Breakdown with Bucky Brooks
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ETBucky Brooks
25 comments
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, chatted live on Thursday, November 19, taking your questions on the NFC East, JaMarcus Russell and a potential matchup between the Saints and Vikings.
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Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
What's up, NFL Nation?! I'm excited for Week 11 to kickoff and I can't wait to see which teams separate from the pack. With that in mind, let's get started with your questions... -
Josh, North Carolina
5:03 PM ET
Like Andy Reid, it looks like Jason Garrett will have one or two games a year where they lose because the abandon the run far too early. What should Garrett do in Big D to get back on track?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Josh, I agree with your statement, the Eagles and Cowboys refuse to commit to the run and it always comes back to bite them in the end. As for the Cowboys, I believe that they would be better served to stick to the running game early and allow Tony Romo to throw off play-action. Running Marion Barber and Tashard Choice early will force eight-man fronts, and create plenty of room for Roy Williams, Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton on the outside. Additionally, it will make it tough for teams to take Jason Witten away over the middle. The Cowboys are as explosive as any offense in the league, but they don't always play to their strengths. -
Larry, Rowlett,Texas
5:08 PM ET
Who will win the NFC East?As of now,could be any of the 3 top teams.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Larry, The NFC East is a complete toss-up. Each week, it appears that a new team emerges as the favorite. If I had to guess, I would put my money on the Cowboys or Giants to win the division. -
Brian , Grand Rapids, Mi
5:10 PM ET
Hey Bucky! What do you think of the Colts chances against the Ravens? Do you think Joe Flacco is in a slump? (He's my fantasy QB) Thanks !
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brian, I believe that the Colts should be favorites heading into the match up with Ravens. I think that the Ravens could pose some problems due to their running game and emerging pass attack. Additionally, the Ravens' D has the potential to cause problems for Peyton Manning. In the end, I think that the Colts will be too tough for the Ravens and I would expect them to win on Sunday. -
Seth, Minnesota
5:13 PM ET
Hey Bucky, How do you think the Vikings compare to the Saints? If they met in the playoffs who do you think would have the edge?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Seth, The Vikings and Saints are clearly front runners in the NFC, and a potential match up between the squads would be exciting for the fans. The Vikings' D matches up well against the Saints because of the formidable front four. Offensively, Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre have the potential to put up points against the Saints. While I think the Saints are equally as talented, I just have a sense that the Vikings would narrowly win a game between the contenders. -
Brad, Iowa
5:17 PM ET
The broncos started off 6-0 and have lost the last three games. Do you think that the Broncos have lost a step or that other teams are looking into them now? Also do you think that they will make the playoffs now?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brad, I believe that the Broncos benefitted from a soft schedule initially and teams have started to figure out a way to play them. I believe that playing physical and aggressive against them has been successful, and the Broncos have to find a way to respond. I think that they have the talent to make the playoffs, but I don't think they will hold off the Chargers in the AFC West. -
Andy, Scotland
5:19 PM ET
Does JaMarcus Russell's benching finally confirm his status as a bust?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Andy, I don't know if JaMarcus Russell's benching confirms his status as a bust, but it does signal that he has failed to play up to expectations. His poor on-field performance has coincided with reports about weight problems and a lack of professionalism when it comes to preparation. Russell was one of the most talented QBs to enter the draft, but he has to realize that it takes more than talent to succeed as a franchise QB in the league. -
jake, london
5:21 PM ET
why is it teams that build through the draft such as the steelers are much more successful than teams that build through free agency such as the redskins?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Jake, The reason that teams that draft successfully are better than others is due to the fact that they are able to develop their own talent. They inherently understand the strengths and weaknesses of their players, and are able to build schemes that play to their strengths. When plucking free agents, teams don't really understand what they are getting until they get them on the practice field and sometimes they find out that the player is not a good for their system. Therefore, good drafting and player development will always be a more effective practice. -
Zack, Fort Hood, Tx
5:24 PM ET
Who is the better running back, Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Zack, I believe that most evaluators would rate Adrian Peterson as the league's top back, but Chris Johnson is flying up the charts. His explosiveness and big play ability is phenomenal and makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. I believe any team would be happy to have either player, but I would still lean to AP. -
Brian, Grand Rapids, Mi
5:26 PM ET
What do you think of Colts receiver Pierre Garcon. He has speed, but has been dropping passes. Do you think he will mature and be a leading receiver?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Brian, I believe Pierre Garcon is ideally suited to function as a No.3 receiver. He has outstanding speed and is a legitimate threat, but still has a ways to go before he is ready for a full-time role as a starter. -
Kevin Hayes, Raleigh, NC
5:28 PM ET
Hey Bucky, my Panthers have a mediocre reputation around the league since being est. 15 yrs ago. Is a Super Bowl win the only way to gain the respect, I feel that they are due? Congrats, on all of your success!
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Kevin, Thanks for the love. I believe that the Panthers are respected throughout the league, but a Super Bowl win would push them among the ranks of the elite. In this league winning rings are the thing, so a championship would make a legitimate franchise in the minds of many. -
john, cincinnati, oh
5:31 PM ET
Do you see Larry Johnson playing a key role with the Bengals this season???
