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Chat Reel: Bob Lorenz

Billick may have wanted his team to develop an "us against them" mentality

After spending the last four seasons as the 49ers' offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg will head up the Lions. AP

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's Super Bowl chat with CNN/SI's Bob Lorenz. Hello Bob!
Bob Lorenz: Thanks, great to be here.

From Superbob: So Bob are you as down on this Super Bowl as Trev is?
Bob Lorenz: No, Trev has problems. I don't. I say that jokingly. I still trying to convince Trev that this is going to be a exciting Super Bowl. Exciting because it will be a close game. It may not be a shootout like last year, but I think that there will be a few mistakes made defensively. And I think that there will be more scoring than people think. I am thinking somewhere along the line of 17-10 Giants.

From P. Hylick in Nashville, Tenn.: Why do you feel that Brian Billick is protecting Ray Lewis from talking about the past to the media?
Bob Lorenz: I think in attempting to protect Ray Lewis, he not only shed light on the issue, but he started the ball rolling for massive media coverage. If you lecture the media on how to do its job it will exact opposite of what you tell it not to do. So, Billick really did Ray Lewis no favors. Trev and I were talking about this: maybe Billick meant to do that. Maybe he wanted to put Lewis and the entire team in an "Us against the world mentality" because the Ravens more than the Giants love that role. They love to have people tell them they can't win. If that is the case then Billick is a master psychologist.

From Howard Stowe in Thief River Falls, Minn.: Can the Giants have another offensive blackout?
Bob Lorenz: To a certain extent, yes. I don't think they will be able to run the ball. That means they will have to throw the ball, and they will probably test the Ravens deep. What they have to hope for is a couple of big plays from Amani Toomer and Ike Hillard. If they try that enough and they are successful there won't be a blackout. The Ravens will score. I think you might see Joe Jurevicius and Pete Mitchell involved a lot more.

From Robert Crawford in Toledo, Ohio: With the new coach, and offensive coordinator in Kansas City, do you think they will be smart and go after a top-notch veteran running back? If so, whom do you think they have in mind?
Bob Lorenz: They might, but their running backs, actually at times last year, weren't bad. It depends what kind of offense they decide to have. How can they use a guy like Kimble Anders? Is there a way to make him more effective? It's whether they spend a lot of money on a guy or get someone through the draft.

From maddog: I can't see either team moving the ball against these defenses. Trent Dilfer? I don't think so. What's your take?
Bob Lorenz: Maddog that is what I'm talking about, in terms of a couple of mistakes defensively potentially deciding this game. The Shannon Sharpe touchdown against the Raiders was a mistake. Marquez Pope fell down and could not catch up. One missed read or blown coverage could decide this game. I don't think there will be a ton of offense, but I'm looking for one or two big plays to decide this game.

From gordo: What do you think about the Lions hiring the new coach?
Bob Lorenz: I think it's a real interesting hire for this reason -- I think Matt Millen really wanted Steve Marriucci and he could not get him. So he is hoping that in Marty Mornhinweg, who is a very good coach by the way, he's got the next best thing. Does Mornhinweg have the same energy, charisma and organizational skills to win over his players and run a tight ship? If he does, it is a great hire for the Lions, but we won't know until next season.

From HIGHLIFE: Do you think Cris Carter will come back to the Vikings next year?
Bob Lorenz: That probably all depends on the offer the team gives him. He wants to play and has a couple of good years in him. But the Vikings are the key. Can they pay a veteran with a lot of pride enough to stay around? They have a couple of other players, like Robert Smith, who will effect the salary cap situation. So does Carter fit in?

From maddog: What do you think the Bears will do with their cap room this off-season, defense or offense?
Bob Lorenz: I have to think they have two needs another big playmaker on offense and some more help for their defensive line. Someone who can really get to the quarterback, and help the rising star they have in Brian Urlacher. We've seen in Baltimore how much Ray Lewis has been helped by Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams. The Bears could use more help like that.

From NinerJoe: What are the 49ers chances of resigning Charlie Garner?
Bob Lorenz: Here is a veteran guy who is a great fit for that offense, but at what price is it a good move for both the team and the player? I think they have to keep him, because of how he helped take some of the heat off of Jeff Garcia.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Bob Lorenz. Thanks for joining us!
Bob Lorenz: My pleasure and enjoy the game on Sunday, and see you tonight on CNN/SI. Live reports at 5 p.m. EST and 8 p.m. EST -- don't miss them!

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