You ask. I answer.
Dear Serby: Just wondering, what did you think of that poll that ranked Rex Ryan the most overrated coach?
Overrated. Mike Shanahan is the most overrated coach in the NFL He hasn’t exactly made them forget Joe Gibbs in the nation’s capitol. Shanahan sat on Rex Grossman and John Beck last year, and when that failed, he made the bold draft-day trade for Robert Griffin III. So he will have another year to get it right. The record stands at 14-27. He is in the middle of a five-year, $35 million contract. He is lucky he has such a patient owner in Daniel Snyder (wink, wink).
Mike Tomlin is the most underrated coach in the NFL. Been to two Super Bowls, won one, leader of men, master motivator who connects with today’s player, straight-shooting disciplinarian. Everybody wants to play for him. John Fox and Lovie Smith are also underrated.
Rex? He is perceived, and rightfully so given his bluster, as the Coach Who Cried Wolf. But it shouldn’t be dismissed that he took the Jets — the Jets — to back-to-back AFC Championship games in his first two seasons.
Dear Serby: What about Tim Tebow?
It’s underrated how overrated this guy is. Here’s a prediction: He will be out of the league in three years. Jacksonville would seem to be the perfect fit for him. Maybe he will end up working at Johnson & Johnson for the infatuated Jets owner.
Dear Serby: Should the ’72 Dolphins start stressing over the 8-0 Falcons?
No way. If the Saints don’t get them today, the Giants will have Mercury Morris and the boys uncorking the champagne on Dec. 16.
Dear Serby: How do you see Mark Sanchez’s future with the Jets?
I think if he doesn’t step up dramatically over the eight-game season that begins for him today in Seattle, the Jets will be in the quarterback market for a new starter next season. And let me remind you that the first New York (in New Jersey) Super Bowl is now less than 15 months away. Owner Woody Johnson worked long and hard with his friends over at the Giants to put on this kind of showcase, come hell or high snow drifts. If he had to summon Brett Favre back out of retirement, he would.
Dear Serby: Any suggestions for new Carolina consultant Ernie Accorsi?
Yes. Recommend Mike
Holmgren to replace Ron Rivera on the sidelines. He would be the perfect tough-love remedy for Cam Newton.
Dear Serby: How do you feel about NFL players leaving their teams for the birth of a child?
Your real-life family always should take precedence over your football family. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for key players to plan ahead, if at all possible, so the blessed event falls between the middle of February and, say, September.
Dear Serby: Does Bill Parcells get in the Hall of Fame this year?
It would be a travesty of a mockery of a sham if some West Coast bias denied him again. I’m all for Marv Levy having his own bust, but he has two fewer rings than Parcells, who nearly won Super Bowls with three franchises.
Dear Serby: Where does Gen. Petraeus rank under Tom Coughlin’s blankets of freedom?
I think it’s safe to conclude that he has been waived outright. You know, Petraeus rhymes with betray us. He was never in Patton’s league anyway. Or Odierno’s, for that matter.
Dear Serby: What are the chances of a Manning Bowl on Super Sunday?
Would come as no surprise to this reporter. Peyton only will get better as the year unfolds, and if Eli does have a tired arm, you can bet it will be refreshed come playoff time. If the Broncos can block J.J. Watt when it matters, they would seem to have the easier path to Super Bowl XLVII. That Bears defense is scary, and the Falcons believe they are ready for a playoff breakthrough. And never sleep on Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers or Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Eli never relished the thought of any potential Manning Bowl in Indianapolis, but this one’s in New Orleans, where he and big brother grew up. Corporate heaven for Archie and the boys.
Dear Serby: How good is Harbaugh?
He’s gotten Randy Moss to relish blocking. Case closed.
Dear Serby: Will Jerry Jones ever fire Jerry Jones?
Next question.
Dear Serby: Will the Giants swoon again in the second half?
I don’t have a crystal ball. But I do see 10 wins and a division title.
Dear Serby: Why did the Chiefs let Brady Quinn play through his second concussion of the season?
They didn’t. They pulled him once the symptoms became glaringly obvious. Independent neurologists on the sidelines are needed desperately to protect these macho players from themselves.
Dear Serby: Where will Andy Reid be coaching next season?
San Diego, perhaps, if he doesn’t survive Jeffrey Lurie’s playoff edict. I think he would be better off taking a year off to be with his family.
Dear Serby: How would you rank the rookie running backs?
My friend Linval Joseph likes them in this order: Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, Alfred Morris. Paging David Wilson … paging David Wilson.
Dear Serby: How is a pint-size rookie quarterback like Russell Wilson 4-0 at home? Did I miss something?
Yes. The Fail Mary.
steve.serby@nypost.com