I have compiled a list of players (and some coaches) that have polluted the Chicago sports landscape for what they did when they were in the windy city playing on one of the major sports teams. I have 15 names on this list. I have them ranked 15 counting down to number 1. Number 1 is the biggest douche bag of them all, as 15 is a tad less. These are players and coaches who wore out their welcome playing in Chicago. Some on the list are players that should never even sniff the pizza in the air in Chicago unless they’re playing for the opposing team. This is a list a players and coaches dating back to the late 1980’s and up to present day.

#15. CHRIS SALE: White Sox

This goes back to when White Sox management cracked down on don’t bring your kids to work day. The big scandal when Adam LaRoche was told to limit his son Drake’s time in the dug out in visits during Spring Training of 2016. Chris Sale grew resentful towards management, especially after LaRoche walked away from the game and retired before the season started. Sale turned into Edward Scissorhands and cut up all of the throwback retro jerseys from the 1970’s era the team was going to wear in one game. Stuff like this you do not need from your Ace of the staff. I’m glad we received some big pieces back from the Boston Red Sox when we traded Sale to Bean Town. We knew eventually his arm was going to have problems so we did avoid that. Great pitcher but a BIGGER CRY BABY!!!

#14.CHRIS CHELIOS: Blackhawks

I know Chris Chelios is a local guy from the south ‘burbs of Chicago. Chelios was born in the legendary hometown of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. When Chelios played for the Blackhawks, he always swore he’d never play for the Detroit Red Wings, the team’s arch rival. Chelios would go on and win a Cup with the Wings and bring it back to Chicago to rub it in. Chelios was born on the south side, but he went to the Cubs side of town to show off his accomplishment. After the Red Wings he would go on to play in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves. Not buying what you are selling even if it is chili. TRAITOR!!!!

#13. TERRY BEVINGTON: White Sox

I remember Terry Bevington’s walks to the pitching mound and signals for a relief pitcher when nobody is warming up. That moment is stuck in time in my mind. The White Sox skipper in the 1990’s made many questionable moves. Bevington has to be the biggest boob of all-time as a White Sox manager. Only good thing Bev did was go toe-to-toe with the Brewers manager, at the time Phil Garner, in a very memorable brawl between the two teams.

#12. DEREK ROSE: Bulls

Derek Rose in the beginning of his career with the Bulls was electric. Rose, and the way the Bulls were playing, made you almost forget about the Michael Jordan era for a few seconds at least. Then Rose had the terrible knee injury that took years to rehab. What sticks in my mind is the NBA has that media day before the season starts. Many players would be talking about how they thought their team looks for the upcoming season. Rose would talk about how his contract was not enough to support his family basically. Then Rose’s posse would tell the Bulls when he was able to play and when he should sit in one of his many comebacks from injuries. Rose still has a following in Chicago. Rose is playing better these days on the hardwood courts. I don’t want to hear about your money problems when you make more than most banks have in their vault.

#11.THEO FLEURY: Blackhawks

The Theo Fleury move was supposed to be the big splash move that would help the Blackhawks prevail in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Fleury was the missing piece. Back in the 1990’s the owner of the Blackhawks was Bill Wirtz, the biggest tight-fisted owner in the history of owners in the Windy City. When Theo Fleury arrived in Chicago, he was damaged goods as all his demons have caught up to him. The Blackhawks hired Fleury’s friend to watch over him to avoid him going out drinking, doing drugs, gambling. and having his smorgasbord of tail at the strip clubs. Seems like Theo would be in rehab more than on the ice during his Blackhawk days. At the end, Fleury would walk away form the Blackhawks and the NHL for good as he had one year remaining on his contract.

#10.WIL CORDERO: White Sox

Another savvy move over the years the Chicago White Sox have made was bringing in the wife beater, Wil Cordero, in 1998. I did say WIFE BEATER. Cordero would only play one season for the White Sox. Embarrassing to have to try to root for a guy like that. I don’t care if he will help the team win you ball games. As the end result, it did not.

#9.ALONZO SPELLMAN: Bears

Alonzo Spellman was a bust in the NFL. Physically Spellman looked like the scariest defensive linemen in the entire NFL. Mentally Spellman was not playing with a full deck. Diagnosed with Bipolar tendencies. Spellman would throw many tantrums even in one episode locking himself in his publicist house when police were called on the scene. It took Mike Singletary to talk him down. Spellman also was brought up on weapon charges while speeding in his car. Spellman’s entire time with the Bears he had issues, but the team did not have enough tissues to cover up the crazy.

