Wyche's Word
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ETSteve Wyche
28 comments
NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche chatted with NFL.com on Monday, November 23, discussing the latest buzz from around the league. Also, check out Steve's blog for more.
-
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
I'm back from Baltimore where I witnessed the Ravens blow a good shot to climb back into the AFC North discussion and send Indy to its first loss. A lot had to do with the play of the Colts' defense but you can't settled for six FG attempts - one missed -- and expect to beat Indy. On another note, check in mid-week as I revisit our ON THE FRINGE SERIES that we did this summer about five players who had to battle for roster spots. We will update life with: RB Boomer Grigsby, whose ankle injury caused him to be released by Houston. WR David Tyree, cut by the Giants and now a special teamer with Baltimore WR Lance Long, the underdog of our series who made Arizona's roster, got cut, and is now an integral part of Kansas City's receiving corps RB Ian Johnson, the former Boise State star is doing well on Minnesota' practice squad. LB Coy Wire, the Falcons' special teams ace and nickel package backer has had a strong season. The updates will be fun....That's for later, though. Let's get this chat rollin -
Mario, Mexico
4:06 PM ET
Steve love your chats. Got a question for you. What happend to the bengals??, I simply dont get it!!! They dominate the first half of the game but then they just didnt do anything, I dont know how the raiders beat them, Cincy rushed for like 200 yds or something!! Should we expect the bengals do be a up and down team, I though they were for real?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Mario, Thanks for checking in and I love your question, so you're up first. Early last week, I said that this stretch of games against Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit will show us what kind of team the Bengals are. It's easy to get up for Pittsburgh and Baltimore but often, teams that haven't had success that start to experience some thing they've arrived and feel they can just step on the field and win. That's what happened in Oakland. They lost focus and met a team of prideful guys. You can't ease up in the NFL. Cincy should bounce back after being humbled but, like I said, now is when we'll find the true character of this team. Way to get it rollin Mario. -
Shea, Ottawa, Canada
4:09 PM ET
Steve! Which thanksgiving match-up intrigues you the most? One more question.. jelly or berry cranberries with the turkey?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Shea, Whaddup? Not trying to sound like a homer but how could you not love the NFL Network game. Giants and Broncos. Two teams on the ropes. Just dont' eat to much and sleep through it...Gotta go with the cranberry berries. Not feelin the jelly stuff. never have.... -
Shane, St.louis
4:12 PM ET
Steve, im so heartbroken right now, the Rams just cannot get a W no matter how hard they try.
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Shane, I don't mean to sound mean but if you havent' gotten used to this by now you might be a glutton for punishment. The thing that you have to like about St. Louis is even though they aren't seeing the results in the win column, it hasn't tanked it. That's a tribute to Spagnuolo and the guys in that locker room...they'll be better and sooner than people think. -
Josh, Wellington FL
4:14 PM ET
WHAT IS UP STEVE? DO THE COWBOYS WIN THE NFC EAST? THEY ARE IN FIRST PLACE NOW BUT DECEMBER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FOR ROMO.
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Josh, I tell you what, unhinge the All Caps key next time and I can give you a definitive answer. It's so hard to tell. I like Dallas because it's the most healthy of the teams in contention, but its offense has gone on a diet the past two weeks and, December is December. Tony Romo has to step up and the Cowboys have to hold firm. The schedule is absolutely ugly -- but so is New York's and Philly's. As usual, it will be a run of survival but I'm still rolling with Dallas....for now. -
TRACY, HOUSTON
4:17 PM ET
WHICH HEAD COACH CANDIDATE IS WILLING TO PUT UP WITH DANNY BOY SNYDER?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Hey Tracy, Good question. The issue might not be whether any candidate can deal with Redskins owner Dan Snyder. The issue could be whether they would want to work with Vinny Cerato, who is basically the GM with a much larger title. I know some potential candidates who would want more autonomy in terms of controlling the roster and having the owners' ear and with Cerato involved, that might not be plausible. At the same time, there are plenty of people who would work with the way things are set up now. Of the former big-name coaches, Mike Shanahan might be the most likely to go to Washington. -
Christian, Hemet, California
4:20 PM ET
How about the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS!!!
