ESPN Chat: Pat Yasinskas, October 2

[theProf]

Adam ((Erie,Pa))

Has Jamaal Anderson pretty much sealed his fate with the falcons? Or does he still have a chance?

Pat Yasinskas (2:47 PM)

Looking like the end is pretty near.

James (Temple, GA)

Pat, if you were the Falcons Coaching staff, what are a few things you would be concentrating on this bye week?

Pat Yasinskas (1:59 PM)

Getting the running game going again would be No. 1. Then, getting Tye Hill up to speed so he might be able to help the secondary.

James (Temple, GA)

Pat, doesn't Turners slow start have more to do with DEF's stacking the box then it does with Turner being tired or some idiotic curse?

Pat Yasinskas (2:10 PM)

Yes, I think so. I think you need to give it a few more games before you can say that last year wore him out.

Digga (Metairie, LA.)

In your opinion which team in the NFC SOUTH has the best coaching staff?

Pat Yasinskas (2:24 PM)

Atlanta.

Wally (Los Angeles)

Not being a bitchy Saints fan... but could you elaborate why you think Atl has a better staff then New Orleans with offensive guru Payton finally teamed with a D Coordinator worth anything?

Pat Yasinskas (2:29 PM)

Payton is a great offensive mind. And I do like Williams. But I'm not sold on Payton as a head coach yet. Atlanta's staff is strong all the way through -- with a couple former head coaches in there.

Lloyd (Baton Rouge, LA)

Not to be a bitchy Saints fan either, but you'd rather a staff that has a couple of former head coaches that failed? Sounds a bit weird to me, but OK.

Pat Yasinskas (2:33 PM)

I wouldn't call Mularkey a failure. He wanted out of Buffalo because it wasn't a good situation. He'll be a head coach again. Emmitt Thomas and Robiskie have been interim head coaches and know the territory. Brian Van Gorder will be a head coach before long. This might be the best staff in the league.

Tyler (Greenville, NC)

let's face it pat, the panthers ain't sniffing the playoffs! assuming jerry richardson knows what needs to be done(fire john fox), does he go after an offensive minded coach or another defensive guy? who would you go after if you were jerry?

Pat Yasinskas (1:57 PM)

My guess is an offensive coordinator from somewhere. Just throwing out a name -- Mike Mularkey. Not saying that will be the guy, but just throwing out a name.

Carlun (Virginia)

Pat do you think the Falcons finally end the back to back winning seasons thing this year?

Pat Yasinskas (2:39 PM)

Yes, I do.

Caleb (Gulfport, MS)

Can we crown the Saints the NFC South Champs yet or is it too early?

Pat Yasinskas (2:59 PM)

Hang loose a bit. You're in good shape, but Falcons are still in it.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/28564

[capologist]

That Pat Yasinkas, he's such a hater of JA98. How dare he suggest JA98 is at the end of his rope and not call out our other d-linemen...

[FalconinPA]

For once I agree with Pat Yasinskas. Unless Jamaal has a major turn around, his is days are about numbered! I also agree with Pat that the Falcons have the best coaching staff in the Nfc South.

[falconidae]

That Pat Yasinkas, he's such a hater of JA98. How dare he suggest JA98 is at the end of his rope and not call out our other d-linemen...

Is that this sarcasm thing I've been hearing about?

[capologist]

Is that this sarcasm thing I've been hearing about?

Me? Sarcastic? Naaaaaah...

[Jaymadd]

Pat posted some good answers this week.

[the evil emperor]

That Pat Yasinkas, he's such a hater of JA98. How dare he suggest JA98 is at the end of his rope and not call out our other d-linemen...

In all fairness to Gazoo, JA98 looked like our best d-lineman in the pats game.

[nobkowski]

In all fairness:

Kroy Beerman - 6 tackles couple of pressures

Trey Lewis - 6 tackles

Anderson - 3 tackles and stupid idiotic penalty on 3rd down that gave the Patty Cakes chance to score a field goal

[Jaymadd]

In all fairness to Gazoo, JA98 looked like our best d-lineman in the pats game.

