Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
January 25, 2001

Coyle talks with Washington running back Stephen Davis during training camp this summer. (draftinsiders.com)

 

NFL Scout and Publisher of the Draft Insider's Digest, Frank Coyle came back for another round of your questions. He chatted about the upcoming Super Bowl and the Senior Bowl.

Coyle, a full-time scout, has published the digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 9 years. He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Visit his website at Draftinsiders.com.

Frank Coyle: Hello NFL Fans! Let's Talk Super Bowl XXXV!

Question: barky: Have you seen the teams in practice?

Frank Coyle: Earlier in the year I did. I am not in Tampa now. I have seen them both from training camp through the Championship game. Believe me the 2 best teams are in the Super Bowl. The Giants are on a 7 game winning streak and I believe the Ravens are on a 10 game streak. The NFL got the 2 best clubs in the game. both with tough Defenses and ball-control type offenses.

Question: Who'll be the better QB in SB XXXV - Dilfer or Collins?

Frank Coyle: I have to believe Collins. He is coming off a career game, no turnovers and is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence behind a well developed O-line. Dilfer has been very erratic. He has made the big play in several game despite his numbers being sub par. the biggest fear for Ravens fans is that Dilfer will make a big mistake. But Collins is clearly the top QB going into the Super Bowl. You can't underestimate the confidence level where he is at.

Question: Frank, are the Ravens and Giants both healthy?

Frank Coyle: I think so at this point. Pettigrew had a minor sprain. Prior to that Barber, Toomer, have all been banged up but have had 2 weeks off to recover. Jamal Lewis had a great season but was working down after 3 playoff games and will benefit the most from the 2 week layoff. Most teams are banged up some and need the 2 weeks to field the best team. .. Safety Kim Herring looks like he will play for the Ravens

Question: Frank, which player has been the biggest off season pick up for each Super Bowl team?

Frank Coyle: Well.. you look at the Ravens and have to think Jamal Lewis gave them a big play guy and a work horse from the backfield. Clearly a player to build on for the next 10 years. Dilfer has been a critical pick up because e he started the year as a back up. Although he struggled in some games, the Ravens wouldn't be where they are without Dilfer. For the Giants, the offensive lineman, they added 3.. they didn't appear to be much on paper but they were Lomas Brown, Glen Parker, Dusty Ziegler. These veterans meshed and took a below average line and made it something. They were instrumental in both Collins and Tiki Barber doing well for the giants.

Question: Where you as amazed as everyone else how badly the Giants beat the Vikes?

Frank Coyle: Yeah. Who can expect a 41-0 title game? The Giants offense played their best of the year and exploited a vulnerable viking secondary and defense in general. The Giants have not gotten their due this year and their D have been tough. They may not be as good as the Ravens but they aren't far from it. #2 run defense in the league (behind the Ravens) and they have talented LBs in Armstead and Barrow. Michael Strahan is playing better than any defensive lineman in the NFL over the past 6 weeks.

Question: Will "Special Teams" play a big factor in determining who will win "The Super Bowl"?

Frank Coyle: You certainly would expect them to! What appears to be a low scoring, defensive struggle, you have to believe kickers could come into play. Matt Stover had a great year. Daluiso is a very accurate kicker and up to 45 yards he can match anyone. For the return game, the Giants are hurt with Tiki being hurt and Jermaine Lewis gives the Ravens the advantage in the return game. But Ron Dixon is capable of breaking any play. I would give the Ravens an edge.

Question: What kicker would you rather have in a game winning situation - Daluiso or Stover?

Frank Coyle: Well they have both been around the block. Both are coming off good year. I think Stover has had a better year but Daluiso has been in bigger games. That may be a factor. So its a tossup, pretty much. It is not like you are dealing with rookies. Both are seasoned veterans who have made plenty of clutch kicks.

Question: Hello Frank Do you think The Ravens Defense can shut down Kerry Collins and The Giants Offense in "The Super Bowl"?

Frank Coyle: The Ravens D has been really dominant as far as shutting down the opposing ground game. What the Giants will have to do is work a short passing game in substitution of the run game. This is where the Ravens are most vulnerable. The Jets, in the final game, spread the Ravens out and exploited them in the passing game. Richie Anderson (FB) caught 11 passes that game. So I would look for Barber, Comella, and Pete Mitchell to play a key role in the short passing game. Which could really throw the Ravens off balance.

Question: adminjp: Frank I think the Giants need to get Barber involved in the passing offense..line him up on the outside and create matchups vs. linebackers. Will the arm injury affect his ability to catch the ball??

