Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Let's get right into it!
Matt from Florence writes: Hey, I'm really liking your blog here James. I got a question about the Steelers, it seems to me like they have not made much progress in securing the future of thier offensive and defensive lines, what's your take on it?
James Walker: The future? Pittsburgh needs to be concerned about its current offensive line in 2008, which has been very shaky in pass protection the past two years. But indeed, the Steelers offensive line doesn't appear to have any surefire, young studs waiting in the wings.
Pat from Baltimore writes: If Flacco turns out to be a decent quarterback who keeps the team in a game and doesn't cause too many turnovers, how do you see the ravens season this year?
James Walker: If Joe Flacco, Baltimore's quarterback of the future, turns out to be a pretty good quarterback of the present, the Ravens would be very dangerous in 2008. But that's asking a lot.
TJ from Cincinnati writes: Hey james. do you think the bengals will ever get back to playoff form and possibly be super bowl contenders and if so will it be this year
James Walker: Forever is a long time, TJ. Sure, any team can make it to the Super Bowl with an unlimited time frame. The Bengals won't be Super Bowl contenders this year.
Paul from NY writes: Does Flacco really have a stronger arm than Boller. Boller is the guy who can throw it through the uprights from half-field on his knees?
James Walker: Yes, Joe Flacco throws the best ball and has the strongest arm of Baltimore's three quarterbacks. Kyle Boller has a good arm, but Flacco's ball has more zip. Besides, who cares how far Boller can throw from his knees? How often does that happen in games?
Jason from Paterson NJ writes: hey mr walker gr8 blog & good luck-How do you REALLY think the steelers will fair this year & why haven't they addressed the need for help on both lines with more veteran players?
James Walker: The Steelers will be fine. Their only glaring weakness is the offensive line, which might hold them back from becoming an elite team this year. They signed center Justin Hartwig this year, but the Steelers aren't a heavy free-agency team. Pittsburgh doesn't need anymore veteran players on the defensive line. It needs to get younger.
Rob from Orlando writes: So do you think the that this is the year the "Joe Jurevicius Effect" comes through and the Cleveland Browns win the Super Bowl? I mean he went to the big game with the Giants and lost in 2000, went with the Bucs and won in 2002, went with the Seahawks and lost in 2005, logic dictates that the Browns win the Super Bowl in the 2008 season doesn't it?
James Walker: Keep on believing, Rob.
Colin from Kerrville, TX writes: James, Love the blog. ESPN obviously knows what its doing with this stuff. It's good to see a former Browns beat guy covering the division. What's the key to the Browns beating those pesky Stillers this year? I was at the terrible comeback game two years ago in a section full of mountain-folk waving their dish rags. It was one of the most humiliating moments of my life.
James Walker: It's actually not a secret on how to beat the Steelers: you out-physical them. The problem is only a few teams can pull it off. There is a reason that, even on down years, the Baltimore Ravens always gives Pittsburgh headaches. The Ravens dish out just as much punishment as Pittsburgh. The Jacksonville Jaguars also did the same in two victories over the Steelers last season. The Cleveland Browns have to prove this year that they can out-physical Pittsburgh, which they haven't done in a very long time.
Jay from Cleveland writes: if derek anderson ends up duplicating his season from last year of maybe even does better what does that mean for brady quinn?are anderson's days in cleveland numbered regardless or would the browns consinder getting rid of quinn?
James Walker: The company line is that the Browns are letting the situation play out, which in some ways is true. But if you look at both contracts, Derek Anderson would have to duplicate -- and perhaps exceed -- last year's numbers to remain a Brown in 2009. If you want a detailed outline of Cleveland's quarterback quandary, I would
read this recent article.
Jason from Treviso, Italy writes: James, The Browns have the toughest schedule I've ever seen. There is the possibility, no matter how good they are, that they won't make the playoffs because of their schedule. With expectations so high, what is the possibility that Savage or Crennel could be fired if they don't make it to the playoffs this year?
James Walker: Jason, thanks for checking in from Italy. There have been tougher schedules. In fact, the Steelers have the toughest schedule in the NFL this year. Last year there was hot-seat talk before the team went 10-6. But both general manager Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel are very secure in their positions this year.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
