Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Matt from Rochester, ny: Bill, Love the stuff! How come no one is talking about SD's decision to A. Let go of Lo Neal B. Cut Pinnock and C. Use Tolbert over Hester. Personally I think a large part of the run game problems can be attributed to this.
BW: Thanks for the kind words, Matt. You make a good point. Tomlinson may be missing that extra layer of protection that he used to enjoy. Tomlinson said this week that he thinks he knows what is wrong with the run attack, but he wouldn't say it publicly. Maybe it's the fullback play? The team likes Tolbert but he is learning on the job.
Craig from Paducah, KY: Bill, First I wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog about the AFC West and I really enjoy reading your thoughts on a very young Chiefs team. My question is in regards to the offense for next week. The Chiefs have gone to a more spread type attack and it has really been productive, but I worry with LJ coming back they are going to move back to the "power" running attack and move away from the things that Thigpen are doing well. Do I have any need for concern? Thank you.
BW: Thanks Craig, I'm interested to see how the Chiefs' backfield works with both Thigpen and Johnson. I think it can work. The Chiefs are just going to have a specialized plan. Thigpen likes the spread offense but there is always room in every game plan for a running attack, especially one that involves Larry Johnson. It will take a good plan but this combination can work and it could help the Chiefs.
Kellen from Merced, CA: Hi Bill, I know you have been fond of how Tyler Thigpen is playing, but he has lost every game he has started. After he wins his first game you can praise him all you want, but until he does, he isn't doing a better job than any of the previous Chiefs quarterbacks in the most important stat, wins.
BW: Thigpen made the Chiefs competitive in the last three games, though, Kellen. They were not competing before Thigpen took over. They aren't winning but progress is being made and Thigpen is a big part of it.
Joey from Richmond ca: Why do you think the raiders didn't just hold on to DeAngelo Hall until the off-season and then trade him. Also how do you think the replacements for him played last sunday.
BW: Hall's camp said he was cut early because he would have been due a huge bonus. If Hall was injured in the second half, Oakland would still have to pay him the bonus. Thus, since the team decided Hall would not be in its future, it decided to cut him immediately.
JD from San Jose, Ca: Ryan, Edwards, Flacco, Thigpen...all four have 1-2 years experience and are showing week-week progress. I know it's very early but Russell's lack of progress is scary. I understand scheme, coaching, & other players work into this but as a fan I'm very worried. Any hope for the future? BTW imo, they sat Russell last week and called it an injury. Thanks for the great updates Bill!
BW: I'll give you this: It's a bad year to be a young quarterback who is struggling. The players you mentioned are bucking history because that is not typical. It is usually a long process for quarterbacks to start showing progress. But Russell has started nine games and hasn't shown much progress. Sure, he does have a strong arm and has shown some mobility. He has yet to show he can consistently lead his team down the field. While Russell needs to improve, don't count him out yet. Many of the other young quarterbacks are in better situations.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
