The search for a new Head coach rolls on for Washington. They have already interviewed Bobby Slowik, who I’m very high on — Slowik is a second-generation football coach and comes straight out of the Kyle Shannahan coaching tree. Plus, Slowik’s exceptional job in developing CJ Stroud was nothing short of extraordinary. We should also note the connection between Adam Peters and Slowik in San Francisco. In addition, they also interviewed Eric Bienemy — he is a long shot to get the job, but worth an interview.
Anyway, there will be another round of interviews with Mike Macdonald, Anthony Weaver, Ben Johnson, and Dan Quinn in the next few days. Thankfully, the Atlanta Falcons hired Raheem Morris, and Jim Harbaugh is going to the LA Chargers, which is great because I wasn’t high on any of them. As far as I can tell, Mike Vrabel and Bill Belicheater are not being considered for the Washington job. Which is also great; I’m not a fan of those two.
Nevertheless, according to most pundits, Ben Johnson seems to be the leading candidate, followed by Dan Quinn, who is set for a 3rd interview. Which is insane — a 3rd interview? Really? Dan Quinn shouldn’t be a top candidate for head coach in Washington unless he is being interviewed and considered as a potential Defensive Coordinator. In any case, it is difficult for me to envision Dan Quinn as the new Head coach. I’m more open to the idea of Ben Johnson.
Multiple scenarios are playing out for Washington. However, if Detroit gets eliminated on Sunday, Ben Johnson will be available for a final interview, and a decision on a new head coach should follow shortly after that.
DIVISIONAL ROUND
LIONS 31 — BUCCANEERS 23
This was another thrilling Divisional weekend game, as both teams traded back-to-back scores, and things went down to the 4th quarter. Jared Goff was steady, finishing with 293 yards and 2 TDs. Detroit’s three-headed monsters were excellent. Rookie TE Sam LaPorta had 65 yards of productivity. Amon-Ra St. Brown racked 77 yards with 1 TD. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 114 yards and 1 touchdown. It’s been an extraordinary season for Detroit, a team down in the dumps since the mid-90s, and now they find themselves one game away from the Super Bowl. Next, Detroit visits San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The Bucs were in position to win this game — entering the 4th quarter, things were even at 17-17, but Detroit had too much firepower to overcome. Nevertheless, Baker Mayfield had a wild but productive game, finishing with 364 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 picks. Mayfield had an excellent season and has solidified himself as Tampa Bay’s starting QB for the next few years. Next, Tampa Bay is losing OC coordinator Dave Canales as he takes over the head coaching job for the Panthers. So, finding a proper replacement will be crucial. Also, Mike Williams is set to become a free agent; resigning him to a long-term deal should be a top priority.
49ERS 24 — PACKERS 21
Trailing 21-14 heading into the 4th quarter, the 49ers almost let this game slip away. It took a 52-yard Field Goal by Jake Moody, a Christian McCaffrey 6-yard TD run, and a late-game Jordan Love interception to edge out Green Bay. Brock Purdy struggled for most of the game but was effective enough in the 4th quarter, finishing with 266 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. However, losing Deebo Samuel to an injury should be a cause for concern. Next, San Francisco hosts Detroit. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
It was a soul-crushing loss for this young Green Bay team. Jordan Love kept San Francisco’s Defense on their heels throughout the game, But their lack of red zone productivity made a massive difference in the final outcome of this game. The Packers overachieved this season, and Jordan Love has cemented himself as the legitimate successor to Aaron Rodgers. So, expect Green Bay to be a contender in 2024. Next, the Packers are in the market for a new Defensive Coordinator as they continue to build up this young team.
CHIEFS 27 — BILLS 24
It is official: Patrick Mahomes owns both Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. These two teams are almost identical and seem to balance each other out. They traded scores back and forth until Isiah Pacheco put the game away with a 4-yard TD run. Impressively, Kansas City is heading to their 6th straight AFC championship game. And they are knocking on the Super Bowl door yet again, but ousting Baltimore will be challenging. Next, Kansas City visits Baltimore. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bills went into the 4th quarter leading 24-20, but their inability to generate any points along with all the late-game, dumb decision-making by Sean McDermott cost Buffalo this game. The fake punt decision was a head-scratcher. Nevertheless, Josh Allen was sensational, finishing with 258 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. But Allen needs some dynamic weapons around him, and Stefon Diggs hasn’t lived up to expectations. Next, Buffalo needs to revamp their coaching staff and continue to add more pieces around Josh Allen.
RAVENS 34 — TEXANS 10
This game was extremely close until the 4th quarter when Baltimore scored 17 unanswered points—putting away this up-and-coming young Houston team. Lamar Jackson was exceptional, finishing with 252 yards, 4 TDs, and no picks. The Ravens are rolling strong into the AFC Championship game. Next, Baltimore hosts Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans had difficulty dealing with Baltimore’s physicality, which neutralized Houston’s Offense. By the start of the 4th quarter, Houston was trailing 17-10 and seemed to have a shot at upsetting Baltimore. But their undoing was Houston’s inability to slow down Lamar Jackson in the final quarter. Next, Houston has a bright future with CJ Stroud, so finding a dynamic Running Back to complement Stroud will be crucial for the 2024 season. Devin Singletary had a remarkable season, but he has way too many miles on him. Dameon Pierce has been inconsistent and turnover-prone. So, upgrading this position should be a top priority. In any case, CJ Stroud is the runaway Rookie of the Year, and head coach Demeco Ryans should be in the running for Coach of the Year.
Rod Rioja 