Aug. 6

Q: I'm a huge St. Louis Rams fan who is tired of hearing that Kurt Warner is still unproven as a big-time QB. What do you think and where do you rate him among current QBs? -- Chris Lockett, Las Vegas, Nev.

	Warner

MORT: Chris, I was one of those who had doubts about Warner's MVP year in 1999, but he has more than won over the cynics. Frankly, I don't hear those people any more. I rate Warner in an elite category with Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.

Q: Do you think the Denver Broncos are going to end up like the Washington Redskins did last year, or are they deeper than the Redskins were? Also, you said you can't see anyone beating the Baltimore Ravens next year. But with the depth and talent of the Broncos, do you think if they stay heathy they can prove you wrong? -- Joe, Colorado Springs, Colo.
MORT: Joe, I think the trick for Mike Shanahan is similar to the Redskins' dilemma a year ago. Can you build a cohesive unit with so many free agents? Can you build chemistry? However, remember this: The Redskins might have been playing in the Super Bowl last year if they only had a kicker. I also think Shanahan has few equals as an NFL coach. As for the Ravens, they are the favorite. Of course, they can slip. Already we have seen a significant injury in Baltimore with tackle Leon Searcy; one of the elements to a Super Bowl year is being able to stay healthy.

Q: First, I think you do a great job covering the league. But I want to make one comment on your Korey Stringer article. You mention that 400 people die a year from heat stroke and the incident is not worth dissecting. It is not a time for a blame game, but I do think dissecting the incident is something that must be done. With all the team trainers and medical personnel present, it seems pointless to lose a life in such a situation. These incidents are preventable. Your mention of the 400 yearly losses almost makes it sound as if Stringer's death is acceptable statistically. I know that was not your intention. Again, I am not advocating a witch hunt, but clearly, this could and should have been avoided. Best regards. -- NFL Fan, Los Angeles, Calif.
MORT: NFL fan, good point. At the very moment I was writing the column, it just felt distasteful to dissect the event. There is no question that the NFL (which has formed a committee to review team training policies) and all associated with sports from youth to high schools, colleges and pros should be more vigilant to see if incidents such as these can be avoided. I do note in the column that it would be a disgrace if Stringer's death does not save lives in the future.

	Anderson

Q: It seems obvious to me that the Broncos are showcasing running back Mike Anderson for a possible trade. Considering team needs and salary-cap difficulties, who is most likely to pull the trigger among NFL teams? -- Russell, Ware, Mass.
MORT: Russell, Anderson is having an outstanding camp. Shanahan told me that once camp started, Anderson was off the trade block. Coupled with the issues over Terrell Davis' health and Olandis Gary's own comeback from knee surgery, Anderson appears to be settled in Denver for the 2001 season.

Q: Do you think it's possible for Tony Banks to have a breakout season and get the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs? -- Shawn Raider, Kechi, Kan.
MORT: Shawn, I watched Tony Banks in his Dallas debut against the Oakland Raiders, and he looked the same to me. He has tools, but I'm not sure how much confidence he really has in his own ability. Anthony Wright has had a better camp and rookie Quincy Carter had an excellent debut, so I don't see Banks leading the Cowboys to the playoffs. Actually, I don't see any of the QBs leading the 'Boys to the postseason.

Q: Do the Miami Dolphins have a chance at winning with Jay Fiedler under center? Can they trade for a better arm? -- Ryan Bensten, McLean, Va.
MORT: Ryan, all I can say (again) is that Dave Wannstedt and Chan Gailey are excited about Fiedler. They did win with him last year. Can they win a Super Bowl? I doubt it. Trent Dilfer had a better arm -- in fact, Trent has a better arm than 90 percent of the NFL QBs -- but the Dolphins weren't among the teams that pursued Dilfer. Oh, Jim Druckenmiller had a better arm, too.