NEWSLETTER
With no Monday night game on last night, I took advantage and had a TV night with the family and was asleep as soon as the kids went to bed for school in the morning. It was a much-needed recharge of the batteries. Let’s start with some good news the Chiefs received on Monday regarding Patrick Mahomes’ injury.
- Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that Mahomes was working hard in rehab and was of the mindset that he would be playing in the AFC title game on Sunday. Reid also said that Mahomes’ high ankle sprain wasn’t as severe as the one he suffered against the Jaguars on opening day in 2019.
- You might remember that Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in 2019 against the Jaguars and played against the Raiders in Oakland the following week. Mahomes threw four touchdown passes against the Raiders that day, all in the second quarter.
- Ultimately, it seems like Mahomes will be less than 100 percent, but less than 100 percent for Mahomes is still better than most. It’s important to note that Kansas City’s offense was much more vertically based in 2019, requiring Mahomes to stay clean longer. This iteration of the Chiefs doesn’t go vertical nearly as often, so Mahomes can get the ball out much quicker.
- The Chiefs’ offensive line will play a significant role in Sunday’s title game at Arrowhead Stadium. While Cincinnati’s pass rush was pedestrian during the regular season, they kept a healthy and mobile Josh Allen uncomfortable all game on Sunday. Snow conditions usually slow down the pass rush, but not so much for Cincy last week. Credit to Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who will have a tall task coming up with a similarly excellent game plan this week.
- With the Cowboys eliminated from the playoffs, Dan Quinn can now turn his full attention to potential head coaching gigs. According to Tom Pelissero, Quinn is scheduled for a second interview with Arizona tonight. Quinn is also a top candidate for the Colts and Broncos jobs.
- I thought we might not see the coaching carousel move until Sean Payton was hired, but maybe not. Maybe Quinn is the first domino to fall this week. Whether it be Quinn or Payton, one hiring usually leads to another, with the rest of the group trying not to lose at musical chairs.
- Pelissero also reported early this morning that Quinn’s colleague in Dallas, OC Kellen Moore, is interviewing with Carolina today. The Panthers’ coaching search is back in full swing after taking a few days to mourn the loss of Charlotte FC player Anton Walkes. Carolina interviewed Sean Payton on Monday afternoon.
- As far as Payton goes, he’s heading back to Denver for a second interview later this week. Payton is also scheduled to meet with the Cardinals on Thursday and has interviewed with the Texans. As it stands right now, it seems like Carolina might be a landing spot for Payton. Denver is high on Dan Quinn. Monti Ossenfort’s hiring in Arizona might pour water on Payton’s desire for personnel control.
- This week’s NFC Championship will not be the first time Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts faced off. Hurts and Purdy played in 2019 when Oklahoma beat Iowa State 42-41. Hurts was 18 of 26 for 273 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Hurts also scored two rushing touchdowns. Purdy was 19 of 30 for 282 yards and five passing touchdowns. Purdy also ran for a touchdown.
- Victor Williams of PFF put together a video of the battle between Hurts and Purdy on Twitter:
- It’s been two days, and the Cowboys’ final play still seems just as silly. The QB School’s JT O’Sullivan tried to make sense of the design and couldn’t make it work.
- It’s also been two days since this George Kittle catch, and it’s still just as impressive. However, this Deebo Samuel commentary makes it even better.
- There’s still time to vote for the NFL’s FedEx Air and Groud Players of the Year!
- DeMar DeRozan played his 1,000th NBA game last night, and the Bulls won again. That’s three straight for the Bulls, who are maddening.
- Luis takes a look at some impeding free agents that might look good in a Bears uniform next season:
