Former Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora Jr took some time today to answer a few questions. We discussed the Seahawks this season, his tenure in Seattle and the infamous Doug Gottlieb interview among others.
Lars Hanson: How’s working for Fox (Sunday’s) and the NFL Network?
Jim Mora Jr: I enjoy working for both Networks. It is exciting to do the Sunday games, to feel the action and try to describe to the viewers what I am seeing in laymen’s terms. I have been doing things with NFL Network since they first came on the air and have always really enjoyed it. This work keeps me close to the game but still allows me to spend some real quality time with my wife and 4 kids.
Lars Hanson: Will you be calling any Seattle Seahawks games this season?
Jim Mora Jr: 10/23 at Cleveland is all I know for sure at this point. We will get the rest of the season later on down the line.
Lars Hanson: Going back before, and now during, your time working for the NFL Network have you received any coaching offers and if so from who, and for what position?
Jim Mora Jr: There has been interest from both NFL and College teams. (He wouldn’t go into specifics).
Lars Hanson: Talking about the Seahawks, they struggled week one. What was your impression of the team and do you see Tarvaris staying the starter the entire season or having Whitehurst take over?
Jim Mora Jr: I didn’t see the game, it was on at the same time as I was doing the Chargers/Vikings game. I think that barring injury, Tarvaris will be and should be the guy.
Lars Hanson: Going back to your time in Seattle as the head coach. When it came time to the draft in all honesty who did you want to select with the 4th overall pick?
Jim Mora Jr: The organization had a strong consensus that Aaron Curry was the best pick for the Seahawks.
Lars Hanson: Moving on to NFL topics outside of Seattle do you believe in the “Dream Team” in Philadelphia and do you believe Vick has what it takes to take them all the way?
Jim Mora Jr: The only member of that organization that has referred to them as the “Dream Team” is Vincent Young, so I don’t really acknowledge that label as being accurate. I believe they have the coaching, talent and QB to win it all, but lot’s of things have to fall into place, just as with any Super Bowl Champion.
Lars Hanson: What did you think of Cam Newton’s performance week one throwing for over 400 yards? Do you see it as a one week wonder or what he can be on a week-to-week basis?
Jim Mora Jr: I am covering the Green Bay/Carolina game for FOX this week so I watched the video of the game this morning. Cam was very impressive. He had a real good command of the game plan, made good decisions with the ball, avoided the rush with his eyes downfield and threw the ball with accuracy. In terms of doing that every week…no, nobody has averaged over 400 yards a game for an entire season. I do see him being a very good QB as a rookie and potentially growing into a great one…amazing skill set!
Lars Hanson: Going back to Vick, he signed his second $100 million dollar contract this season. Do you feel it’s just given that after he signed his first deal in Atlanta then everything went down hill.
Jim Mora Jr: No, he had a Pro Bowl year the year he signed his new deal in Atlanta. I’m not sure exactly what happened in Atlanta with Mike and the Falcons after I was replaced by Bobby Petrino.
Lars Hanson: Now for a non-football related question. Close to a year ago you were on the Herd with Doug Gottlieb and the interview ended a little unsuddle. Have you spoken to him since the interview?
Jim Mora Jr: I had never heard of the guy before then and have forgotten all about it. Isn’t he the guy who was booted out of Notre Dame for stealing from a teammate?
Lars Hanson: What are your Super Bowl picks for 2011?
Jim Mora Jr: I’m going to go out on a limb here…Green Bay and New England
You can follow Lars on Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson
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