Brand new GM Adam Peters is moving quickly, leading the search for a new head coach. We are in the middle of preliminary virtual interviews, and as far as I know, we have interviewed Dan Quinn, Raheen Morris, and Ben Johnson. Detroit’s DC Aaron Glenn and Houston’s OC Bobby Slowik are also on deck for interviews. However, Ben Johnson remains a top target for most Head Coaching openings. And he seems to be a favorite for the Washington job. Johnson’s connection to NC State is noteworthy, especially if Washington is considering drafting a QB like Drake Maye and having Sam Howell on the current roster.
Nevertheless, the idea of Bobby Slowik fascinates me; he is straight out of the Shanahan coaching tree and has already spent time in Washington as an assistant coach under Mike Shanahan. I don’t want Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh, David Shaw, Dan Quinn, Raheem Morris, or Bill Belichick in Washington. But the idea of Pete Carroll intrigues me, but I realize it is a long shot.
In any case, it all depends on how things go in the Divisional round of the playoffs — and then Washington will begin to move faster on one of these coaches.
Wildcard Weekend
BUCCANEERS 32 — EAGLES 9
It was lovely to witness Tampa Bay put the final dagger on Philly’s late-season collapse. Baker Mayfield was formidable, finishing with 353 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Todd Bowles has effectively steered this team into a legitimate NFC contender. Next, Tampa Bay visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Eagles made it to the Super Bowl this past season, so their late-season slump is a head-scratcher. Jalen Hurts is no longer the dual threat he once was. And their Defense got exposed halfway through the season. Next, massive changes are on the way for Philly, and Nick Sirianni’s job might be in jeopardy.
PACKERS 48 — COWBOYS 32
This game was a stunner — By halftime, Green Bay was leading 27-7. It was total domination by the Packers. Jordan Love was terrific, finishing with 272 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Aaron Jones was unstoppable, Rushing for 118 yards with 3 TDs. And WR Romeo Doubs had a standout game with 151 yards and 1 TD. Matt LaFleur has done a tremendous coaching job this season. Next, Green Bay visits San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The perverse joy I feel when the Cowboys lose is unmeasurable. And this game brought me incredible joy. I never bought the hype machine surrounding Dallas. Their Offense never impressed me; Dak Prescott is a middle-of-the-pack QB and not an elite NFL QB. Tony Pollard is not an every-down back but rather a change-of-pace RB. And their collection of WRs is mediocre. On top of all that, their Defense under Dan Quinn was supposed to be a top 5 Defense. And yet, it was demolished. After this disaster of a game, Dan Quinn’s stock should be way down, but still, his name continues to show up on lists of head coaching candidates. Next, Dallas needs to lock up some key players and upgrade some positions, which will be tough considering the salary cap. And with that in mind, the Cowboy’s Super Bowl window is officially closed.
LIONS 24 — LA RAMS 23
The Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years. But it was the Jared Goff revenge game, eliminating the team that drafted and then traded him away to Detroit. But their Ground game led the way to victory — David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 82 yards and 2 TDs. Next, Detroit hosts Tampa Bay. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Rams kept this game extremely close, losing barely by one point. Matthew Stafford had 367 Passing yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Rookie wide receiver sensation Puka Nacua finished with 181 yards and 1 touchdown. It was an exceptional season for the Rams, winning 7 out of their last 8 games and locking up a wildcard playoff spot. Next, the Rams will look to continue to build up their roster and hope to keep DC Raheem Morris for at least another year.
BILLS 31 — STEELERS 17
Midway through the 2nd quarter, the Bills were up 21-0 and never looked back. Impressively, Josh Allen finished with 277 yards, 3 TDs and no picks. This version of the Buffalo Bills will be a tough challenge for Kansas City in the Divisional round. Next, Buffalo hosts Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Steelers put up a valiant effort against a superior team. Mason Rudolph had a solid playoff game, finishing with 245 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. Rudolph has established himself as the top QB for Pittsburgh. Still, Pittsburgh needs to continue searching for a franchise QB. Next, Pittsburgh must reload on Defense and address the quarterback situation between Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.
TEXANS 45 — BROWNS 14
The Texans annihilated Cleveland, and the magical rookie season of CJ Stroud rolls on. Stroud finished with 274 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Devin Singletary has revived his career in Houston. Singletary finished with 66 yards and 1 touchdown. Houston’s OC Bobby Slowik is now a top candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies, and with this win, Slowik’s stock just went up. Next, Houston visits Baltimore. My pick: The Houston Texans.
The Joe Flacco off the couch remarkable comeback storyline came to an end. The Browns put up a solid fight in the first half of this game. But the combination of a quick Houston TD and a pick 6 right before halftime made all the difference in this game. Nevertheless, it was an impressive late-season surge for Cleveland after Deshaun Watson was lost for the year. The Browns wasted no time and made some coaching changes, removing DC Alex Van Pelt, RBs Coach Stump Mitchell, and TEs coach T.C McCartney. Next, Cleveland is on the market for a new Defensive Coordinator and hopes to get a healthy Watson back in top form for 2024.
CHIEFS 26 — DOLPHINS 7
The freezing weather played a crucial part in the outcome of this dull game, as it was insanely cold. So it should have been postponed, but it wasn’t. In any case, the Chiefs are looking formidable going into playoff football. Patrick Mahomes was effective, finishing with 303 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. Apart from Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice has emerged as their top-receiving threat, finishing with 130 yards and 1 TD. Isiah Pacheco rushed for 89 yards and 1 TD — Pacheco has established himself as a dependent every-down RB for Kansas City. However, the Chiefs Defense has been their most consistent unit this season. DC Steve Spagnulo has done a remarkable job with this group. Next, Kansas City visits Buffalo. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Dolphins have historically struggled in cold weather games, and it was no exception here. Nevertheless, Miami had one great play in them, where Tua connected with Tyreek Hill on a 53-yard TD pass. But they had nothing else left in the tank after that. Next, Miami must decide whether to resign or release some crucial players. The Future of Tua should also be addressed in the coming months.
Rod Rioja 