#8.DUSTY BAKER: Cubs

In Dusty We Trusty, what a terrible thought. I would never trust anyone who uses his kid as a human shield. Not bullets. Dusty Baker would use his son to deflect the hard questions fired from reporters. The perfect human shield placing his son on his lap during a post-game press conference. Let’s not forget how Dusty Baker could not diffuse the Steve Bartman situation for his failure in the playoffs. Bartman for years after that had to take the heat for trying to grab a foul ball at Wrigley Field in 2003 during Cubs and Marlins in the NLCS. Baker could have prevented Bartman from basically being stoned to death in his own city.

#7. CEDRIC BENSON: Bears

Cedric Benson was a 4th pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Benson was a bust with the Bears. Benson would go elsewhere like in Cincinnati and be successful. It started out with Benson holding out due to his contract as he never even took a hand off in the NFL. Benson did not get along with teammates as he rubbed them the wrong way. Benson was a bad locker room guy. Fans did not like Benson for all of the above. Benson would eventually run Thomas Jones, the starting running back, out of town. Jones was the guy you wanted with the ball. Jones was a hard worker, gamer, and a great teammate who brought his lunch box to work every day.

#6. CADE MCNOWN: Bears

Cade McNown was a cocky, piece of flaming heap drafted in 1999 out UCLA. McNown alienated fans with his personality. McNown blamed his own Receivers for not lining up correctly. Bad teammate. Weak arm. Bad person as he sold fake handicapped placards in his UCLA days.

#5.MOISES ALOU: Cubs

I don’t want to harp on this, but when it comes to urine hands I have to go back to his actions back in 2003 with the Steve Bartman situation. Alou would have never never caught that ball. Perhaps if Alou had a ladder. It’s after the catch that caused this to be a huge problem for Steve Bartman. Alou threw a tantrum on the field to get the crowd upset which had fans throwing stuff at Steve Bartman and it started his worst nightmare. Alou should be brought out to the town square and stoned to death for his actions of that 2003 Cubs team. Many others should be blamed as well.

#4. JAY CUTLER: Bears

Jay Cutler may have most of the Chicago Bears passing records, which is really not saying much. Cutler was the biggest dirt bag of all-time for the Bears. A guy who did not give a shit about anyone except his own self. Cutler I still can’t believe has a cult following in Chicago. With Cutler, you knew a mistake by him towards the end of the game would cost the Bears a win. Cutler would blame others. Cutler stole money in Chicago as the Bears paid him a king’s ransom and for what? Cutler had all the tools, but the leadership skills & the mindset were never there to be a winning quarterback in the NFL.

#3.CARLOS ZAMBRANO: Cubs

Carlos Zambrano was coo coo for coco puffs. Zambrano and Alonzo Spellman are probably in the rubber room right now in some kind of group therapy. Talking about how they fell off the rails playing professional sports in Chicago. Zambrano was never not exciting to watch. You could have bet the over or under on how many meltdowns he would have in a season, week, or a game. Zambrano had noticeable tantrums on the mound, while maybe perhaps fighting the voices inside his head. Zambrano would plunk guys for really not a valid reason. Zambrono would fight with his own teammates. The guy retired and unretired almost every other week. The tiresome apologies over and over.

#2.SAMMY SOSA: White Sox, Cubs

During a Congress meeting with baseball players about the use of PED’S Sammy Sosa suddenly forgot how to speak English. The denial of steroids never explained how Sosa’s head grew so big. Like Barry Bonds. Skinny as a rail on the Southside when he played for the White Sox & then turned into a monster on the North side of town. Sosa looked like the Incredible Hulk coming out of his Cubs uniform. Corked bat he was caught using, Sosa chalked that up to, “I grabbed the wrong one.” More denial about steroid use. When a teammate takes a bat to your boom box, you probably are not the greatest teammate in the world. All the blown kisses and antics he does when he hits a homerun. Over 500 replays of them. I’m sure You-tube has a few. Another guy where the apologies stacked up and meaningless.

#1.JOHN STARKS: Bulls

If you told me that the Bulls were going to trade to get John Starks from the Warriors, I would have said, “Cool. Are we hanging him up in the rafters next to six Michael Jordan championship banners?” Starks was Public Enemy number one back then when he played for the Knicks. Starks would only play 4 games in a Bulls uniform, but it’s 4 games too much. Starks would eventually get released by the Bulls. Both Parties had the same agreement that it was not going to work out. Why would the Bulls brass even go along with the idea bringing that bottom of the barrel sludge to Chicago?

Jimmy Garoppolo was close to getting to his second Superbowl in the last three seasons. The San Francisco 49ers would fall to the LA Rams 20-17 in the NFC Conference Championship. Garoppolo came in life-time 6-0 as a starter versus the Rams before that championship game last Sunday night. It is very hard to beat a team three times in one season and then expect to win on the road for the second time against your arch rival in a championship game. Garoppolo won on the road versus the Cowboys in Dallas. Garoppolo did the unthinkable and won in the snow on the road on Lambeau field versus Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Both games the 49ers were not favored in. All’s Jimmy does is win most of his games when he is behind center as he is 33-14 as a starter in regular season. Garoppolo is 4-2 as a starter in post-season play. Why does Jimmy Garoppolo have to always look back to see the organization replacement in his rear view mirror? This happened to another Jim back in the 1980’s. Jim McMahon, the punky QB who helped the Bears win their only Superbowl, was then shoved out the door.

