China Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5261 case you missed it, the following is a transcript from Mort's May 19 chat: Check out previous Mort chat wraps in the NFL chat archive! For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit SportsNation. Chris Mortensen: Hello everyone! Hope you're all doing well...I've been busy with personal stuff - got a son graduating from high school this week and moving to Arkansas at the end of the month - but I've been working the phones a little...so let's talk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amro(Fredericton, Canada): what are your thoughts on the Ravens in general and Kyle Boller in particular. Do you think the passing game will improve? and will this team be a contender for the superbowl? Chris Mortensen: If I were the Ravens - regardless of the investment I have in Boller - I would have been very tempted to make a play for Kerry Collins. The Ravens would be my Super Bowl fave if they ahd Collins. But they have invested in Boller and they have in Jim Fassel in as a consulant/QB coach (he's working with Boller) one of the best QB coaches of this era. So I believe Boller will improve and the Ravens will be a contender, yes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tom (Newbury Park, CA): Mort- are football writers' pens at half-mast today with the retirement of Shannon Sharpe? Chris Mortensen: Oh, I'd say so - especially in the post-game locker room - but he's obviously going to have a forum unlike he had before. He's a terrific guy and will do very well in the TV business. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JOE ST LOUIS: Mort what do you think the chances are for the Seahawks to win the big one this year? Or will they flop like every other year? Chris Mortensen: I am among those tempted to pick the Seahawks to go all the way this year. I don't think they flopped last year. Losing at Green Bay in a tight, tight playoff game was no disgrace. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James (Los Angeles): Mort, Gut feelin, do the Raiders cut Gannon, and sign Collins? After June 1st of course. Chris Mortensen: My gut has been "yes," but I understand Gannon threw the ball very well in minicamp. My gut still says yes, but that may be wrong. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dom (Bay Area): San Diego's O-line was a bigger problem than Drew Brees was last year. Same with wide receiver. But I understand the PR need to draft a QB. Even though they netted a potentially high #1 next year, might it not have been wiser to take Gallery? Chris Mortensen: I don't know that they had to invest in Gallery - the QB position needed serious addressing. But the fact that the Chargers then neglected the O-line with many of their other picks was inexplicable. To take a kicker in the third round when there were some pretty interesting linemen available...well, I didn't get that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bat (La Plata, Argentina): Any chance that Collins and the Giants could work something out? He's not going to get a boatload of cash, or a real shot at a starting spot likely anywhere else. Chris Mortensen: I thinking he won't. I just think it's a good idea that he move on - now that they have drafted Manning. Kerry was very popular in the locker room. He needed to cut the cord and so did the Giants, even if they did want him back under a restructured deal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael, Myrtle Beach SC: If the Raiders cut Gannon, could you see him reuniting with Gruden in Tampa? Chris Mortensen: Yeah, I could see that happening but I have to tell you there is a tremendous buzz out of the Bucs' coaching staff and players about Chris Simms this offseason. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shaun, Boyne City, MI: Is there any truth to the rumors that Kurt Warner could be coming to Detroit? If so, do you see that as a good move for the Lions? Chris Mortensen: I think Warner would be a real good pickup for the Lions. They obviously have put together some weapons and there seems to be some doubt about Joey Harrington. So bringing in a Warner makes sense. Great insurance policy if they do it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dom (Bay Area): How does the acquisition of the Giants' #1 augment their chances of getting Mike Williams if there's a supplemental? Would the supplemental work like the NBA lottery, or is it based on the 04 draft order? Chris Mortensen: It is a lottery based on the '04 order. Worst team (Chargers) get the most chances. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerry: What kind of number do you think J. Jones from the Cowboys can put up on his rookie season? Will he REALLY be a upgrade from Hambrick's numbers last year? Chris Mortensen: I would be very, very surprised if Julius Jones is not a serious upgrade from Hambrick. Parcells is pretty high on Jones. That's a good sign. Parcells has done quite well with RBs he chooses. Jones just has to take care of the football and he'll be a Rookie of the Year candidate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve (Turlock, CA): Hi Mort, Now that the Packers have given McKenzie the right to seek a trade, do you think that a trade with the Raiders for Charles Woodson would be possible. Maybe the Packers get Woodson and the give up McKenzie and a 2nd or 3rd round draft choice. What do you think? Chris Mortensen: I seriously doubt that would happen. Woodson's reputation is a little shaky. He's been hurt a lot and when he's hurt, he's just a so-so corner. He wants a lot fo