Q: Is it just me or does the Hall of Fame class stink this year? Darrell Green, maybe, but Fred Dean? Andre Tippett? Doesn’t this smack of baseball’s veteran’s committee, putting in guys just because they can and not because they were elite players?
— C. Murray, Kansas City, Mo.

A: Certainly, there have been more impressive hall of fame classes. And I thought as voters we left some of the better candidates who were up for induction on the outside looking in.

But that's just my opinion and your opinion. Others saw it differently. Remember, there is no clear cut right and wrong in hall of fame selections.

Q: Can any of these rookie running backs have a huge impact this season? I like Mendenhall and Stewart, but I can’t see them getting a lot of carries.
— Bruce, Valdosta, Ga.

A: I think Jonathan Stewart will get a lot of carries, and a lot of yards. The Panthers did not draft him to have him carry water for veterans.

Rashard Mendenhall might not get quite as big a workload because of the presence of Willie Parker, but if Mendenhall runs the ball like he did for Illinois against Southern Cal, the Steelers will have a hard time keeping him on the sidelines.

The two rookie backs who could get the most opportunities are Matt Forte of the Bears and Kevin Smith of the Lions. Keep an eye on them in the preseason.

Q: Though it is probably just a tactic to get a new contract, Anquan Boldin sure seems unhappy. What is the possibility of a trade to the Cowboys? Anquan to Dallas in exchange for Bobby Carpenter, Terry Glenn, and a future draft pick.
— Don F., Brentwood, Calif.

A: The Cardinals do not seem inclined to trade Boldin, nor should they be. Boldin is an outstanding player. As for his statements that he will play out his contract and leave Arizona, that was how he felt about it when he came to camp. He might feel differently about it if the Cardinals decide to offer him a contract more to his liking.

Special feature: On the hot seat See Curran's List "When it comes to reading his own team, [Wade] Phillips is barely literate." Tom Curran analyzes the man in Dallas and other coaches who might be on a short leash this NFL season. NBCSports.com

And if the Cardinals were to trade Boldin, I can assure you it would be for an attractive package of picks and players, not another team's undesirables.

Q: With Manning hurt, is this the year the Jaguars finally win the AFC South?
— Gary, Tallahassee, Fla.

A: It could be the Jaguars year to win the AFC South, but it has nothing to do with Manning being hurt. Manning is expected to be healthy enough to start in the regular season opener.

But the Jaguars have continued to make steady improvement to their roster, and it would not be surprising to see them take the next step this year. It will be interesting to see how the defense responds to new coordinator Gregg Williams, and how rookie Derrick Harvey can impact the pass rush.

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