Clayton tackled several NFL issues from Miami.

Clayton told users in chat that being here last year is really helping Denver cope with the media crush. He also took a spin around the league and offered up information on the Seahawks, Ravens and Vikings.

An edited transcript from his Jan. 28 Super Bowl chat follows:

Russ: What about the Broncos' secondary? Can they handle the underrated Falcon air attack?

John Clayton: I think so because they have the experience. The problem is going to be trying to get the pass rush geared up enough to make sure they are not covering too long. Chris Chandler throws a great deep ball that could open up for some nice long completions.

Don Trautman: How do you feel about the officiating this year and do you think we should have replay again? Do you really think that Chris Chandler is the quarterback that could beat this Broncos team in the Super Bowl?

John Clayton: This was a bad year for officials. The league and the competition committee make it tough by forcing too many ambiguous calls on pass interference. There needs to be a slower flow of transition among referees. AND REPLAY IS ESSENTIAL.

SeattleBlitz: What free agents will Mike Holmgren go after during the offseason?

John Clayton: Wide receiver is the first test. They could go after Carl Pickens but it would be more likely for them to seek Rob Moore or J.J. Stokes. Second, they will probably bring in Doug Pederson, the quarterback, to compete against Jon Kitna after they release Warren Moon and John Friesz. Next stop in the draft would be a third cornerback and maybe a center.

Bucboy76: What are the Bucs going to do about Trent Dilfer? Will they sign a Jeff Blake if he becomes available?

CLAYTON'S FILE

John Clayton joined ESPN in August 1995 as a NFL analyst and commentator. He serves as a NFL analyst on all ESPN Radio shows, including The NFL on ESPN Radio and NFL Draft programming and is NFL writer for ESPN The Magazine. He also contributes reports to ESPN's Sunday pregame show, NFL Countdown, and SportsCenter's Inside the Huddle. Clayton also has been a talk show host on WKJR Radio, in Seattle, Wash., since 1990, the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks beat writer for the Tacoma News Tribune since 1986, and a NFL correspondent for The Sporting News since 1980. He began his writing career at the Pittsburgh Press as the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer from 1976-1986. Born May 11, 1954, Clayton is a 1976 graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Journalism. He resides in Renton, Wash., with his wife Patricia.

John Clayton: Tony Dungy is standing by Dilfer, but if a young quarterback is available in the second or third round, they will be tempted. Cincy may, believe it or not, stay with Jeff Blake to start even over Neil O'Donnell. Dungy also doesn't seem to be interested in going after a quarterback coach.

Jetsman: Now that the Jets have made the step into the elite group of the AFC, what do you see them doing over the offseason as far as personnel goes? I think defensive line has to be a pressing need.

John Clayton: If they lose Glenn Foley, they will be looking for a backup quarterback. Your right about the DL, but they have more pressing needs at guard. They should re-sign Matt O'Dwyer, but they are looking to upgrade at guard to challenge Todd Burger. The Jets are going to a two-tight end set so they will need a tight end if they can't afford to keep Kyle Brady.

John: Who do you think will be the team to beat in the AFC next year if John Elway retires from the Broncos?

John Clayton: The Seahawks will be a big factor next year now that Mike Holmgren is there. So if Elway is gone, teams will be able to stack the line of scrimmage against Terrell Davis. The Broncos still have an edge over the Seahawks and the rest of the AFC but the edge is going away quick.

BigTex: Will Philadelphia draft Ricky Williams or trade down for multiple, less expensive picks? Where is Ricky most likely to end up?

John Clayton: The Eagles have more needs than just a running back, so they may consider trading down. It will cost probably too much for them to take Ricky Williams at No. 2. Williams will fit in better at a team that has a better quarterback situation. What team right now is too early to tell but watch for them to look more closely for quarterbacks.

Gwhets: What's the atmosphere in Miami? Are they doing a good job of hosting the event?

John Clayton: They have surprised me. This has been by far their best hosting job. Their parties for media and fans have been outstanding. They have also done a good job in setting up the hotels. The only critique is having one team, Denver, in Fort Lauderdale and another, Atlanta in Miami. The teams should be more centrally located.

Tracy: Do you think the Packers may go after free agents Carl Pickens or Carnell Lake? Also, who do you see them going after early in the draft?

John Clayton: No on Pickens. No on Lake. They have their own problems in trying to keep free agents. They are nowhere on Santana Dotson. William Henderson wants $2 million a year. They will franchise Antonio Freeman, which could lead to a long nasty holdout. Those problems have to be handled before they go after players.

Purple Horns: What is the latest news or rumors floating on Brad Johnson?

John Clayton: The latest news is that the Vikings want a defensive lineman such as Michael McCrary and a high draft choice or two. The Ravens would be willing to give up a No. 1 and maybe Jim Harbaugh if he restructures his contract to fit into their salary cap. They may be as many as six teams interested in Johnson, so let the bidding begin.

LAfanWITHnoTEAM: When the Pats were in the title game a few years ago, Parcell's situation I thought was a major distraction. I can only think this year Reeves' comments have hurt the team . Thoughts? Also, was the plane incident where the vets were allowed off first serious or not to the players?

John Clayton: It's not that big of a deal, but it does have an impact. Reeves is 0-3 in the Super Bowl and his teams seem to have a disadvantage against a good, prepared team such as the Broncos. The plane incident indicates that the team might be a little tense. The guarantee by Buchanan may indicate they have a certain lack of confidence. The Broncos are a more confident, mature team.

Bob: Who do think has the best chance to win the Super bowl?

John Clayton: Denver. They should be a three-point favorite just because of Terrell Davis and the fact that they have played on grass. The Falcons may have footing problems early because they had something like nine consecutive games on turf in domes. Super Bowl fields are normally slick because of the extra paint.

Frank Yates: What will the Giants do to address their QB problem? Kent Graham is not their savior. Will they go after Culpepper or McNabb in the first round?

John Clayton: Pray. I think they will explore Kerry Collins but the price is too high. Kannell isn't happy about Graham pressing for the starting job and vice versa. Jim Fassell needs to look at the quarterback position early and make a decision. I'm not sold that a young quarterback would help. They need more of an experience quarterback.

Marvin: Do you think the Broncos can go back to the Super Bowl next year if John Elway retires?

John Clayton: No. From Elway to Bubby Brister is a big dropoff. Brister is good enough to take them down to the playoffs but not the Super Bowl. Also, they have to worry about the age in the secondary and the possible loss of Neil Smith.

JLuton: How does the trash talk, like between Ray Buchanan and Shannon Sharpe, effect players mentally in preparing for a game like this? How does it play a part in the game, if any?

John Clayton: It's getting a little crazy. The shots by both are getting too nasty, so it could lead to a fight on the field. If anything, I think the Falcons will be more prone to getting out of their game. The Broncos are used to Sharpe making comments before games. This is new to the Falcons.

Chris in Michigan: What is the key factor to a Falcons victory on Sunday?

John Clayton: Running the ball. The team with the most rushing yards always wins, but the Broncos have the best chance to take the early lead, which will lead to the Falcons getting out of their running game. Chris Chandler is capable of coming back from a two-touchdown deficit, but you don't want to do it two games in a row.