dough. Now when he's healthy and committed, he's the best. But I would not look for the trade you're suggesting to happen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Albany, NY: Mort- Don't you think it would be wise for the Giants to look into trading Strahan while he still has value since he has made it pretty clear he isn't looking to rebuild? Chris Mortensen: Knowing Tom Coughlin, I don't think the word "rebuild" is appropriate. They were very active in free agency bringing in veteran players. If Strahan were a pain in the neck, and you could get great value for him, then maybe. But, really, you search forverer trying to find an impact defensive end/pass rusher and the Giants have one in Strahan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank (San Juan, Puerto Rico): What is going on with the Dolphins organization? They are having problems with staff, and now with Ricky Williams and David Boston? What are they doing? Chris Mortensen: Ricky Williams problems is his own. If he should lose this appeal - and I think he has a chance of winning it - then he's going to lose money, not playing time. Boston is a different cat. They know that. But their receivers coach, Jerry Sullivan, has had a real success with Boston in Arizona so let's wait and see. As for the staff, that obviously is a concern, maybe even messy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff (Cleveland): Is Kellen Winslow going to be in camp on time, or should we resign ourselves to a holdout? It would go a long way with the public relations for this team if the fans were not put through this, expecially in these economic and political times... Chris Mortensen: My guess is that Winslow will sign. Randy Lerner (owner) and Butch Davis have cleaned house with some negative publicity. My guess is they'll work very, very hard to get the deal with Winslow on time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIAN worcester,ma: Do you think that patriots need to upgrade there offensive line? Chris Mortensen: The same offensive line that has won the Super Bowl two out of three years? They've done some upgrading but let's wait and see how the new backs (Corey Dillon and Cedric Cobbs) run behind 'em. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rafael; Portland OR: What's the status with Mike Wiliams and Maurice Clarett? Is the NFL going to have a supplemental draft??? Chris Mortensen: For clarification sake, the NFL will not hold a supplemental draft for Clarett and Williams unless they lose their case this summer. The league holds a supplemental draft almost every year but there seldom are any big names. The NFL's intent is to make their rule stick with no compromises. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Terry PDX OR: What with Mike McKenzie. Is he mad about his contract or is he just sick of GB? Chris Mortensen: He's been upset with his contarct and reportedly upset with coaching changes on the defensive side and in the seocndary. He has hired his fifth agent (Drew Rosenhaus) in six years. What does that tell you? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- patrick - los angeles: mort, regarding the winslow signing - he wont get to camp on-time with carl poston as his agent! Chris Mortensen: The Postons have had successful (on-time) negotiations with several clients. They are tough, even nasty. I get a lot of negatives from teams on them but Bills president Tom Donohoe said he's negotiated with the Postons twice and both times was a breeze. Others have have tagged them as "auctioneers," not negotiators. They are not going away and these deals will get done. Some will be on time, some will be ugly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gore Kent,ohio: Mort do u think its a good idea to sit a qb the first yr. all words out of pittsburgh is Big Ben is adapting fast how you heard anything about him moving up the depth chart? Chris Mortensen: I think a young quarterback with a veteran team should play right away - if he's good enough. That's why Dan Marino was a smashing success in Miami. I heard Big Ben impressed in minicamp. That's minicamp. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe D. (NYC): Mort- Buffalo fan in Southern NY. Not good times. Bad times. Was just hoping that you could give me a realistic opinion on Buffalo's 2004 season. What should we realistically expect? Thanks! Chris Mortensen: I will be shocked that if the Bills stay healthy in key spots they are not a strong contender. healthy, the Bills can win 10-to-12 games. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brandon (Kalamazoo, MI): Do you think Mike Shannahan can turn Tatum Bell into a 1000 yard rusher like he has done with his past 4 backs? Chris Mortensen: I mentioned Julius Jones as a rookie of the year candidate. If you were a betting man - which I know you're not - then Tatum Bell would be a great bet for ROY and at leats 1,000 yards. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark (Clifton, VA): Mort, What do you think about the Redskins chances in a tough NFC East? Gibbs seems very optimistic for so early. He has always been very upfront with us fans and he seems more optimistic then usual. Chris Mortensen: I feel that optimistism whenever you hear Joe speak. It might be just his excitement to be back in the NFL and to realize that, despite an 11-year absence, the X-and-0's part of his game and mind is still relevant. He's a tremendously intelligent man. I am very anxious to see how the Skins do. I expect them to be in the playoff hunt. