Q: When do you think that David Carr will get his chance to start over Jake Delhomme? (If at all.) And how do you think this change, if made, will affect the team? Will he be what they need to take them to the bowl again, so we can see a repeat of Super Bowl XXXVIII (38), hopefully with a different outcome. And how do you feel about the release of Keyshawn Johnson?
— Brad Patzner, Fargo, N.D.

A: If Delhomme falters, Carr definitely will get a chance. But it's not an open competition in training camp. Carr isn't going to get an equal number of repetitions to beat Delhomme out. Delhomme will have to fail before Carr plays.

Although Delhomme's 17 touchdown passes were his fewest in his four years as Carolina's starter, it's not like the Panthers have given up and are itching to replace him as soon as possible. His six interceptions in fourth quarters is of bigger concern as he tried to bring his team back.

The reason the Panthers signed Carr is they believe he can flourish with a better team than the one he tried to lead in Houston for five years. Carr actually has a year more starting experience than Delhomme and obviously arrived on the NFL scene with higher grades. As for Keyshawn's release, better sooner than later. If Dwayne Jarrett is indeed Johnson's clone as a player, why stunt his growth by making him watch? I know Keyshawn was looking forward to tutoring the kid, but if the kid can play, let him play.

Q: Is Brady Quinn that good? The Dolphins did not draft him because he lacks the quick release and thinking that Cam Cameron wants. Plus, some question his arm strength on sideline throws. The Fins took Beck instead because they believe he can do the things Quinn cannot in a quick release offense. What is your take?
— Jim Franklyn, Hollywood, Fla.

A: Quinn was obviously no can't-miss, surefire phenom and starring for Notre Dame always involves a hype factor. Squarely in Quinn's corner is his coach, Charlie Weis. While this is to be expected, Weis' reputation as a good pro coordinator who helped develop Brady Quinn cannot be dismissed.

The knock on Quinn is he might be a little too mechanical, a little too self-made for comfort. And his arm is obviously not as strong as JaMarcus Russell's. Few arms are. But if you're looking for a quarterback, any team would love to have a genuine hard-working gym rat like Quinn, especially one used to the crucible of big-time competition.

The Dolphins aren't the only team that liked Beck, too, and in a couple years, we'll know if someone is right and someone is wrong.

Q: What can Reuben Droughns do that Tiki Barber was not so strong doing? In other words, can Droughns really replace the outstanding Barber?
— Michael F., Beaverton, Ore.

A: Only in the dreams of Giants' fans. Droughns is a good back, a journeyman. Barber was a great back, a superstar. Droughns is a four-yards-per-carry back; Barber was over four-and-a-half, a bigger difference than you'd think. Barber was by far a superior receiver.

To replace Barber, the Giants are going to need yeoman efforts from big holdover Brandon Jacobs as well as Droughns. It's going to take a tag-team to approach his output. I can't think of a single thing Droughns can do that Barber couldn't.

Q: When is the NFL going to put a team back in both Anaheim and Los Angeles, because right now Southern California only has the San Diego Chargers to go for right now.
— Michael, Lexa, Ark.

A: Not until somebody-some public body, that is-builds a new stadium. And the cost goes up every day. There is no groundswell of NFL support in L.A.

The fans seem to enjoy watching on TV and no multi-billionaire owner has expressed any desire to build a monument to himself and take his team there. The NFL keeps talking about progress and committees and focus groups and possibilities and different sites. But right now, it's only Hollywood fiction.

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