As always, we had a lot of good questions in Friday’s NFC South chat. This week in particular, it seemed like the quarterbacks dominated the discussion.
Lots of talk about Matt Ryan and Cam Newton. The usual on Drew Brees and even a little bit on Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
Scott (Sugar Hill, Ga.): Hey Pat! In all seriousness - would you be concerned if you were Atlanta and had to face the Panthers right now? I know ATL has the better record and have the playoffs at stake, but the Cam Netwon show really worries me.
Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, Carolina is a dangerous team right now. We know the Panthers can score some points, but their defense is a question. I don't think the Falcons should try to get in a shootout. I think they should run a lot and try to keep Cam off the field.
Phillip (Dallas, Ga.): Why do you think Matt Ryan is not improving? Is this as good as it’s ever going to be with him?
Pat Yasinskas: I thought we'd see a big step forward from him this year. But it hasn't happened. I think O-line and play-calling are partly to blame, but some of it also has to go on Matt. Still think there's a lot of potential there that hasn't been reached.
RonnieDonnie (Nennabrah): Most valuable Saints player not named Brees?
Pat Yasinskas: Sproles.
John (Charlotte): Pat why is Tebow getting more love then Cam is getting? When Cam is having a much better season then Tebow is ?
Pat Yasinskas: Not saying I agree with it, but I think the simple answer is Tebow's winning. Also, it's not like Cam is going totally unrecognized.
Adam (Raleigh, N.C.): I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers, but has it crossed anyone's mind that Matt Ryan is as good as he will ever get? Ryan is a good QB, but they were trying to call him elite year two when that may have been premature and Ryan is "suffering" because of unrealistic expectations.
Pat Yasinskas: I still like Ryan and think he can be very good. But I think Adam poses a very valid question.
Brandon (Vancouver): Pat, I thought your Dungy piece was pretty interesting, but isn't Cowher the logical "big time" coach to come in and fix the Bucs? He is known as a disciplinarian and would likely be interested in the Bucs (franchise quarterback, stable front office, good young defensive line talent).
Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, but does Cowher want to build? Not sure about that and also think, if he coaches, it will be in a very big market.
Alex (Springfield): Why doesn't Brees get the same media coverage as Brady or Rodgers? Can you really say that Aaron Rodgers is better than him when you watch Drew playing?
Pat Yasinskas: Go back and look at column I wrote off Saints' Monday night win against the Giants. I wrote that Brees at least belongs in the conversation with Rodgers for MVP. I mean, the guy is probably going to break Marino's record for passing yards in a season.
Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.