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- gittan sweden: as a true viking! is this the year of the VIKINGS? their defense has improved BUT Chris Mortensen: A true Viking!? Wow! Their defense is improved. I think it's going to be a heck of a race in the NFC North with the Vikings right there at the end. They were right there at the end this year but fell just short. They should be better. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eli (Orlando,Fl): Any prediction on Carson Palmers stats if he stays healthy? He has some pretty good talent around him. Chris Mortensen: If Palmer holds onto the job - and I believe Marvin lewis will go to Kitna if Palmer is not making progress - then the Bengals are very talented. So whatever Kitna did statisically, Palmer should match...maybe more yards and more picks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trent, St. Louis: what about the Bears, can they move up in the North? Chris Mortensen: I don't see it. If you're a Bears fan, you're going to just have to let them surprise you. realistically, I have to slot 'em fourth behind the Pack, Vikes and Lions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake (New York, NY): What do you think the Patriots should do about the Ty Law situation Chris Mortensen: Exactly what they're doing. Don't overreact. He will not hold out. You need him. Plan for everything to remain status quo. That's been their plan. We'll see if things change as the summer rolls around. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff (Boston, MA): Mort, with all your predictions of teams doing so well, is anyone gonna lose this year?? Chris Mortensen: The Bears. I think they'll lose more than they win. The Chargers. The Cardinals. The 49ers. That's all I have for now. Seriously, I haven't even given it much thought these days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- randy roeder, san angelo tx: is there a chance that the cowboys will not bring in testaverde if hutchinson continues to improve in europe Chris Mortensen: I think the Cowboys are somewhat content without Testaverde or Hutchinson in the picture. They're very encouraged by what they've seen of Henson so far. Carter won 10 games in his first full season as a starter. Tony Romo sits to pee is a guy Parcells is intrigued by. Chris Mortensen: One add: I'd look for Testaverde in new England before Dallas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris (Seattle): Mort, for all of the success that the Panthers enjoyed last year, I've barely heard a murmur about them leading up to this coming season. What can we expect? Chris Mortensen: John Fox has proven he's going to have the Panthers competitive. I can tell you that he is real excited about the first round pick, CB Chris Gamble. Upon early glimpse, they think the's better than even they thought when they evaluated him for the draft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nick (phila): Morty,,,,what do you think about them eagles Chris Mortensen: The Eagles should go 19-0. really, I like 'em to win it all this year if they stay healthy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elliott Austin, TX: Please say something positive about the Chargers. As much as it may hurt! Chris Mortensen: The Chargers play in the best place to live in America. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian NYC: What about Testaverde to the Giants? Chris Mortensen: I think it's a consideration and it obviously would be convenient for Vinny. However, there is a real connection between Testaverde and Belichick. Remember, it was Belichick who breathed new life into Vinny's career when he dumped Bernie Kosar in favor of Vinny in Cleveland. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIAN: Who cares about Testaverde?! PLEASE ANSWER A JAGUARS QUESTION! How's the Jags offense looking? Do you see Leftwich making the leap to Pro Bowl caliber QB or is it just hype? Fred Taylor seems underrated...is he gonna break out even more? Chris Mortensen: I see good things for Leftwich and the Jags. Fred Taylor probably is underrated. He is one of the five best backs in football in my book. Chris Mortensen: I have to call it quits, but I can tell everyone's hungry for football, football, football. Great job everyone. We'll get back to you soon. All my best and God Bless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBrave86 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Eagles 19-0? Hahaha...im sure he was just being sarcastic though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntotoro Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by WarpathBrave86 Eagles 19-0? Hahaha...im sure he was just being sarcastic though. Got a feeling that was what it was... :logo: Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by China Nick (phila): Morty,,,,what do you think about them eagles Chris Mortensen: The Eagles should go 19-0. really, I like 'em to win it all this year if they stay healthy. What!!! You've got to be kidding me!! Okay, well there goes just about all of Mort's credablilty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilberMarshall Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by WarpathBrave86 Eagles 19-0? Hahaha...im sure he was just being sarcastic though. Guess Mort is running for mayor of Philly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number5 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Actually he was being serious.....note the Eagles easy schedule and the fact that Mort said..."if they remain healthy"! Honestly.....if the Eagles are fully healthy all year...there aren't too many teams who can beat them......think about it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cskin Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 He wants a lot fo dough. Is Mort trying to obtain some street cred? