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With Tony Kornheiser
and Michael Wilbon
Washington Post Columnists

Friday, Feb. 1, 2002; 1:30 p.m. ET

It's a SPECIAL half-hour edition of The Chat House! Join Wilbon LIVE from New Orleans with a preview of Sunday's game today at 1:30 pm ET.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

To read the most recent responses, click "Get New Responses" or select "Automatically Update Page."

Michael Wilbon: Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to Chat House. Mike is in the Big Easy and I'm here in Washington in his office, the old home of The Chat House. I've activated the homing devices to try and find Wilbon to actually begin the show. I'm sure he's on Bourbon Street whooping it up. Give me a minute or so. --Mary

Vienna, VA: Mary

Just curious, but what would happen if YOU weren't on time? These guys not own watches or what?

Michael Wilbon: Then I wouldn't be able to put out the disclaimers and notices saying that they were late! Or there would simply be no show b/c Tony and Mike don't know how to log on to the discussion software.... which they should not have to worry about anyway b/c that's my job. Anyway, Tony is off today so he's legit about not being here. I'm giving Mike the benefit of the doubt for a bit here cuz N'Awlins is an hour behind DC. Although, Mike does own a watch and it's of course a nice one. Some fancy brand. Shocker! --Mary

Washington, D.C.: MARY: Who's your pick to win the Super Bowl?

Michael Wilbon: I pick Britney Spears. Just kidding. The Rams. I just hope Ms. Spears doesn't wear a tacky, ripped up football jersey/outfit like she did last year. Such a fashion no no. --Mary

Washington, D.C.: Mary -- next time try telling them the show starts a half hour earlier, that way they'll actually be on time.

Michael Wilbon: LOL. Hey, that's a great idea. I hadn't thought of that. Will do. This show was Wilbon's idea, btw.-Mary

Michael Wilbon: Okay. Wilbon update. He just got out of a press conference w/Paul Tagliabue. It was Tagliabue's annual press conference where he talks about the state of the NFL, security for the Super Bowl etc. His editor in N'Awlins just told me the press conference broke up about 5 mins ago and Wilbon is interviewing Tagliabue. So, he should turn his phone on in about 5 mins or so.... so hang tight. That's a legit reason for being late don't you think? I do. --Mary

Washington, D.C.: Mary, if you were in New Orleans, how many beads would you have around your neck right now?

Michael Wilbon: I would have quite a few... ALL purchased from the store and not obtained in the "traditional" way. Ahem. --Mary

Vienna, Va.: Mary

Having heard some of Tony's tantrums when something wasn't perfect on his radio show (back when you could listen to the breaks on the Internet) makes me think it might not go as well for you should you hold the stars up.

Michael Wilbon: I'm not worried about Tony getting mad. It's more you chatters out there. I'm the first to admit I don't know jack about sports. --Mary

wiredog: Mary,
Continuing the conversation from Bob's chat, who are the top 5 Posties you'd like to have a beer with?

Michael Wilbon: I'd break bread w/a lot of Posties actually. It's hard to pick. Most everyone here is so interesting and smart. BTW, I don't mean that in a suck up kind of a way. A beer? Hmm.... I prefer wine so I'd say: David Broder, David Hoffman, Wilbon, Sally Jenkins and Eric Brace.--Mary

Burke, Va.: Mary,
Is Britney on the program this year? I thought this year's harlot is Mariah Carey.

Michael Wilbon: Brit is not performing I don't think, but she's the star of all of the Pepsi ads. Oh good. --Mary

Vienna, Va.: Mary

Based on the comments and questions we normally ask, I would say the vast majority of us chatters don't know jack about sports either, so dont' worry.

Michael Wilbon: LOL. Thanks. That's good to know. I guess that's why you come here! --Mary

Bethesda, Md.: If the Rams destroy the Pats, what're the chances that Bledsoe is still their guy next year, as opposed to being released to free up a little bit of cap room?