NO he didnt, he looked pitiful and so did the entire Dline, but at least JA98 has been consistent in his pitifulness.

[RunningThePiszOuttaTheBall]

Our staff is great ... but would you really say best staff in the league? I'm happy about that if it is the case. But there are some awfully good staffs (staves?) in the NFL, some of which have been in place a long time.

[vafalconfan]

I don't know that I understand his infatuation with VanGorder. I am not sold yet.

[Jaymadd]

I don't know that I understand his infatuation with VanGorder. I am not sold yet.

Me either especially the part about being a head coach, but hopefully he is right, but i guess he is basing it on the defensive performance from last year.

[SaintsH8]

Man I do not know what is up with this guy?

[SuwaneeFalcFan1]

I'm not as sold on BVG as Pat is, but I'm hoping the improvement in all our young defensive players help give us more possibilities on defense. You know, like BLITZING! I'm thinking it was similar last year, where we really didn't pressure the QB the second half. Brady looked pretty mediocre the first half, then we sat back while he destroyed our defense.

But yeah, this JA98 info is no news flash. He hasn't been lights out, or even very good. Short of a flash or two last year, he is only serviceable. I expect him to get less playing time when our other pass rushers improve.

[Nfl Insider]

Brian Van Gorder head coach

[SuwaneeFalcFan1]

Brian Van Gorder head coach

That's kind of what I thought. Maybe Yasinskas is a Georgia homer? I guess he can't watch every NFC South game.

[bossFALCON™]

i'd really like to see chauncey get a couple of starts just to see what he brings to the table as a starter. he hasn't looked any better than jamaal this season but you never know. i'd at least like to see him get a shot. anderson has started for us for about 2 1/4 seasons now and no matter how you want to spin his numbers, the guy has pretty much been a non factor.

i think he'd be a better rotational player.

[Robb4242]

That Pat Yasinkas, he's such a hater of JA98. How dare he suggest JA98 is at the end of his rope and not call out our other d-linemen...

lol....funny.

But then again, PY has been saying this for a while I believe.

[luckyhole]

Sounds just like a dude speculating. Glad a lot of it's in our favor.

[jluk]

everyone was pulling for JA. i just wished a trade would have happened with KC.

i would have loved to see glen dorsey here.

[SiViK_OuTkAsT™]

@ the whiny Saints fans about the coaches.....GROW UP

[jluk]

@ the whiny Saints fans about the coaches.....GROW UP

i got so use to the saints fans whining, i totally overlooked that until you pointed that out..

[theProf]

But then again, PY has been saying this for a while I believe.

Chat questions pertaining to Jamaal Anderson and Yasinskas’ replies in chronological order as follows:

May 22 Chat:

Justin (Atlanta, GA): Do you believe the Falcons will play last chance Jamaal Anderson more at DE or DT this year?

Pat Yasinskas: (12:46 PM ET ) DE. But they'll move him inside in their sub-package, just like they did last year

May 29 Chat:

Rob (Atlanta,Ga): Do you think that Jamal Anderson will finally have a breakout year? Or should we just label him a bust?

Pat Yasinskas: (1:12 PM ET ) Give him this season and then it's fair game to make a call.

________________________________________

Rob (England): Hey Pat, cheers for answering my last question! How long will the Falcons give Anderson before they pull him in favour of Davies? He had a much better than Jamaal last year, then again, so did Biermann.

Pat Yasinskas: (1:52 PM ET ) They're hoping the light comes on in camp. If it doesn't, then Chauncey gets the starting job.

June 12 Chat:

JJ (Atlanta)

Would you consider this a make or break year for Jamal Anderson? I think so

Pat Yasinskas (2:56 PM)

Without a doubt. If he doesn't produce early, they've got Chauncey Davis ready to go.

July 24 Chat:

JJ (Atlanta)

Would you consider this a make or break year for Jamal Anderson? I think so

Pat Yasinskas (2:56 PM)

Without a doubt. If he doesn't produce early, they've got Chauncey Davis ready to go.

