Watching playoff football without Washington in it sucks. Nevertheless, I’m hopeful the football Gods will bless us in 2023.
The rumors from the NY Post about Jeff Bezos selling the Washington Post to buy the Commanders are making the rounds online. It may or may not be true, but at this point, any news regarding the possible end of the Dan Snyder era is welcomed.
The search for a new Offensive Coordinator continues. We have already interviewed Thomas Brown; Tight Ends coach for the LA Rams, and Eric Studesville, Running Backs coach for Miami. In addition, Charles London, Atlanta’s QB coach, has also been interviewed.
Thomas Brown and Charles London don’t bring any experience calling plays; however, Brown is highly regarded by Sean McVay. And Studesville has brief experience as a play caller for Denver many years ago. Overall, none of these candidates inspire much excitement for me. On top of that, there was an online report about interest in interviewing 49ers assistant coach Anthony Lynn and Kansas City’s OC Eric Bieniemy. Nonetheless, we should be patient and see if more coordinators from some of the remaining playoff teams become available. Still, I’m pretty sure Ken Zampese will eventually be elevated from QB coach to OC.
And for the Divisional Playoff games…
EAGLES 38 — NY GIANTS 7
The Eagles utterly destroyed the NY Giants — Coming back from injury, Jalen Hurts was effective, throwing 2 TDs, rushing for 1 TD, and no picks. But principally, the running game was impressive. Running backs Kenneth Gainwell, Miles Sanders, and Boston Scott combined for 234 yards; the Giants could not stop Philly’s rushing attack. Next, Philadelphia hosts San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The NY Giants way overachieved this season, but their luck finally ran out as they got embarrassed and exposed by the Eagles. First, Daniel Jones had a forgettable game, throwing for 135 yards and 1 pick. In addition, Saquon Barkley had barely 9 carries with 61 yards. Next, the Giants seem to be all in on Danny Dimes and will look to sign him to a long-term contract. Happy to say this will be a move NY will regret.
49ERS 19 — COWBOYS 12
This game was a lot closer than I expected. The fact that Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan know each other very well from their time together in Atlanta played a crucial role here. It felt like a back-and-forth chess match between those two. But the turnovers by Dallas made a difference; the Niners capitalized on every giveaway by putting up points and building upon their lead. Additionally, their running game was way more effective than Dallas’s. Next, San Francisco visits Philadelphia. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The Cowboys hype machine finally ran into a legit team. But in actuality, Washington exposed them back in week 18. Dak is not the QB that will lead Dallas to a championship. On top of all that, Mike McCarthy should be on the hot seat entering the 2023 season. The game’s final play for Dallas, where Zeke lined up as a single O-lineman, was a ridiculously dumb play. Next, Dallas needs to clear some cap room to remain competitive in the NFC East. Fortunately, for all of us Washington fans, Dallas is stuck with Dak Prescott, and they will fall off a cliff next season.
CHIEFS 27 — JAGUARS 20
The Chiefs played Jacksonville back in week 10; it was a 27-17 win for Kansas City. And this game felt somewhat similar. However, near the end of the first half, Patrick Mahomes had to leave the game due to an ankle injury. A career backup, Chad Henne, came in and let them to a TD. But Mahomes pleaded to be allowed back in the game and limped through the rest of the game. Encouragingly, it seems like Patrick will be ready to rematch Joe Burrow. Next, Kansas City hosts Cincinnati. Advantage, Kansas City Bengals.
The Jaguars had an outstanding 2022 season; they went from the bottom of the league to AFC South Champions and a playoff win. Most significantly, Trevor Lawrence and Doug Peterson are on the same page. Next, Jacksonville needs to build on this successful year and continue to add pieces around Trevor Lawrence.
BENGALS 27 — BILLS 10
The Bengals beating Buffalo in Buffalo on a snow-covered field was super impressive. Joe Burrow is already an elite QB, and reaching the AFC Championship game 2 seasons in a row is a remarkable feat. Next. Cincinnati visits Kansas City Chiefs. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
At the very least, the Bills were expected to reach the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, Buffalo began to unravel in the second half of the year and ended up underachieving this season. Additionally, this entire playoff run has exposed Buffalo’s deficiencies — Miami took them to the limit, and Cincinnati dominated them. Next, Buffalo needs to upgrade their running game; Josh Allen shouldn’t be their leading rusher.
Rod Rioja 