Michael Wilbon: Hey everybody, sorry I'm late. But Commissioner Tagliabue's press conference just ended about 1/2 later than expected. So here I am. In terms of this question, Bledsoe has about a 1 percent chance of being w/the Patriots next year. The Bears are interested. I would suspect the Dolphins are interested. Though I have not asked this of Snyder, I suspect that Steve Spurrier and the Redskins will be interested. But, he will not be w/the Patriots next year b/c of the salary cap impact of his 10 year, 103 million dollar contract. You can't pay a back up that kind of money. --Mike

Hurray. He's here. --Mary

Washington, D.C.: I worship the Super Bowl because it is the championship of my favorite sport, but it is pretty hard to get up for this match up... do the Pats stand a chance?

Michael Wilbon: Leave Britney alone. --Mike

OKAY! --Mary

I feel the same way you do. It's tied for top spot w/the NBA finals for me. But, I'm finding it hard to get into this too. Yes, the Patriots have a chance. They played the Rams earlier this year and lost by only a touchdown. And, New England has a good defense. And in the Rams biggest games over the past few years, most have been very close, including the Super Bowl 2 years ago and an 11-6 victory over Tampa in a championship game, the NFC victory over the Eagles last week.... I hope there is reason to suspect there will be a close game. --Mike

Weatherly, Pa.: Michael,

Much has been made of the Rams' defensive turnaround this year, and rightly so, considering how awful they were in 2000. Lovie Smith deserves credit for this dramatic change, to be sure. However, with eight new starters on defense, including guys like Aeneas Williams and Kim Herring, shouldn't the defense have been expected to be better? Thanks for joining us today.

Michael Wilbon: Maybe. But, all those new personalities and styles and ways of doing things have to be coordinated by somebody. It literally has to be choreographed. You see what success the Redskins had w/this last year, don't you? Not much. The Colts thought they were going to be better on defense this year too. But they didn't pick up the same kind of impact free agent that St.Louis did. --Mike

Hey Wilbon, do something nice for Mary!!!: While you were (understandably) delayed, she was holding her own her. She may not know much about sports, but she is just as witty and entertaining as you (and TK) are.

Bring her back something nice from Nawlins (and then put it on the expense report).

Michael Wilbon: This may come as a surprise to you in the Chat HOuse. But not to me. I know my friend Mary is MUCH smarter than the average ferret in here. --Mike

Washington, D.C.: Do you think the Patriots are doing the right thing in starting Tom Brady over Bledsoe again? Even though Bledsoe led them to victory last week?

Michael Wilbon: What have you been watching all season dude? A guy wins eight games in a row and plays hard the next game and you want him benched? Is your last name Bledsoe? Are you a 3rd cousin or something? Brady may be the MVP. What are you talking about? --Mike

Northern Virginia: Mary,

I understand that Wilbon and Tony (why to so many of us refer to them that way?) are busy and that they get pulled in a million different directions, but I do wish they understood that as sports fans, and as their fans it matters that they are chronically late. I also know that its something that most Chat House fans endure because there is a dearth of intelligent thoughtful writers who cover sports holistically. That being said, I hope they appreciate the job you do, because frankly you make them look good all the time and for that you deserve as the kids say mad props.

Michael Wilbon: Wow. Thanks. --Mary

Reston, Va.: Mike, any early word on who will gain entrance to the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow? Art Monk has got to be in this class!

Michael Wilbon: There is no early line. There is no straw vote. We get in a room and we vote. I am one of the 38 selectors. We present, we debate like hell, we do some soul searching and we vote. And I don't go around canvassing people all week so I have no idea. --Mike

Landover, Md.: Do you see a 14 point spread win by either team in the game?

Michael Wilbon: Considering that people win this game all the time by huge blowout margins, why wouldn't I think so? 11 of the last 18 games have been decided by 14 pts. or more. So, why would I think that would change? --Mike

Oakton, Va.: C'mon Mike, what about Jordan last night? Did you see it? Phenomenal. Is he the MVP?

Michael Wilbon: I just saw the highlights. The game was not on in New Orleans. This isn't exactly an NBA hotbed. So, I saw the clips. It gave me goosebumps. --Mike

Washington, D.C.: First Ray Lewis is your favorite player, and now Marshall Faulk is your favorite player. Maybe you should re-introduce the Bandwagon instead of TK.