Frank Coyle: I don't think so. He has had 2 more weeks to get healthy. He has even debated wearing the plate. It doesn't affect his ability to catch. He is a critical player. If the Giants go to him often you may wee Rod Woodson matching up, since none of the Ravens LB can cover him. If that is the case that puts Barber on the outside with Toomer and Hilliard. These are critical matchups that the Giants need to exploit. The Jets gave the Giants the game plan on how to beat the D. Spread them out and give the ball to numerous receivers. That neutralizes Ray Lewis, their tremendous middle LB.

Question: preacher: Do you see someone like Ray Lewis being the MVP ala Richard Dent in 1985?

Frank Coyle: Well.. Certainly Lewis had a great year and deserved Defensive Player of the Year. In the Ravens scheme he is the guy who makes the plays, stuffs the run. You name it. The Giants have to give him special attention. A good short passing strategy could stop him as a player. If they are successful at that the Giants could win the game.

Question: marty3: Can Trent Dilfer not "Lose "The Super Bowl" against the Giants or will he make many mistakes with all the spotlight on him?

Frank Coyle: I think what is critical is that the Giants are a different team when they get the lead. It sets up their balanced offense. The key to the Ravens is to get Jamal Lewis cranked up. If they get behind they are looking for Dilfer to win the game for them. If the get Lewis going and they get the lead, they just have to manage it and not have Dilfer win it. The point is who can dictate the pace of the game. The Ravens surely don't want Dilfer coming from behind.

Question: adminjp: Frank you mentioned earlier how the addition of Michael Barrow has improved the Giants "D"..but I think the addition of rookie Robert Harris has been just as important...how good will he be??

Frank Coyle: The addition of rookie Cornelius Griffin is who has made an impact. He has been probably one of the best pass rushers and has done a super job and will be in on a lot of passing situations come Sunday.

Question: pav: Do you think jermaine lewis would be a good factor on special teams?

Frank Coyle: he is a terrific punt returner. He took two back against the jets. Clearly in the first half of the season, the Giants special teams were awful. They got better but it is something to watch. Punter Brad Maynard struggled late in the year. He has to come through because Lewis is a big threat and the Giants can't afford to give up yardage on special teams.

Question: winny: Is Tiki Barber going to play with a titanium cast on his arm and will it affect him any?

Frank Coyle: I don't think he has decided yet. It may be reduced in size. He felt it was close to 100% in the last game and he has had 2 weeks to heal. I look for Tiki to play a bigger role and he has clearly been the Giants MVP. For the Giants to win, Tiki will have to make big plays. I don't think it will affect him much as he has had 2 weeks to prepare.

Question: mcqueen: Mr. Coyle, who are you favoring in the superbowl?

Frank Coyle: I look for the Giants to win a close game. Tiki Barber makes enough big plays that the Giants squeak out a 16-10 win. Now, lets get to some of your other questions!

Question: winny: Will Dungy stick with Shaun King at QB next year? Will the Bucs look to draft a QB?

Frank Coyle: I don't think any team can afford NOT to add a player at that position if they get the chance. Tampa has never been a big player in free agency. But if the opportunity came with a young QB, competition never hurts. Even if King is the starter going into camp, they aren't hurting themselves by bringing in competition in that area.

Question: frankiec: Jerry Rice to the Bucs? Say it ain't so!

Frank Coyle: Boy.. that would be interesting. You have to believe Jerry will pick a club he thinks he can help. Certainly Tampa fits in that mold. The Raiders will be a big player in the Rice sweepstakes and that keeps him in the Bay Area and in the postseason hunt. He will probably talk to 3 or 4 teams with tampa and Oakland on that list.

Question: jesterpg: Ahman Green or Dorsey Levens or both next year?

Frank Coyle: Green had a great 2nd half. And is a restricted free agent. You have to give the edge to him. Younger and stronger. Levens commands more money and this was another injury prone season. The Packers are pressured with the Salary Cap so Levens will have to restructure to stay. Green had a great close to the season which gives him the inside track on the starting job next year.

Question: billsfan: Frank What do you think Tom Donahoe will do about the Rob Johnson/Doug Flutie situation? Do you see Johnson being traded?

Frank Coyle: Anybody is tradable for the right price. The Bills invested heavily in Johnson and if they are overwhelmed they wouldn't hesitate to move him. They have to make a decision. The situation divided the team last year and it may be time to cut the tie on Flutie. But if they got a good deal for Johnson, they could keep Flutie and go with a rookie to develop. But I would expect Flutie to be on the out there.

Question: marty3: Will Trent Dilfer be back with The Ravens next Season whether they win or not?

