Did you miss Friday's edition of "NFL Total Access" on NFL Network? Catch up with this recap:
Alex Smith sees a lot of potential with his new team
Alex Smith joined the show from Lake Tahoe. When asked about new coach Andy Reid's system, Smith raved about the Kansas City Chiefs' possibilities given the team's new weapons. Building off of that, Smith agreed with Donovan McNabb's statement that Reid knows how to coach to his players' strengths. Smith sees a lot of depth on the team. He believes Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe are among the elite at their position. When asked about the impact of Chris Ault to the coaching staff, Smith didn't share much but mentioned there's a possibility he could be running out of the pistol.
John Fox
Denver Broncos coach John Fox stated that he, along with his coaching staff, will aide John Elway in making personnel decisions while Matt Russell and Tom Heckert serve their suspensions. Fox is excited about Ryan Clady's new contract because the left tackle is incredibly important in everything they do, especially protecting Peyton Manning. Fox said that the team is thrilled with the possibilities wide receiver Wes Welker now brings to the team, as he is a great weapon to create mismatches. When asked about the running back situation, Fox spoke of Knowshon Moreno's great 2013 season, and went onto mention Montee Ball's work ethic and very impressive knowledge of protections.
Is Matt Ryan a franchise quarterback?
Sapp believes that Ryan is a franchise quarterback but not an elite quarterback. Willie McGinest agreed that the Atlanta Falcons QB is not necessarily elite because he has not yet won enough playoff games, but he has produced at a high enough level to get paid like a top quarterback.
Who is the most important player on the Baltimore Ravens' defense?
Sapp feels that linebacker Terrell Suggs is the most important player on the Ravens' defense, because of his superior pass-rushing skills. McGinest believes that Lardarius Webb is the most crucial piece on the defensive side of the ball. Webb's ability to shut down one side of the field creates opportunities for the team to be more aggressive with blitz packages.
Charles Barkley talks rivalries
Charles Barkley claims that he never once rooted for another team while he was an active player in the NBA. Sometimes, he even refused to talk to opposing players until after the game. Now that he's retired, though, he always roots for all of his former teams to win a championship. Barkley also stated that there is no way he could have gotten into ESPN the Magazine's "Body Issue." He had a bit of Hall of Fame advice for Sapp: "You have to write a list of names for people to thank."
Best defensive line in the NFL?
McGinest believes that the Cincinnati Bengals have the best defensive line in football because of Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson. He also likes Domata Peko and Robert Geathers. Sapp feels the offseason additions of Cliff Avril give the Seattle Seahawks the league's top six-man rotation.
Denver Broncos' biggest weakness?
McGinest sees the safety position as the team's biggest weakness. He feels they need to stop the big plays, something they struggled with last year. Additionally, McGinest believesDenver's pass rush could also be a weakness. Sapp thinks that the running back position is going to be their biggest weakness. He credits the loss of Willis McGahee and doesn't see any legitimate replacements currently on the roster.
Charles Davis weighs in on his top college prospects
Davis believes Jadeveon Clowney is one of the game's best players, even dating back to Clowney's high school days. Davis feels that Johnny Manziel might be a little underrated on Daniel Jeremiah's list. He also thinks Teddy Bridgewater could slide down the list due to the emergence of Clemson's Tahj Boyd.
What will the Buccaneers bring?
Sapp and McGinest both believe that the biggest storyline in Tampa Bay will be the pass rush. They both reiterated the importance of the front and back end of a defense needing to be in sync in order to reach maximum efficiency. Even with the addition of All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, the secondary can't be successful without a pass rush.
Are the Kansas City Chiefs a playoff team?
McGinest sees the Chiefs as a playoff contender this year because of the team's newfound balance, as well as the addition of Smith and his ability to protect the football. McGinest feels Reid will help the team turn things around with all of the solid pieces they have. Sapp doesn't believe the Chiefs will make the playoffs the team still has a lot to improve on from last season.
What should we expect from the Dallas Cowboys?
McGinest feels there are a ton of questions surrounding the Cowboys' offense. He believes they need to be more consistent but is excited to see how the new play-caller will advance the offense. Sapp believes the Cowboys' defensive success will very much hinge on new coordinator Monte Kiffin and his ability to get the team on board with the new 4-3 defensive scheme.
Be sure to tune into "NFL Total Access" on Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