Michael Wilbon: Do we need to teach you how to read pal? I said Marshall Faulk was my new favorite PERSON. I didn't say anything about player. So read it as it was written. --Mike

Columbia, Md.: If you are just addressing Super Bowl questions, I apologize. Maybe you can address this in the future.

Maryland Terapins:

Should the Juan Dixon be on the "All-U of M" team? Where does Juan rank as far as the all-time best guards at MD? If the season ended now would Juan get your vote as a 1st team All-American candidate?

Thanks for your insight.

Michael Wilbon: Great question. Yes he would be on my first team All American list. He and Jason Williams would be on my starting back court w/apologies to a lot of guards in the Big 12 and Big 10. In terms of all time? You can't put him ahead of John Lucas, who was the 1st player chosen in the whole draft. You can't put him ahead of Lucas. I don't know if you can put him ahead of Brad Davis.... maybe you can. He's going to be in the conversation. I love Juan Dixon.... and as far as the person earlier who talked about Ray Lewis. I never wrote that Ray Lewis was my favorite player. So, I don't know quite was you're refering to. Do I like Ray Lewis as a player? You're damn right. Do I like him as a person? I don't even know him. Clearly, I don't like anything about whatever happened 2 years ago. But, I don't know the guy at all and have never said he's my new favorite person. I did say that about Marshall Faulk. --Mike

Arlington, Va.: How fast is the New England defense? Do they have the cover guys to keep the deep threats neutralized, as well as the inside guys to keep Marshall Faulk in a cage? What about their pass rush -- can they get to Warner? Low scores, or close scores, might favor the Pats, but I'm skeptical that their defense has the jets to keep St. Louis in the Dome.

Michael Wilbon: According to Deion, the answer is: no. And who better to listen to about speed in the secondary or the ability to contain? If Deion says it, I believe it until I see evidence to the contrary. And it's not like Deion is the only one. Other analysts and players here say pretty much the same thing. We'll see what Phil Simms says today at 5:30 pm on PTI. --Mike

Mary, smarter than the average ferret: When will we get to see her on PTI? Some slow sports day in Febuary, put her on for five good minutes, promote the heck out of it, and watch the ratings go through the roof.

Michael Wilbon: Do I get a wardrobe allowance? --Mary

What are you trying to get a free peek buddy? --Mike

Washington, D.C.: Michael: Pitchers and catchers report in two weeks. Are you excited?

Michael Wilbon: I wouldn't care if pitchers and catchers reported to my front yard in 2 weeks. The whole spring training thing sickens me. It's a non story that newspapers, magazines and TV stations waste hundreds of thousands of dollars covering. Ten years ago, I adopted a policy to NEVER read a spring training story for the rest of my life. I'm not a seam-head. I watch a lot of baseball when it counts, which to me means April, late August, September and October. --Mike

College Park: Wow, what a awesome game last night between the Terps and Cavs (I was especially pleased with the outcome).

What did you guys think of that spectacle when Cavs players were mulling around the Maryland bench after the timeout was called? I thought the refs did an admirable job of separating the two teams, and made the right decision by not calling a technical

Michael Wilbon: I thought it was a great game. I watched much of it. Thought it was great. Tensions are going to run high between neighboring rivals and I thought the refs handled it pretty well also. I feel MD is the better team, but I thought UVA would win that game. So, I know Gary Williams is glad I was wrong.... Maryland is really, really, really good. --Mike

Washington, D.C.: Mary -- Since you "don't know jack" about sports, what would be your topic if you had your very own online chat?

Michael Wilbon: Fashion. Or dating. Or both.

Okay, Wilbon had to go. He's running to go and do another interview and was literally in a cab driving to his destination while doing this chat. The cab pulled up to where he needed to be and he had to jump out and go. But, he wanted to say: Enjoy the Super Bowl! Not sure if we'll have a show on Monday. Both TK and Wilbon are in transit. Check washingtonpost.com's home page on Monday to see if we're on. Thanks for hanging out w/me earlier. --Mary

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