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
John, I can see Larry Johnson emerging as a contributor for the Bengals down the stretch. Cedric Benson is clearly the front runner, but having a former Pro Bowler spell him on occasion would give the team a dynamic combination. I wouldn't expect much from LJ in the next few weeks, but look for him to be in the mix by season's end. -
Snialler, Ireland
5:33 PM ET
Brohm to Bills...... good move for player and team?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Snialler, I don't think that it could hurt the Bills to take a look at Brian Brohm. He was highly regarded come out of college, and he could be an upgrade over their current QBs. He definitely can't play any worse than Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. -
Shane, Los Angeles, CA
5:35 PM ET
BB: How do you see the Cards finishing off the season? With only 2 games against winning teams (Vikes & Packers), the Cards could enter the playoffs red hot again like last year.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Shane, I agree with your assessment of the Cards They have a very favorable schedule down the stretch, and could enter the playoffs as a very hot team. With the team experiencing success last year in the same manner, I could see them making another deep run in the post-season. -
Willis, Chicago
5:36 PM ET
Bucky do you think the Bears would be best served to go back to run first pass second??
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Willis, I do believe the team would be better served to run the ball more, but their shaky offensive line has been the problem and will continue to prevent them from having success on the ground. Until they get better play from their front five, they will continue to have struggles offensively, -
Austin, San Diego
5:38 PM ET
Hey bucky would you say the Chargers are a super bowl caliber team if LT continues to play like he did vs. the eagles?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Austin, I believe the Chargers are a Super Bowl-caliber team regardless of what LT does in the running game. They have as much talent as any team in the league, and they pose serious match up problems for opponents on both sides of the ball. Of course, they are more dangerous when LT runs well, but the key to their success will rest on the defense. If they play well on D, they will make a deep post-season run this year, -
Ryan Smith, Chesapeake College
5:40 PM ET
So. Colts are 9-0, thoughts?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Ryan, The Colts have gotten off to a great start and are in terrific position to win the AFC title, but they still have some issues that need to be resolved. They are still rank near the bottom of the league in rushing (29th) and their inability to show a balanced attack could hurt them in the post-season against some of the top teams in the conference. Although Peyton Manning has shown the ability to carry the offense without the assistance of the run, I think that the Colts need to be more balanced to win a tough playoff game in January. -
Roy, Torreon, Mexico
5:45 PM ET
Hey Bucky whats up man! i just wanted to know if you think we'll do well with Gradkowski as our starting QB on Sunday against the Bengals, you know we have a very solid defense, just a little bit of offense is all we need..your thoughts?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Roy, I don't think the Raiders' change of QBs will have much of an impact on the game against the Bengals. Regardless of the QB, the team needs to get better play from their WRs for the offense to operate at a high level. They have repeatedly dropped balls in key situations and their inconsistency is as much to blame as the QB's shaky performance. So, I wouldn't expect better results from the Raiders' offense going forward. -
Sean, Toronto
5:47 PM ET
Hey Bucky hope you will answer my few questions. I know there was talk earlier about Turner and Aj Smith in SD that if they dont make it to the playoffs or lose in the first round they could be looking for a new job. My question is about Smith, would he be a good fit for the GM role in Buffalo, he learned from John Butler who was from Buffalo? Your thoughts? And also I am really hoping the Bills take a serious look at Jason Garret as either HC or Asst. HC/OC next season, I know he is still under contract, what are your thoughts on him becoming a HC next season, is he HC material, what do you see? Thanks Bucky
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Sean, I'm sure that A.J. Smith would be a great fit in Buffalo, but he has a nice gig in San Diego. As far as Jason Garrett, he is definitely head coach material and will be a terrific leader for some franchise. However, I would think that he would prefer to go to a team that has a franchise QB already on board. This is a QB-driven league and you must have a top notch signal caller to be a contender. The Bills don't appear to have one in place, so I would expect him to pursue other opportunities rather than the Bills. -
Danny, California
5:51 PM ET
Bucky who do you like sunday in the Charger bronco game
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Danny, I think the Chargers are playing well and it will continue against the Broncos this week. Expect a tight game, but I'll take the Chargers by a field goal or less. -
Chris, NC
5:53 PM ET
Go Heels!! Hey Bucky any chance Julius Peppers could ever play TE??
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Chris, I love my 'Heels :) I don't think that the Panthers will move Julius Peppers to TE in spite of his extraordinary athleticism. He is too valuable to their defense to be used on offense. -
oscar , amador
5:56 PM ET
hey bucky, do u think the patriot's defense will need to prove anything to Coach BB with the Jets this Sunday?
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Oscar, I think that Patriots' D will bounce back with a stellar performance against the Jets. They played well at times against the Colts, and they will be determined to prove that they are worthy of being on the field with the game on the line in the future. -
Joe Brooks, Smyrna, TN
5:57 PM ET
Hey Bucky, any thoughts on the Jets this year? I think they've got plenty of talent, but they seem to keep finding a way to lose games.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Joe, The Jets are still adjusting to a new coach and scheme. Most teams don't see an immediate turnaround in a new coach's first season (Last year was an exception with the Falcons, Ravens and Dolphins), so don't expect the Jets to make a major improvement until next year. -
v,
5:58 PM ET
You can say what you want from the Colts but everybody are scare of them. Look Belichik in fourth down in his own 2
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
V, I don't know if everybody is scared of the Colts. I simply think that the Patriots opted to go for it on fourth down because Belichick would rather have the ball in the hands of his best player (Tom Brady) with the game on the line than allow Peyton Manning to operate against his defense. -
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Guys, sorry that I'm out of time. I really enjoyed the great chat today and look forward to fielding your questions on Sunday. Also, be sure to check out NFL.com tonight to catch all of the action from the Thursday Night game. I will be in studio with Fran Charles and Jamie Dukes, and it should be a lot of fun. Have a great football weekend.
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