| | With the NFL season just around the corner, NFL 2Night co-host Mike Golic took some time to talk football in a recent online chat with ESPN.com users and congratulate everyone on making it through the offseason.
"Get ready to enjoy another great season of football," says Golic. We can all rejoice. We are through the dog
days of summer!"
Golic offered some insights on the plight of the Arizona Cardinals, the team chemistry on the Washington Redskins, and the playoff chances of the Oakland Raiders.
Golic also revealed what percentage of the load he believes Terrell Davis will have to carry for the Broncos this season, and no, it's not 100%.
In case you missed the July 25 chat, the following is an edited transcript.
Catholic High 91: What part of Tampa Bay's offense do you feel Mike Alstott will play under the new offensive
leadership?
Mike Golic: I think he is basically going to play the same; part of a two-pronged attack. He will carry the
ball in that one-back set and will open holes for Warrick Dunn as well. When you have those two
guys in back, it isn't normal. Even though he is listed as a fullback, he is so much more
dangerous than that.
Lance J.: How many years do you think Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith have left in them?
Mike Golic: I think maybe a couple years, probably Aikman a little longer. Emmitt takes some tough hits
and I think he might end it before Troy, unless they go together. I would say give them two
more years of being in the upper echelon before they start to tail off a bit.
Big Al: Hey Mike, we miss you in Phoenix, but I do love the morning show. You two guys do a great
job. Do you think the Cardinals will ever improve?
Mike Golic: I think they will improve. They have a good QB and receivers. They need to use the TE more
in their offense and make a more serious commitment to the offensive line. Their running game is really
holding them back. Defensively the injuries have killed them and then people want to leave.
They should be more concerned about a home if they don't get that vote in November.
Carndog: I've got this feeling that Cade McNown is going to light it up this year in the air and with his legs -- a la
Steve Young. Especially with Curtis Enis coming into the season healthy and ready to roll. Do you
agree?
Mike Golic: The Bear offense is a QB friendly offense. Ten receivers with 12 or more receptions last year; Cade is
in a friendly offense. Add to that he can run, that is why the Bears think he can be special for
this offense. One of the best things he can do early is run. That way the defense knows he is a
threat at any time.
Jay: What kind of an impact do you think Deion Sanders will have on the Skins' and do you think Bruce
Smith has any gas left in his tank?
Mike Golic: Bruce Smith absolutely has gas in the tank. He is in phenomenal shape. He has a couple years
left before he gets to situational play. When Deion is healthy - and that is the main concern - he takes
away a third of the field. Along with Champ Bailey and Darrell Green, that is a healthy set of CB's. He could
have a huge impact on that team. Don't forget, he has returned a few punts in his day.
Fred: In trying to buy the best team in football, has Daniel Snyder overlooked the importance of
chemistry in championship teams?
Mike Golic: In this day and age you take that chance. But the veterans he has brought in, Bruce Smith, Deion, and Jeff George, in his 11th year in the league, a lot of that falls on them. They have to check
their egos at the door. I don't think it will be a big issue this year.
Butch068: How does Daunte Culpepper look in the Vikes offense this season? What do you think of the
offensive line with the losses of Jeff Christy and Randall McDaniel, can they still do the job?
Mike Golic: Those losses hurt. It was one of the best offensive lines in the game. QB's hate pressure in their face and those guys stopped that cold. That will be something to look for. If Culpepper sees that rush coming at him, he can
get happy feet. He is the biggest QB in the league and right now he looks great, but
everybody looks great in camp. The test will be in the preseason games when he has to dodge
those bullets.
John: I understand Kurt Warner signed for the league minimum and reported to camp on time.
What are the Rams waiting for?
Mike Golic: Well, it's not just the Rams. They have put an offer out there but while most players sit at home
during the negotiations, he has signed that contract so he can be in camp. It is different from
what most players do. He will be taken care of, for sure. But it is interesting to see him take those snaps
and want to be there for the team. Unfortunately that is the exception to the rule nowadays.
Gregg: Do you see the Browns being very much improved from the team they were last year especially
on run defense?
Mike Golic: That is a big question. You have Courtney Brown who isn't the biggest guy in the world, so it
will be interesting to see how he holds up against the run. I was impressed with Wali Rainer
who took over for Spielman. They got killed in time of possession, like 36 minutes to 23, which destroys a
defense. Their goal is to be improved, but it is still a question mark right now.
Steve: Do you think the Cowboys could be one of the mystery teams in the race for Carl Pickens?
Mike Golic: I don't know. They gave a lot of money to Joey Galloway. With him and The Rocket on the
other side, I don't think they will be in that sweepstakes. I don't think they will try to get him but
with Jerry Jones, you never know.
Doc: Mike, what do you think of the Ravens signing Ben Coates and Shannon Sharpe? Do you
foresee a few two tight end sets in their future?
Mike Golic: Absolutely. Billick is a master at using personnel. You have the best TE and some fast receivers
and now a second TE that is a proven receiver, so it could work very well. Billick knows how to
spread the ball around. It is important for a young QB like Tony Banks to have veteran guys to throw
to and Billick knows that.
Raider4ever: Do you think the Raiders can break out and finally get back to the playoffs and contend
for a championship once again?
Mike Golic: They certainly surprised a lot of people taking Sebastian Janikowski. But with half their games last year
being 3 points or less, you can see why. I don't know if Rich Gannon is a go-to-guy to win games. But
the defense is so talented, they underachieved a little last year but if they can clear that up they
are in good shape. They have just as good a shot as anybody else this year.
Jason Fields: Is the load on Terrell Davis to carry the Broncos?
Mike Golic: He certainly is a large part of it. They have very talented receivers but the load will be on his
shoulders. For the first time since '95 they have the same OL coming back. I would say 80 percent of
the load is on him.
Mark: What's going on with Simeon Rice, Tony Brackens, and Corey Dillon? Are they going to
holdout, sign with current team, or get traded?
Mike Golic: Dillon it seems was close to a deal and then Eddie George signed so now he wants more. He
may do the Galloway deal and show up 10 games into the season. If Leon Searcy is out for the year,
Brackens' negotiations may move along faster. I think Rice will be back, he fits well in that
scheme.
Get ready to enjoy another great season of football. We can all rejoice. We are through the dog
days of summer!
Thanks for all the questions and take care! | |
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