Q: When will people realize Julius Peppers is one of the league’s most overrated players? He was a huge disappointment last season and didn’t even look like he was trying.
— Kiel C., Raleigh, N.C.

A: I agree with half of your statement — Peppers was a huge disappointment last season and didn't even look like he was trying.

But I don't agree that he is one of the league's most overrated players. When he is on his game, Peppers is one of football's best defensive ends, an unusual blend of power, speed and quickness.

Prior to last season, he averaged nearly 11 sacks per season in his career. Offensive line coaches will tell you, with the exception of last season, Peppers is the player they have had to gear their protection schemes to. In fact, I think he'll have a huge season this year for two reasons — he seems more at home now that he has been moved to the right side; and he is in the final year of his contract.

Q: What were the biggest cut surprises in the NFL?
— Clinton Township, Mich.

A: I think the handwriting was on the wall for most players who were cut, so even though some of them may have been talented or had big names, their cuts really were not surprising to those who were tuned into their situations.

But I will give you three cuts that surprised me — all from the same team. Rudi Johnson had a terrible season in 2007 and apparently did not impress Marvin Lewis in training camp, so maybe he is starting to show the effects of age. But when he was healthy and running right, he was a terror to tackle. Cutting him surprised me.

And cutting the guy who sprung him for many runs, Willie Anderson, surprised me. If Anderson was not going to start, however, the Bengals could not justify paying a backup a high salary. So it made sense to release him. The release of Deltha O'Neal also was surprising, just because he is a talented player who I believe can help a team win.

Q: Hey Dan, I’m hopeful Matt Ryan doesn’t struggle too much this year. He’s been pretty good during the preseason, but you can never tell a whole lot from those exhibition games.
— Ray Lewis, Atlanta

A: I wouldn't have great expectations for Ryan this year. It's shocking to me that two rookies are starting on opening day, Ryan and Joe Flacco.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures A Duck goes for a ride, a NASCAR driver takes flight, some bankers take to boxing, and much more. more photos

In the last five years, the only rookie quarterback to be a starter on opening day was Kyle Orton in 2005, and that was because of injuries. Conventional wisdom tells you rookie quarterbacks should sit for between half and three quarters of the season before getting on the field.

I think it's going to be difficult for Ryan, and more difficult for Flacco, because of their inexperience. But both players should be good pros eventually if they survive their baptism by blitz.

Q: I have a question about the rules of the "NFL". In the "NFL RULE BOOK" does it say that women can't play in the "NFL?"
— Bobby Rodriguez, San Lorenzo, Calif.

A: There is no such rule. In fact, the NFL undoubtedly would love it if a woman were good enough to even compete for a roster spot in training camp. Think of the publicity it would generate. And I would be willing to bet a team will take a woman to camp within the next 20 years.

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