Jim McMahon played seven seasons for the Chicago Bears with a crazy regular season record of 46-15 behind center. McMahon led the Bears in 1985 and was perfect in the post-season including the Superbowl win over the Patriots. McMahon’s post-season record with the Bears would end up at 3-2 after 7 seasons as he was traded to the San Diego Chargers. McMahon would only play one season as a Charger. After that McMahon would basically become a back-up quarterback. McMahon did have two more fantastic seasons in other uniforms. In 1991, McMahon went 8-3 behind center for the Eagles during the regular season due to injury to their starter. In 1993, McMahon would lead the Vikings to playoffs as he went 8-4 as a starter that season. McMahon would start the playoff game for Minnesota but came away with a loss. McMahon as a starter was 67-30 for his career and went 3-3 in the post season.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s career numbers so far through 8 seasons have him passing for 11, 852 yards with 71 touchdown passes to 38 interceptions. Jim McMahon’s Bears numbers through 7 seasons have him passing for 11, 203 yards with 67 touchdown passes and 56 interceptions. Both have similar numbers. Jimmy Garoppolo has the better completion percentage at 67.7 % while Jim McMahon was only completing 57.8% of his passes as a Bear. Obviously Garoppolo has more TD passes and less interceptions. Both Jimmies throw too many picks. Both win a lot of ugly games. Both have been injured and the teams without them have not faired too well. Why did the Bears not repeat after winning in 1985? The Bears had Walter Payton and that great defense. Jim McMahon would only play six games the season after the Bears won the Superbowl because of Charles Martin of the Green Bay Packers.

McMahon won all six games he played in the season after the Superbowl. Jimmy Garoppolo was hurt in the 2020 season, only played in six games, and the 49ers did not make it to the playoffs.

Both Jimmy Garoppolo and Jim McMahon win games because of their leadership on the field. Teams would follow both quarterbacks through a natural disaster expecting them to lead them to the promise land. Why did San Francisco draft Trey Lance in the first round? Why did the Bears ponce on Doug Flutie when he became available after the USFL folded?

Doug Flutie and Trey Lance are both quarterbacks that can also make plays with their legs. Both McMahon and Garoppolo would run to get the extra yard for the first or a touchdown at the goal line if needed and at the same time take on the hit. Injuries were not in the minds of Garoppolo or McMahon because they played the game like they were on the playground and did things not in the script to win games. Sure these non-scripted plays hurt both Jimmies because they both have thrown bad interceptions. The Bears and the 49ers’ thought process was get mobile quarterbacks to run and pass and avoid the bigger hits to stay healthy. Every game the announcers would say the same thing this post season, about what would the 49ers do if they did get to the Superbowl and won the entire thing. Would Jimmy Garoppolo get another contract with the 49ers? Would Jim McMahon have stayed longer in Chicago if he did not violently get body slammed by Charles Martin and led the Bears back to the Superbowl to repeat or even if they lost?

You could say that both have had a good defense behind them. The 1985 Bears were one of the best defenses of all-time. Jim McMahon had one of the best running backs of all-time in Walter Payton. The 49ers have had a slew of running backs that do very well in their offensive scheme. I will say Elijah Mitchell for the 49ers looks like the real deal. Jim McMahon had the speedster wide receiver Willie Gault and the go route worked well with this combo.

Jimmy Garoppolo had the beast at wide receiver/running back in Deebo Samuel this season. He was a big weapon of mass destruction for the 49ers.

Even Hall of Fame quarterbacks need weapons to throw to or a running game to take pressure off them. And, a good defense does not hurt. Both Jimmies always had to look over their shoulders because the coaching staff or front office thought the team needed something better. Jimmy Garoppolo might have to resurface somewhere else. Trey Lance will eventually take over for Garoppolo. Did Doug Flutie ever win the Superbowl? No. Is Jalen Hurts the answer in Philadelphia? Lamar Jackson seems to be crumbling right in front of our eyes for the Ravens. If a team has some good weapons and a good defense, adding Jimmy Garoppolo could be a team’s ticket to the Superbowl. No other quarterback in Chicago ever won the Superbowl, as Jim McMahon did that. The San Francisco 49ers could add more defense and another play maker with Jimmy still behind center to even become that much better. Maybe just a good back-up for these injury prone quarterbacks with big winning percentages that can take over for a few games until they return. Be careful what you wish for because if Jimmy goes elsewhere, someone will look back at what he has done winning all those games and wonder what the hell did the 49ers do. Jimmy Garoppolo’s words to himself for his future whereever he lands should be the Boston song, “Don’t Look Back.”

