an offensive line has to deal with all the stunts and crosses and delayed blitzes that teams are using, how do they know when to pass a block on to the next guy? Are they communicating verbally, on the fly, or is it mostly worked out in practice and meetings? Thanks for your time.
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Eric, great question and we have nowhere near enough time to deal with it. NFL teams are using an increasing array of complicated overload blitzes and fire zone schemes. It has led to an increasing number of pass protection breakdowns. To oversimplify, you start with the offensive center and you count the number of potential blitzers on the left side and the right side, which is why you identify the Mike LB on every snap. Then the QB and the center set the pass protection at the line of scrimmage and determine how many blockers they will need. After the snap, all hell breaks loose as the offense attempts to define which defenders are actually rushing. And Eric, all this has to be done literally in under 1.5 seconds. -
Jaime, Toronto, Canada
12:11 PM ET
Hey there Mike. What on earth is wrong with the Green Bay Packers Offensive Line?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Jamie, it's a combination of things, but remember that pass protection starts with the QB. As talented as Rogers is, there is no way he should have 37 sacks at this point in the season. Rogers needs to get rid of the ball more quickly and the offensive line needs to get healthy. The biggest issue has been the injuries and players having to play out of position. -
Jesse, Midland, Texas
12:13 PM ET
Hey Mike, Can the Bears still make a turnaround this season and any chance they start that tonight? Thanks
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Jesse, things don't look good for your Bears. Multiple injuries and suspensions on defense make them look lilke a shadow of their former selves. Their run defense gave up 182 yards to the Cardinals. If they dont play significantly better, Frank Gore will run them right out of the stadium. On the flip side, the can't afford to get behind early, because they need better offensive balance. -
Dwight, NY
12:15 PM ET
If you had to chose the Offensive POY, Defensive POY, and MVP, who would they be right now?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Dwight, the offensive player of the year and the MVP are the same person to me and that would be Drew Brees of the Saints. Interestingly enough, Favre may be right behind him and I think Peyton Manning may be having the best season he's ever had. I think the NFL has more quality QBs than at any time in its history. On defense, that's a tougher question, but Darren Sharper, the free agent acquisition of the Sainst would be a logical choice. -
raider one, Costa Rica
12:17 PM ET
Hi Mike..Back then i think you had concerns about Darren McFadden and his skinny legs and therefore his ability to run between tackles...It looks like is coming true....What do you see in the future him...Do you think he will be an elite back
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Raider one, I did have concerns about McFadden and felt like his legs went dead on contact. My guy that year was Rashard Mendenhall, who is coming on strong for the Steelers. When there is a gash, Darren McFadden can take it to the house, but Oakland has significant offensive problems. Unless that QB starts to play like a first-round draft pick, Oakland will never be any good. -
Joe Koskey, Pennsville, NJ
12:18 PM ET
As much as I love to watch AP in Minnesota run the ball, I am glad to see they are not feeding him 400+ times and burning him out. By design for longevity or just a result of game circumstances? Thoughts?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Joe, pretty easy answer here and the name is Brett Favre. If Tarvaris Jackson was still the QB, he's be looking at 400-plus carries this year, but a d coordinator is forced to pick his poison when game planning the vikings. Throw Percy Harvin in the mix with Sidney Rice and bernard berrian and AP becomes even more effective -
Shane O Halloran, Cork, Ireland
12:20 PM ET
Hi Mike, do you think Tim Tebow will be a success in the NFL next season? And do you have any idea what team will draft him.
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Shane, it all depends on how you define success for Tebow. He's got an elongated throwing motion that will have to be fixed and questions about his accuracy that need to be addressed. Some teams will pass on him as a first round QB. However, his toughness and leadership are off the charts. I think some team will take him in the first round, adjust their offense accordingly and put the future of their franchise in his hands. How do you think he'd look in Jacksonville, Shane? -
RJ, New York, NY
12:22 PM ET
Mike, How do you feel about the development and play of Michael Crabtree so far this year? I know that you were very high on him, as was I, and it looks like he has only scratched the surface on his capabilities.