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted May 20, 2004 Author Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 Actually he was being serious.....note the Eagles easy schedule and the fact that Mort said..."if they remain healthy"! Honestly.....if the Eagles are fully healthy all year...there aren't too many teams who can beat them......think about it! On any given Sunday... "And that's why they play the games!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 Actually he was being serious.....note the Eagles easy schedule and the fact that Mort said..."if they remain healthy"! Honestly.....if the Eagles are fully healthy all year...there aren't too many teams who can beat them......think about it! Hmm...I'm thinking about it, and I think that the Eagles have to play well the REDSKINS!!! and the Cowgirls. The eagles won't win 12 games never mind 19, but thanks for the laugh, I needed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number5 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by jrfriedm Hmm...I'm thinking about it, and I think that the Eagles have to play well the REDSKINS!!! and the Cowgirls. The eagles won't win 12 games never mind 19, but thanks for the laugh, I needed it. If you break down the Eagles schedules.......the teams that they actually face, time and places.....there are honestly 3 teams that really worry me.......unfortunately......the Redskins aren't one. Sorry to say that, but as I have stated before, I do see the Birds going at least 13-3 with a loss at Dallas, a let-down (maybe) at Chi-Town and a throw away game against the Bengals at the end of the year. I don't see the Redskins as a legit threat because this is the first year with Gibbs back and there are too many questions around your team make-up and chemistry. Though the Eagles have personel issues....the majority of this team has been together for 3 years under the same coach. Plus the fact that they are the winningest team over the last 4 years is one thing.....evenwithout the Big Win! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins11 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Cskin Is Mort trying to obtain some street cred? :laugh: Haha, well he just misspelled "of" as "fo", but that would have been great to read "fo' dough" somehwere in the chat wrap. Anyways, Mort is high on the Iggles, but wasn't he the same last year? I don't know if he was one of them, but all the "analysts" were saying that all the vets were going to be SO hungry that they would not let another opportunity pass them by. The Eagles are the Sacramento Kings of the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDawg Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 I don't see the Redskins as a legit threat because this is the first year with Gibbs back and there are too many questions around your team make-up and chemistry. Though the Eagles have personel issues....the majority of this team has been together for 3 years under the same coach. Plus the fact that they are the winningest team over the last 4 years is one thing.....evenwithout the Big Win! Keep telling yourself that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number5 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by KDawg Keep telling yourself that. So what you are saying is that the Eagles should be worried about a team that hasn't beaten them in over 4 years and have a coach who hasn't been on an NFL sideline in over 11 years right? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Dont see it. The iggles could win 12 games but I dont see them sweeping the Skins. The chemistry issue may be a topic for the first month but afterwards its moot. Too many talented coaches on both sides of the ball for that to be a hindrance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDawg Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 So what you are saying is that the Eagles should be worried about a team that hasn't beaten them in over 4 years and have a coach who hasn't been on an NFL sideline in over 11 years right? :laugh: Keep believing the media drivel... It doesn't matter that Gibbs hasn't been around for over a decade, football is STILL football... But keep saying whatever you need to say to get you through the night... Deep down I can sense your fear... It's ok. Oh and streaks are meant to be broken. Hopefully the Eagles streak of making it to the NFC Championship game is over, I don't know if I can stomach another Eagle hype fest only to see them lose again... :logo: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayCee Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Elliott Austin, TX: Please say something positive about the Chargers. As much as it may hurt! Chris Mortensen: The Chargers play in the best place to live in America. Too Funny! :laugh: originally posted by Number5 If you break down the Eagles schedules.......the teams that they actually face, time and places.....there are honestly 3 teams that really worry me.......unfortunately......the Redskins aren't one. Sorry to say that, but as I have stated before, I do see the Birds going at least 13-3 with a loss at Dallas, a let-down (maybe) at Chi-Town and a throw away game against the Bengals at the end of the year. Number5, you may not be worried about the Skins, but I bet most of the coaching staffs of the teams the Skins face this year (Including Reid and his staff) are a least a little concerned facing a Gibbs-coached team. Especially one that has a strong talent base at many of the skills positions. I seriously doubt the Eagles will sweep the Skins this year just because of the Gibbs factor alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlobberknockerSkinsFan Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Coach emits chemistry wherever he goes!! Not only does he have 3 trophies in 10 years, but don't forget the 2 Nascar Championships in 3 years as well. Coach will bring out the best in whoever he is dealing with. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS HAIL VICTORY :notworthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newsbroker Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 I don't see the Redskins as a legit threat because this is the first year with Gibbs back and there are too many questions around your team make-up and chemistry. It was the "first year" with Parcells in Dallas and they had all the same question marks, plus much less talent, and they beat Philly last year. While I'm inclined to actually agree, I dont think the Redskins can beat the Eagles this season, I'm not as quick as you are to pass off the possibility though. This is the NFL, and no matter who tells you differently, all the teams are closer in talent than they appear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WM_Marylander Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Nothing 'ground breaking' here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 James (Los Angeles): Mort, Gut feelin, do the Raiders cut Gannon, and sign Collins? After June 1st of course. Chris Mortensen: My gut has been "yes," but I understand Gannon threw the ball very well in minicamp. My gut still says yes, but that may be wrong. Wow is it me, or are all ESPN and SI writers starting to make us all pull doubletakes by being humble and admitting they could be wrong????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number5 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by newsbroker It was the "first year" with Parcells in Dallas and they had all the same question marks, plus much less talent, and they beat Philly last year. While I'm inclined to actually agree, I dont think the Redskins can beat the Eagles this season, I'm not as quick as you are to pass off the possibility though. This is the NFL, and no matter who tells you differently, all the teams are closer in talent than they appear. True that Coach Parcells did beat the Eagles, but let's factor a few things in..... 1- McNabb still was hurt with the finger injury. 2- Westbrook left the game in the middle of the second quarter. 3- Neither Dawkins, Vincent, or Taylor played. 4- The game was up for grabs until the last few mins. To KDawg.......your football knowledge is the stuff of legends....I would like to personally thank you for putting your "input" into this thread. You are blessing us with your factual debating skills that have made you a GOD on this site........ ....now if only the could make a smily for sarcasism....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 The raiduhs with a younger capable QB like Collins would be a coup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUSTINMFOX Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Originally posted by Number5 True that Coach Parcells did beat the Eagles, but let's factor a few things in..... 1- McNabb still was hurt with the finger injury. 2- Westbrook left the game in the middle of the second quarter. 3- Neither Dawkins, Vincent, or Taylor played. 4- The game was up for grabs until the last few mins. First off...we haven't beaten you in more than four years? How about three years ago...at the Vet, with Marty....OK. We were lucky to beat anyone with Spurrier as our coach. 1) Even if Mcnabb's isn't injured, he will still throw at T.O.' s feet...hell, he plays better when he is hobbiling...look at the Cardinals game two seasons ago 2) Westbrook iv overrated.....PERIOD 3) UMMM, Taylor and Vincent are not on youre team anymore anyways Eagles will probably be playoff bound, but I will bet you any amount you want that we will go further!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f_dallas Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Eagles will probably be playoff bound, but I will bet you any amount you want that we will go further!!! That's because you are an idiot. Look, they have to play the games- no one knows how it will turn out. The Eagles have a winning group with solid core talent and players, the Redskins have a new excuse and 60% team turnover every year. I'm not saying the Skins can't turn it around at any time- the odds are they will be better this year and continue to get better the longer Gibbs is here, but you can't expect everyone to just bow down at the feet of the Redskins because YOU like them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number5 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 If McNabb throws at feet.....yet, he normally has big games against the Skins......are your cornerbacks 1 inch tall? Westbrook overrated? :laugh: Scores touchdowns on punts, runs, and catches........and that's overrated? Overrate this...... http://mywebpages.comcast.net/gunboundguy/cbuckandbwestc.wmv With Taylor and Vincent gone in that game...it was the first time that they both were out......Vincent came back I think two weeks later so it was the first time that both Brown and Sheppard started together. Please read the whole thread dude........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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