Q: With Ahman Grceen past his prime, who will the next Packers’ running back be?
--Jeff Scott, Wenatchee, Wash.

A: They are hoping to trade for Shaun Alexander. Just kidding. The Seahawks aren’t going to give any more gifts like Green to Green Bay. It’s a good question. The Packers believe they can still get mileage out of Green, but they don’t intend to pay him what he believes he’s worth, so they are prepared to move on. Najeh Davenport is unreliable and injury-prone. The best hope they have on their roster is Samkon Gado, who came out of nowhere and proved he belongs. My guess is they will have to spend a relatively high draft choice on a running back as well, though I’d be surprised if they used their first pick, the fifth spot.

Q: How long do Packers’ fans have to suffer under the direction of Ted Thompson? It seems like he is driving this team to the ground faster than T.O. did the Eagles!
--Mike Kehl, Denver

A: Whoa. The guy hasn’t been there a year yet. You’re blaming him for 4-12 already? No doubt his decision to fire proven winner Mike Sherman and hire unproven offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy will define his tenure, not to mention how his first draft choice, Aaron Rodgers, will develop. He has issues to address on the offensive line, plus McCarthy must replace Jim Bates as defensive coordinator, and Bates didn’t get the credit he earned in a difficult season. Thompson’s first draft produced a definite hit with second-round safety Nick Collins and a good possibility in injured second-round receiver Terrence Murphy. Fourth-round safety Marviel Underwood has a long way to go and the jury is out on the rest as well, but one injury-wracked season isn’t enough time to bury the boss.

Q: Ok, So I think the Texans are making a BIG mistake in committing to choosing Reggie Bush No. 1. What they need to do is trade down and draft D’Brickashaw Ferguson to help their putrid offensive line. And if they do choose Bush, what will become of Domanick Davis, and their Pro Bowl return man Jerome Mathis?
--Brian Tesch, Renton, Wash.

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A: I agree that an offensive lineman would fill a greater need more immediately than probably any other position. And you have to love an offensive tackle named D’Brickashaw, who undoubtedly would provide a solid foundation. However, an offensive tackle would be impossible for the Texans to sell to a loyal fan base that would love to have Texas quarterback Vince Young at least as much as Bush. As you saw this week, Houston owner Bob McNair has clarified that the Texans are not yet absolutely set on Bush. They still have time to announce a decision. If the fans can’t have Young, they could certainly live with Bush. A tackle wouldn’t fly among fans and would make the job of expected new coach Gary Kubiak even more difficult. As for Davis, he’s a serviceable back who would still get carries because it remains to be seen whether Bush is a fulltime operator. The chances of the No. 1 draft choice getting signed and into training camp on time are slim, so the Texans would be premature in forgetting Davis. As for Mathis, he’s not likely to lose his job even to a Heisman Trophy winner. You don’t fix what ain’t broke. Mathis was second in league kickoff returns. You wouldn’t want to expose Bush to dangerous kickoff return duty if not necessary.

Q: The Cowboys’ future looks good with the continued progress of their young players. For next year, what are their needs? Will they look to improve the offensive line, at running back (not sure Julius Jones is the answer), and at wide receiver? Which of their needs will most likely be answered through trade or free agency?
--Don F., Brentwood, Calif.

A: It looks like the offensive line is a primary need and after spending this season with a rookie at right tackle and injured Flozell Adams at left tackle, I would guess free agency is the quickest fix for a team ready to win. Chicago did it with John Tait and Fred Miller in successive years, turning a weakness into a strength. Trouble is, the early list of free agents doesn’t look that promising. Julius Jones had a disappointing season, but I expect Bill Parcells will try to shore up that area like he has with second-rounder Jones and fourth-rounder Marion Barber the last two years. I don’t think they’re completely out of the Terrell Owens sweepstakes yet even though they probably would have to part ways with Keyshawn Johnson. That’s a longshot, but stranger things have happened.

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