| Editor’s note: This is the
14th in a series of Q&A’s with PFW contributing editor and personnel analyst Joel
Buchsbaum that will appear exclusively on the Pro Football Weekly Internet Edition. Q:
If the season ended today, who would be your pick for league MVP?
Buchsbaum: Colts QB Peyton Manning. I think he’s done the most for his team, and
the loss of him would probably (lead to) the greatest downfall.
Q: Everytime I see Dallas play, LB Dexter Coakley looks great. Is he worthy of
Pro Bowl consideration?
Buchsbaum: Yes he is. But you have to understand (that) the scheme he’s in (is
designed to) keep him free. They try to keep him in a position where a blocker can’t
get to him so he can just go for the ball.
Q: Word is that Cleveland is very interested in drafting WR Peter Warrick. If
that takes place, how does Warrick fit in with QB Tim Couch and WR Kevin Johnson?
Buchsbaum: Fine. He would give them a big-play threat who could turn a short pass into
a long gain.
Q: What is it going to take for Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe to start performing at
the high level of play he was at earlier this season?
Buchsbaum: He has to get his confidence back, and he has to get back in sync.
Q: What got into the Giants’ passing game against the Jets?
Buchsbaum: (QB Kerry) Collins was very hot, and the Jets had no intensity.
Q: Will the Packers keep RB De’Mond Parker as part of the offense once
Dorsey Levens is healthy?
Buchsbaum: I think they will because (Parker) is a threat as a runner, and he gives
them outside speed.
Q: How well did Dolphins QB Dan Marino bounce back last week?
Buchsbaum: He played very, very well. He played a typical Marino game, a Pro
Bowl-caliber game.
Q: The Cowboys’ offense really struggled vs. New England. Are injuries the
full explanation, or is there more to it?
Buchsbaum: It’s injuries. The line isn’t blocking; the receivers aren’t
getting open.
Q: Given how explosive Indianapolis’ offense is, how much pressure does it
put on opposing teams’ offenses not to settle for field goals against the Colts?
Buchsbaum: A great deal. You’ve got to think in terms of sevens.
Q: How is the Colts’ offensive line playing?
Buchsbaum: They’ve been efficient. But they’ve been helped a great deal by
Manning’s ability to avoid sacks.
Q: What happened to Tennessee against the Ravens last week?
Buchsbaum: The Titans just didn’t show up in the second half of the game. It was a
typical close Tennessee game in the first half, then in the second half, they just
didn’t show up.
Q: The Ravens seem to be showing progress. What is your take?
Buchsbaum: They are getting used to Brian Billick’s system on offense, and that is
going to help them. But I still don’t think they have the right quarterbacks.
Q: A lot of people really liked the Dolphins to go to the Super Bowl when the
season started and even at certain points during the season, but it now looks as if
they’ll have to be road warriors to do that. What’s your opinion of their
chances if they have to play one or two road games in the postseason?
Buchsbaum: If Marino is healthy, they have a legitimate shot. |