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
RJ, I think it's a crime that Crabtree held out as long as he did. He's a very talented kid with tremendous upside. He;'s already been productive with a short amount of practice. Once he learns the nuances of his position and NFL defenses, the sky is the limit for this kid. -
Gabriel, Denver City,TX
12:23 PM ET
Who wins in a 40 yard dash, Mike Mayock or Mel Kiper Jr?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Gabriel, I was one of the slowest DBs in the NFL, but probably still faster that Mel. -
Dustin, Tn
12:24 PM ET
Mike, Do you think the Chargers have a chance this sunday vs the Eagles? They seem like they're starting to turn things around all the sudden...Your Thoughts?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Dustin, the Chargers played their most complete game of the year against the Giants. I was very surprised at how physically they played. Rivers is one of the top QBs in the league and Vincent jackson is an emergin star. Most importantly, their defense has begun to play at a much higher level. merriman has had two sacks in the last two games, Phillips has had five sacks in the last three games, and they're playing much more physically against the run. If the Eagles can't protect Donovan, they can't win this game in San Diego. -
Mohamed, Owl City, Mn
12:26 PM ET
Do you think Percy Harvin can win ROY>
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Mohamed, love Harvin and he certainly is one of the front runner of rookie of the year. On offense, tackle Michael Oher has played extremely well in Baltimore and Knowshon moreno has done a great jobin Denver. On defense, Jairus Byrd from Buffalo has played tremendously well, as have LBs Brian Cushing and Aaron Curry. -
Salah, vienna/Austria
12:28 PM ET
hi mike, who is the best player entering the 2010 nfl draft ?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Salah, way too early to tell, but there could be two franchise DTs taken in the first five picks. Suh, from Nebraska is a big time immediate starter with Pro Bowl potential, and McCoy from Oklahoma reminds some people of Warren Sapp. But again, it's way too early and we don't even know which underclassmen will declare. -
Jack P, Phila, PA
12:30 PM ET
Hey Mike, If you were on the rules committee what rules would u change or add ?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Jack, really interesting question and I have a feeling that my philosophies are probably in the minority. But first and foremost, I would abolish instant replay. I'm tired of the replay changing momentum, and I think it has made the refs more hesitant in the decision making. Secondly, I would take the skirts off the QBs and ask them to reestablish them as football players. I am all for the safety of every player, especially unprotected ones, but at some point common sense must prevail. Lastly, you've got to give DBs some latitude in bumping and playing WRs. I'm tired of the ticky tacky holding and PI calls. And while I'm at it, PI can go both ways, and why don't we ever see illegal picks being called on WRs? -
Mikey, Lackawanna,NY
12:32 PM ET
How good do you think the Bills Eric Wood can turn out to be? ProBowler?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Mikey, Wood was my favorite center in the country last year coming out of Louisville. The Bills have turned him into a guard and done a tremendous job. I definitely think he has pro bowl potential. but don't forget about his teammate Andy Levitre, the second round pick who was a left tackle in college and the Bills kicked him inside to guard. The Bills probably have the best pair of young guards in the NFL. -
Donal, Toronto, Canada
12:36 PM ET
Hate the thought of Tebow in teal Mike! After making all the right moves in his first draft I can't imagine Gene Smith would take on a "project" like Tebow. I don't even know how you'd get him on the field. Am I a total homer for thinking the Jags had the best draft of any team this year?
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Hey Donal, I'm with you regarding the Jags draft this year. They have eight rookies making significant contributions, including both starting tackles. DT Terrence Knighton from Temple has been one of the most pleasant surprises of any rookie in the league. the third round corner from William and Mary has a big time future. dean Smith has done a great job cleaning up that team and I would look forward to he and Terry McDounough having another great draft this year. -
Mike Mayock, NFL Network
Good questions this week folks. Let's do it again next week. Thanks for taking the time.