Aug. 14 Chat:

Jason ((Atlanta))

You've said repeatedly that the Falcons plan on giving Jamaal Anderson every opportunity to play up to his potential. How did he look in camp? How did Sidbury look? And while we're on the D-Line, does Babineaux look like he's ready to take yet another step forward?

Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)

Saw him getting chewed out pretty good by one of the coaches once. But that means they're still looking at him. He'll still get a chance, but don't be surprised if you see a lot of Chauncey Davis. On Babineaux, I think he's one of the most underrated players in the division. The arrival of Jerry should only help him.

Aug. 21 Chat:

theProf (Georgia)

Who do you think will start for the Falcons at DE opposite John Abraham on opening day, Jamaal Anderson or Chauncey Davis?

Pat Yasinskas (1:39 PM)

Think they'll open with Anderson and give him a few games. If he doesn't produce, then they make the switch to Davis.

Aug. 28 Chat:

ATLJBO (Atlanta )

What are your thoughts on Lawrence Sidbury ?

Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)

Lots of upside. If Anderson flops again, think you'll see Davis start and Sidbury used as situational pass rusher.

Sept. 4 Chat:

Carlton (Laurel)

Biermann looked good last night for Atlanta, Davis got paid in the off-season, Sidbury was drafted in the 3rd round. Jamal Anderson has to be concerned about making the 53 man roster, correct? If the Falcons keep 8 DL, Abraham, Davis, Babs, Jerry, Biermann, Sidbury, Lewis, Johnson, Walker, it could really get close for Jamal.

Pat Yasinskas (1:16 PM)

I think Jamaal makes roster. But his starting job sure is very much in jeopardy.

Sept. 18 Chat:

CC (Atlanta)

Can we officially classify Gaines Adams a bust? There is no other logical conclusion.

Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)

Close, but you've got to give the guy in your backyard (Jamaal Anderson) the title first.

Oct. 2 Chat:

Adam ((Erie,Pa))

Has Jamaal Anderson pretty much sealed his fate with the falcons? Or does he still have a chance?

Pat Yasinskas (2:47 PM)

Looking like the end is pretty near.

[Finally]

i'd really like to see chauncey get a couple of starts just to see what he brings to the table as a starter. he hasn't looked any better than jamaal this season but you never know. i'd at least like to see him get a shot. anderson has started for us for about 2 1/4 seasons now and no matter how you want to spin his numbers, the guy has pretty much been a non factor.

i think he'd be a better rotational player.

Chauncey may get a shot at starting but he certainly hasn't earned it. I am irritated that he asked to compete for the starting role during contract negotiation then he phoned it in all during the preseason. I was excited when I read that I thought that meant he had fire in his belly and he was ready to take it to the next level. Turns out he and JA seem to be cut from the same cloth.

What do you mean he'd be a better rotational player? That is exactly what JA is.

[gazoo]

Pat could be right............ JA98 is not showing me enough this year to think he's going to break out at some point.

Of course, I hold them all to the same standards and haven't really been impressed with any of our DL the last couple of games, and using the same criteria to rate them there may be more than JA98 whos job could be in trouble.

As was mentioned before, JA98 had arguably the best game of any of the DL in the Pats game, yet 15 threads were started about his bad play and it was like pulling teeth trying to get some to just admit the other DL have not been playing well the last 2 games.

I've stated thousands of times over the last year that I am waiting to see him play in several games this yea before I draw any hard conclusions on his NFL fture, but at this point, after 3 games, he hasn;t impressed me or shown me anything to think he's about to break out.

I would think the regression/disappearing act of Chauncy Davis this year who has a similar cap hit, would be discussed a little more, or the mediocre play of Babineaux this year after singing a fat extensin, or the wholesale ownership opposing LTs and RTs have had on both JA55 and Beirmann the last two games would be discussed......but then again, I use the same standards to judge them which gives me a broader perspective than the JA98 haters who are obsessed with him and give the other DL a free pass. The last 2 games, JA98 had 5 QB hurries and played the run well..I need WAY MORE THAN THAT FROM HIM, but he's still been playing better than some around him lately.

The entire DL rotation has let me down the last 2 games, but you guys keep singling out JA98, because that's what you do.