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Christian, The Bolts look for real. They are not only playing efficiently but they're also playing physically. The offensive line is starting to steamroll folks and the defensive front seven is laying the wood. You've got to like them coming out of the West. They just can't peak too soon. -
Larry, Rowlett,Texas
4:21 PM ET
Hey Steve! Pats and Saints.A game for the ages?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Larry, I've got a lot of Saints-Pats questions so hopefully this takes care of most, if not all of them. This should be a game for the ages (with ages meaning the 09-10 season since there will be big games next year and so on...). Two great quarterbacks; a fleet of strong receivers and an environment in N'Awlins that will be off the chain. I like the Saints in this game because they are at home and because they can run the ball to control some clock. New Orleans also should be healthier and could have DT Sedrick Ellis back, which could be big. I actually will be at this game and I can't wait. -
Josh G, Tampa
4:24 PM ET
Steve, Where do the Packers go now after losing Harris and Kampman for the year? Any good FA available to fill them spots? Who wins Thanksgiving ?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Josh, These are tough, tough losses. Fortunately for the Packers, they have a lot of LBs who can step in for Kampman, with Brady Popinga possibly stepping up. Losing Al Harris is huge. The Pack has some younger players on the roster that they like and now is showtime. There aren't any CBs on the market that can step in and play better than what they have in house. Any signings there would simply be for depth. I like the Pack Thanksgiving...Too much O -
Andrew, Pennsylvania
4:27 PM ET
Hey Steve, your a great writer. I am a die hard Atlanta Falcon fan. I am simply tired of watching Elam miss important kicks. Don't you think it is time for the Falcons to get a new place kicker!
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Andrew, First off, thanks for the props. That means a lot. Secondly, you aren't the only one sick of Jason Elam missing kicks. He might not be out the door but I would be stunned if they don't have some kickers in today and Tuesday working out to push him. When you lost trust in your kicker, it changes the way coaches call plays and Atlanta might be at that point. It should be. -
Nate, California
4:29 PM ET
Why didn't the Broncos put in Brandstater last night? It's not like Orton or Simms is the QB of our future, so why not get the rookie some good PT?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Nate, I really can't give you a definitive answer other than they didn't think he was ready to play, even though the game was a blowout. He hasn't run much of Denver's offense in practice for weeks since he is the scout team QB. So throwing him out there might have been a complete mess. I like him, though. I think he could be a really good player in a few years. -
Peyton Manning, Indy
4:30 PM ET
Hey Steve... love your work on NFL network. Is anyone going to beat me this year and if so, what week? Keep it real SW
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Peyton, Love ya man. Hopefully this week in Houston you're reciprocate the love and do an interview with me... I don't think Indy will go unbeaten though dude. Not trying to hate. It's just so hard. And you've had to grind out so many wins lately. This might be the week. Houston is a lot more desperate than you and it has a really good team that should get into the playoffs. Thanks for checking in No. 18. -
Jens, Copenhagen, Denmark
4:32 PM ET
Favre for MVP?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Jens, Whoomp there it is! I was wondering when it was going to start. You better believe he's going to get some consideration if things keep going his way. I just think Peyton Manning and Drew Brees would beat him if the trophy was handed out today. But it's not. So we'll see. -
Dragan, Split,Croatia
4:34 PM ET
Hi Wycheman,it's been a while,how are you doing?Is there a way for me to get to the NFL and learn pro-style football,because I would like to develop this game in my country and if there is please tell me how?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Dragan, Always good to hear from you. This might be the first non-Rams question you've asked...That is a loaded question though but here is a start. First, find out if people there would be willing to learn and play and when I say people, you've got to start with the kids... If so, try and contact a high school, college or NFL team and see if there is a camp or program during the summer at which you could attend. From there, things will start to fall into place but it is a huge undertaking. Most importantly, turn people in Croatia on to NFL.com and NFL Network. We have tons to ways they can learn and become fans of the best sport in the World. (It's a shameless plug but it is what it is). -
Brandon, Canby, Oregon
4:37 PM ET
Do the Cards have the NFC West wrapped with a bow on top already?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Brandon, no bow yet but the division title is already under the tree... -
Brandon, Canby, Oregon
4:38 PM ET
Steven Jackson. The best player on a bad team?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Brandon, Absolutely. Not even close. One of the 10-15 best players in the league. -
Kyle, Frederick, MD
4:39 PM ET
Steve, are the Jaguars a playoff contender after winning three straight games?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Kyle, you better believe it. There is still a ways to go but I like the way they're playing and they've generated momentum at the right time. I still have Houston and Pittsburgh as my Wild Cards but things are far from over. -
Sam, Worcester
4:42 PM ET
Does Philip Rivers make the Pro Bowl?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Sam, I thought he should have made it last year. He should make it this year but...Tom Brady, Big Ben, Carson Palmer, Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub.... You never know but he's doing everything he can to earn a berth. -
edward cullen, forks
4:44 PM ET
how bad is Matthew Stafford's shoulder injury? he impressed me a lot... also how's Roethlisberger doing too? what are your superbowl picks now it's crunch time? enjoy your thanksgiving!
