ERIC MILLER / Reuters

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has connected with new teammates like Bernard Berrian seemlessly this season, writes Dan Pompei.

Q: Hey Dan, even if the Titans don’t make the playoffs this season (but I’m still holding out hope), how do you think this team is set up for next season? I like that Chris Johnson’s running ability makes it easier for Vince Young to play quarterback, but I’m a little worried about the defense.
— Mike C., Houston

A: Losing Albert Haynesworth obviously had a significant impact on the Tennessee D. Though the defense has been a little shaky, I believe it can rebound.

This is a very well coached unit, and if the Titans add a critical piece or two, the defense can play winning football. Look at it this way — if the Titans offense continues to improve, the defense won’t have to be dominant.

I like the Titans’ chances next year.

Q: How much of the Browns troubles right now can you lay at the feet of the coaching staff, and how much can you lay at the feet of the poor performance of the players? Who really is at fault here?
— Benjamin LeBrant, Adrian, Mich.

A: Everyone plays the blame game when things go wrong, but when you have a complete collapse like the Browns do, more than one party is responsible. Everyone had a hand in this mess, from ownership to front office, to coaches to players and maybe even ball boys.

Their problems were exacerbated by the coaching and system change-overs in the offseason. Had the Browns stayed on the course they were on, it’s likely they would have been a significantly more competitive team this season.

Fan ranker Who’s on NFL’s ‘hot seat’? The Bears are out of the playoff chase. What does that mean for Lovie Smith? How hot is his seat? Here’s your chance to rank all the NFL coaches. NBCSports.com

A: The Chargers didn’t cut Chambers because he lacked talent. They cut him because they wanted to give more playing time to some of their younger players — specifically Malcom Floyd. And Floyd has been playing pretty well too.

Chambers was in the final year of his contract and the Chargers were not going to re-sign him because they liked their younger players. Plus, he had an off-field issue.

He’s thriving in K.C. in part because they really need a top flight receiver. In San Diego, he was one of many formidable offensive weapons.

Q: On any play but let's say for purposes of this discussion it is on a field goal attempt, could let say 3 defensive guys pick up another player and hoist him up to block the kick? Or could a couple of guys throw the ball carrier over the goal line on goal line play? Of could a player run up the back of another player to gain height?
— Steve, Kitchener, Ontario, Can.

A: According to the Official NFL Playing Rules, it is unsportsmanlike conduct if a player is: jumping or standing on a teammate or opponent to block or attempt to block an opponent’s kick; placing a hand or hands on a teammate or opponent to gain additional height in the block or attempt to block an opponent’s kick; or being picked up by a teammate in a block or an attempt to block an opponent’s kick. The rule book also states that a team will be penalized 10 yards if a player lifts a runner to his feet or pulls him in any direction at any time.

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