Mike N.: Bernie M. was right on in calling out Bulger for his total lack of leadership and bad attitiude this season. But I think it goes further: Holt, Bruce, Little and the other "bigger salary" veterans have been silent and nowhere to be seen -- basically cashing their checks and going home. It is easy to bask in the limelight when winning -- Holt really comes to mind -- but it is leadership during crisis that shows true character. Do you feel that these veterans have let the team and the fans down in this area?

Jeff Gordon: Little played hurt -- really hurt in one case -- so I don't know how much more you want from him, When he played, the D was pretty solid. With Holt, Bruce and Bulger, you have to wonder if they believe in the offense. You can argue that they are paid to believe in the offense, but some of that does fall back to coaching. Certainly Jackson has tried to set a pace when he is healthy, but one man can't create swagger for a whole unit.

Andrew: Do you think the Blues will make the playoffs? How far will they make it?

Jeff Gordon: My answer hasn't changed -- they will fight for the seventh or eighth spot. Right now Anaheim, San Jose and Vancouver aren't playing great, but they ought to get spots. Clearly Nashville is down after losing a big chunk of its roster. Detroit, Minnesota, Calgary and Colorado look like the class of the Western Conference. Chicago coming on. Perhaps LA is too. And Columbus. Only Phoenix appears down and out.

Linda Williams: I am surprised at your response to some raged fan about Barron. I guess I thought you had more knowledge about the game but, certainly, but more professionalism. Maybe you need to check your stats. I doubt if you could say that Barron is a bust after moving from one side to another and being credited with few sacks. Further, just because a fan says something ignorant doesnt mean you have to agree with it. Is ther some of other football player more athletic who is able to play both sides with few errors. Maybe you think he should hit that player from behind in the Cleveland game. Of course, then, you would have another story to report. The criticisms are well taken, however, please remain professional in your demeanor.

Jeff Gordon: Barron played left side in college and moved to the right because Pace was entrenched there. So moving sides shouldn't cause some of the problems we've seen from his side of the line. At a time when he REALLY needed to step up, he struggled. Barron has the physical ability to become a Pro Bowl tackle, yet he has not progressed to anywhere near that level. Now the team must consider drafting another tackle in the first round, due to Barron's lack of progression and Pace's injury woes.

tim: Before the season started i was reading somewhere that Adam Carrikers stats woudnt ne as good as most rookies but he would have the biggest impact on his team. My question is do you think thats true so far? Obviosly its not fair to compare him with Adrian Peterson but whats your take?

Jeff Gordon: This team needed to short up their defense at the point of the attack. Both Carriker and Ryan have done that. Both have had large impacts. It's tough to compare interior defensive linemen to flashy runnng backs, but certainly the Rams are happy with their pick.

tim: Any chance Bryan Anderson backs up Yadi next season?

Jeff Gordon: Doubtlful. Anderson can hit. Whether he can catch at this level must be determined. He is more likely to become a near-term trade chip than a near-term impact player at this level. I see the Cards locking up Molina with a long-term deal.