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Edward, Thanks for checking in! I haven't heard on Stafford yet but he showed a lot of heart going back in Sunday, so I think he'll do everything he can to start Thanksgiving. Big Ben seemed ok but this is a sensitive time when it comes to concussions so the Steelers are going to be extra careful. They're in a bind with Charlie Batch down too. Super Bowl picks....I like the Saints and the Pats. Happy Thanksgiving to you too. -
jorge s, guadalajara
4:46 PM ET
How about the Colts, they have been depleted on both sides, but they are still getting a way to win games, even the tough ones? what do you think about them?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Jorge, You've got to love what the Colts have done, especially playing through the injuries and finding a way to win. I think they'll drop one of two regular season games but the Super Bowl will have to go through 'Nap Town. -
Marty , Alpine, NJ
4:48 PM ET
When will Cleveland Browns fans be rid of Mangini and get on track again?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Marty, the sand is almost out of the hour glass. Don't know when the team will get back on track again but i can't see Mangini being back as the Browns coach next season. Neither can anyone else. Then again, maybe owner Randy Lerner does... -
Brandon, Canby, Oregon
4:49 PM ET
WOW!!!!! S-Jacks is one of the 10-15 best in the league. I am a Rams fan and even I am surprised. So can you give us a long list of the 10-15 best?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Brandon, I set myself up and I am going off the top of the dome and I certainly will forget several people but, here goes: Manning, Brady, Brees, Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen, Larry Fitzgerald, Troy Polamalu, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Darren Sharper, Dwight Freener, Jay Ratliff -
saffi, Rancho Cucamonga, California
4:53 PM ET
Hey Steve big falcon fan and i was wondering if we can still go to the playoffs after that loss to ny
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Saffi, Not so sure man. I thought they could hide some of their defensive weaknesses but they are starting to become more exposed. They still have a shot because the Packers could be in trouble with the injuries and I'm not so sure three teams from the NFC East will go to the postseason. Atlanta better start winning though. They can't lose but maybe one, two more games... -
jorge s, guadalajara
4:55 PM ET
Steve, pardon my ignorance, "Nap Town"?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Jorge, sorry about that. It's the nick name for India"NAP"olis... -
Ronny, Boston
4:56 PM ET
Enough with the Manning and Brees lovefest!! Are you forgeting the season Brady is having?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Ronny, Uh no. Don't think I've dissed his season at all. What are you hating on Manning and Brees? Just kidding. No slight to Tom B. He is doing big things. But last I checked, N'Awlins and Indy are undefeated at the moment. -
stacey Crawford, atlanta, ga
4:58 PM ET
do you think the eagles will play michael vick more since the 34yd. run
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Stacey, I really don't think so. He made a nice run but with the game being as close as it was last night, they stuck with Don McNabb. It's going into Week 12 and Vick really hasn't been incorporated much into what the Eagles have done. Maybe they'll surprise and bring him into the mix but if they didn't when Westbrook's been down, I'm not sure he'll be much more than a 3-4 plays a game guy. -
Adam, Kansas City
5:00 PM ET
Do the Chiefs have a shot against SD?
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Adam, yes sir. As we saw this weekend, if a team, no matter its record, isn't dialed in, it can be beat. -
Steve Wyche, NFL.com
My time is up people. Much love to all of you who checked in and I'm sorry I didn't get to all the questions. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Make sure to check me out on NFL.com, NFL Network and on Twitter - Wyche89. I will be in Houston Sunday and New Orleans Monday. Big things a g'wan! Same time next week y'all Peace
Previous Chats
-
Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk
Aug 1st 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET 34 comments -
Gil Brandt
Gil Brandt
Jul 19th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET 23 comments -
Pat Kirwan
Pat Kirwan
Jul 18th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET 26 comments -
Bucky Brooks
Bucky Brooks
Jul 15th 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET 14 comments -
Jason La Canfora
Jason La Canfora
Jul 13th 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET 20 comments