Frank Coyle: If they win and he plays a big part in it, I think they will make a substantial offer to him. I think the Ravens will look at Brad Johnson who is a free agent. The Ravens were in the final bidding for him when he was traded. He has ties with Billick from Minnesota and would be a good fit. But if Dilfer has a monster Super Bowl they might have to re-sign him as a PR move.

Question: rbttad: Will Kordell be the starting QB again next season? Will the Steelers ever get a real QB?

Frank Coyle: I still can't believe that they Steelers didn't draft Pennington! Stewart finished strong this year but he has done that before and it is a tease. They have to turn the page and bring in competition for the job. Stewart has to prove he is that same player every game or get a new guy. they could get into the Brad Johnson sweepstakes or trade for Trent Green. or in the middle of the first round the Steelers would have to give Purdue Drew Brees a lot of consideration.

Question: blanda: What's the story - Did Donohoe and Marvin Lewis have a "back room" talk about him becoming the Bills next head coach? If not Lewis, who's the front runner for that job?

Frank Coyle: You have to believe the Ravens Lewis and the Giants' John Fox are the finalists. I don't think the Bills could lose with either. They have done super jobs with their clubs and are ready to be head coaches. The critical factor is who they bring along to be their offensive coordinator. Because I am sure they will find the right defensive coordinator. Who manages the other side of the ball is critical with 1st year head coaches.

Question: blanda: Who's the front runner for the Browns job?

Frank Coyle: You have to believe both of those are in that mix. I am a little baffled with what the browns are doing. I am surprised they fired Palmer with only 2 years and an injured expansion team. I know they were turned down by both Butch Davis and Stoops. If they are waiting this long they have to be interested in Lewis and Fox. And whomever doesn't take the Buffalo job gets this. or vice versa

Question: jesterpg: What do you expect of the Falcons, specifically Jamal Anderson, next season?

Frank Coyle: He made a really remarkable recovery this year. I have a lot of questions if he could do it and he did. They need a young QB, had major problems on the o-line. They need a play maker at WR and they could go in that direction with Koren Robinson or David Terrell. And they have some needs on defense too.

Question: lazytaker: Will the Dolphins stick with Fiedler or will they trade for a free agent like Trent Green?

Frank Coyle: My sources say.. the Dolphins are adamant that they will not trade for Green or try for Brad Johnson! They are looking for a veteran and they might be interested in someone like a Jeff Blake. Or drafting a Drew Brees if he happened to fall that far in the draft.

Question: lazytaker: Do the Jets give Chad Pennington a legit shot at the QB job or will Vinny Testaverde be back under center next year?

Frank Coyle: This is a good one. Vinny has the starting job entering camp. But when you are 38 you have to prove yourself all over again. He will have to hold off Pennington in camp to be the starter. I am sure the Jets look to accelerate Penningtons development with more reps in camp. We have seen what 2nd year QBs can do with Culpepper and McNabb. The Jets won't hesitate to pull Vinny if they feel he is not the guy they can win with.

Question: pav: Are the Saints thinking of releasing Blake?

Frank Coyle: Everything comes down to salary cap. Are they 100% sold on Brooks as the starter? Or do they out them head 2 head in camp and then decide? Salary cap dictates a lot today. Brooks looks like the long term answer and they will need to put money down to keep him. And they may not be able to afford to keep both. Both are under contract so you are really looking at what the Saints long term plans are. The Dolphins are interested in a veteran passer who has had some success without breaking the bank or giving up a lot of picks for.

Question: adminjp: Frank what about Kordell going to Miami and reunited with Chan Gailey??

Frank Coyle: That would be interesting! Certainly, there would have to be a trade made there. Or the Steelers would have to bring in another QB before that could happen. A lot of times there is a domino effect with QB. We will find out before the draft where Green gets traded to and see who the bidders are for Brad Johnson, Dilfer, and others. I would think Stewart in Miami would be a long shot.

Question: marty3: Will the Bears release or cut Curtis Enis since it's obvious he's not in their future plans?

Frank Coyle: What a disaster that has been! Everything that could go wrong for Enis, went wrong. He is a terrible fit for that West Coast offense they played with McNown. He bulked up to 250 and moved to FB.. I thought at 230-235 he was a wicked power tailback. It is hard to believe they would do something so drastic. But the Bears were not happy with McNown and they have a new offensive coordinator. That may go a long way to dictate his future with the Bears.

Frank Coyle: Its been fun! I am sure we will do some free agency (March 2nd deadline) chats and NFL 2001 chats between now and April 21st. Thanks for joining us. Enjoy the Super Bowl.. and GO GIANTS!