MORT'S MAILBAG | Sept. 27

Q: Mort, with all due respect, how can you say Kurt Warner has been one of the biggest disappointments, given the fact that he's played only one game this year and most of it was with a concussion? -- Dominic, Philadelphia

	Warner

MORT -- Dominic, as the asterisk explained in my top five lists, last week's "Disappointing QBs" was based on expectations. Despite the concussion, the fact that St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz decided to give him the hook even though he was medically cleared to play makes Kurt a disappointment so far.

Q: Just a quick comment, Mort: Several analysts (including yourself and Len Pasquarelli) like to point out that teams rushing for more than 30 times have won 31 of 33 games this season. This can either be used to show the importance of a good rushing attack or to show that teams that have big leads (possibly because of huge passing days) run a lot in the second half. For instance, in the Monday night game, Denver rushed more in the second half when they already had a big lead. Only a minor point, but I've noticed that analysts love this particular stat. -- Danny Madison, Wisconsin
MORT -- Danny, good observation. I try not to overplay stats because they can be misleading. I am not a blanket "you must run the ball" guy. I believe you must have balance. For instance, in Denver's first 15 plays Monday night, they had eight passing and seven running plays. I think you have to do both. I believe what Jaws (Ron Jaworski) says in "points come out of the passing game," but you still must be able to run. Any team with an overwhelming tendency one way or the other will not be very productive. But you must admit, that stat (30 attempts or more have won 31 of 33 games) is impressive. I often believe it is the "attempts" that matter, and the running game takes patience.

Q: Why did the Miami Dolphins jump so high in your power ratings in one week when you have said they only have average-to-above-average talent? -- Matthew, Camp Pendleton
MORT -- Matthew, I happen to think that the Dolphins were overrated going into the season. The hype was overblown and hinged too much on the acquisitions of Junior Seau and Brian Griese. I also happen to think that basically every decent team in the NFL has "average-to-above average" talent. That includes the Buccaneers, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I was very impressed by Miami's defensive dominance of the Buffalo Bills offense. And since Buffalo was my top-ranked team going into the game, the Dolphins merited a significant jump in my rankings. Still, I have long been consistent in claiming the era of "great teams" is basically over. It's week-to-week in the NFL and my rankings.

Q: Hey Mort, any word on the return of Jimmy Smith? I know initially it was reported he'd be out for the first four weeks of the season. Any change to that, and how's his recovery coming along? -- Anthony, Bridgeton, N.J.
MORT -- Anthony, the Jacksonville Jaguars expect Smith to return Monday on schedule. But Smith himself said that he would seek treatment for a substance-abuse problem, and I'm sure the doctors who are treating him will make the ultimate decision. There are some confidentiality aspects involved that even the team may be somewhat in the dark about until next week. Technically, the Jaguars get a one-week roster exemption before they have to count him on the roster. I'm sure as soon as he is physically, emotionally and mentally ready, he'll be playing. We should know his status soon.

Q: After Super Bowl XXXVII (Part II) on Monday night, do you think the Oakland Raiders will finally recommit themselves to a consistent running game (not the option!) with Tyrone Wheatley or Zack Crockett? They have the bodies to wear down defenses, especially in the fourth quarter. Charlie Garner is a potent player, but I don't think he has the power to run between the tackles. I'd rather see him used as a deep threat out of the backfield or slot. What do you think? -- PJ, Detroit
MORT -- PJ, the Raiders do have big bodies up front, but they aren't all that athletic. Maybe Barret Robbins returning to center will help -- he was one of the better centers in the league before his Super Bowl incident. I think the Raiders got too sucked into their new identity of being a passing team with the proficiency of Rich Gannon. I think it's hard to change identities overnight, and it's clear the absence of Jerry Porter has hurt them. This crisis is on head coach Bill Callahan, the former O-line coach. He'll have to solve it.

	Owens

Q: Mort, is everyone overreacting to the 1-2 start of the San Francisco 49ers? Not getting the ball to T.O.? Not getting into the end zone? These were the same questions we were hearing at the beginning of last year. The Cleveland Browns have a good defense. The Niners' defense looks awesome. I think they'll turn it around this week and end up 12-4. Your thoughts? -- Tony, San Fran fan
MORT -- Tony, I really believe the 49ers will turn this around. Their O-line is so beat up, and that's creating the various problems they're having right now. It is interesting that I've had a few very good NFL minds tell me that Terrell Owens is not as good against man coverage as he is zone. He doesn't have blazing speed, you know. That 12-4 record is a little ambitious, though. I think their defense is terrific.

Q: How can you rank the Green Bay Packers below at least a half dozen teams that they could beat (even with the condition of their receiving corps)? Yes, they lost to the Arizona Cardinals, who looked miserable in their first two games and don't have the potential to win lots of games, but neither did the Bills about two or three years ago. -- Brandon, Florida
MORT -- Brandon, how about the home opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings in a game that wasn't as close as the score? Hey, it's early and I'm expecting the Packers to rebound ... I think.