I’m not sure what to think about the Chicago Bears’ new hires at the General Manager position and Head Coach. I feel like we have been down this road before with the Bears as they continue to hire guys giving them their first ever experience in the NFL at the key positions to build a team that can make the post-season every year. In two key positions, the Bears once again did not try to fill their vacant positions with bigger names. Guys with experience. The Bears’ new GM is Ryan Poles, a guy that has made his way up the Kansas City Chief totem pole of their front office. Former Bears GM Ryan Pace had the same story in the New Orleans Saints front office. Instead of an offensive-minded person like former Bears head coach Matt Nagy, who was Offensive Coordinator from the Chiefs when they thought he was the answer years ago. Bears route this go around is defensive-minded Matt Eberflus, the Indianapolis Colts former defensive coordinator. I feel like the Bears have just updated their phone plan from Ryan Matt 0.0 to perhaps 2.0 of the new Ryan and Matt plan and hopefully it is a 5-G plan as any numbers lower, the technology will be obsolete.

“We’re going to take the North and never give it back,” the New GM of the Chicago Bears Ryan Poles said in his introduction press conference.

Just like any politician or new leader that just won the election, they immediately start spewing out promises and tell the world what their plan is. “Solve problems with open communication and candor,” Poles also said.

Those words would be nice as Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace could never agree or figure who was on first with the quarterback position. “Put players in position to succeed,” was also mentioned by Ryan Poles.

Matt Nagy was not very good at putting players in a position to succeed. Just ask Mitch Trubisky about that. Ryan Poles did not need much time to hire a new head coach in Matt Eberflus’ second interview. The first with the Bears new GM on-hand because he knew he had his guy, a gut feeling. Poles was impressed with the fast paced violent style of that Indianapolis Colts defense that Eberflus ran the last few seasons.

Every company has a simple word that is broken in down in multiple meanings. The Bears new head coach Matt Eberflus has that meaning with the word HITS. The meaning of the word HITS is H-Hustle, I-Intensity, T-Taking care of the ball and taking the ball and S-Situational players.

Bears players better bring their track shoes when training camp begins because the new head coach Eberflus will have his guys running.

“We play at a high tempo, a high effort, attacking physical style built on speed quickness and explosive athletic ability,” said Eberflus in the press conference.

Eberflus plans to play both sides of the offense and defense physically since football is a violent game. Eberflus has been the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts since 2018. The Colts defense showed a steady improvement each season. Before Indianapolis, Eberflus was linebackers coach at Dallas and Cleveland. Eberflaus coached linebackers before the NFL at Toledo University where he got his start. In 2019, Eberflus was interviewed for the Cleveland Browns head coach position but Freddie Kitchens was hired instead which turned out to be a very bad move.

What about the development of Justin Fields? The new regime of the Bears have an answer as they snagged Luke Getsy away from the archrival Green Bay Packers. Getsy has been the Packers’ quarterbacks coach the last two seasons. Getsy gets credit for helping Aaron Rodgers have monster years back to back. This is a significant move by the Bears to weaken the Packers because their Offensive Coordinator of the last two seasons, Nathaniel Hackett, left to sign as Denver’s new head coach. Will the domino effect continue making Rodgers bolt the cheese state? The plan Getsy has is to build an offense around the talents of Justin Fields. That is a genius idea, right Matt Nagy? Matt Eberflus has said that Luke Getsy has been on his radar for years, an up and coming innovative strategist. As long as Getsy is not borrowing any plays out of the Nagy war and peace playbook, things could work out very well. Many football experts think Getsy will be a head coach in this league in the future.

The Cincinnati Bengals record of 2020 was thrown around by the new Bears regime. How the Bengals won 4 games and turned things around so quickly in 2021, now finding themselves in the Superbowl. I did not see Justin Fields first season having flashes of Joe Burrow behind center. The Bears play makers right now are not even close to the talent the Bengals have. These introductory press conferences are mostly the same as we’ve seen the Bears parade some yahoos on stage and everything sounds great every 4 years or so. Bears new GM said they will plug all the holes in the roster so I hope he understands what offensive linemen should look like. Hope Ryan Poles does not give the Bengals credit or make a blueprint of their O-line who sacked Burrow 8 times in the Wild Card round.

The Bears new regime have a ton of work to do with this roster. Bears do not have a number one draft pick. The Bears defensive window has closed with age. The offense needs a complete makeover. Bears will have to cut some of the heavy salary they pay the defensive front to free up some cap space. The new GM Ryan Poles will need to hit on top draft picks. Which Ryan Pace could not do. Bears need to stop throwing away draft picks trying to move up spots in the draft as well. The more picks this team can get, the faster this team can build a roster with solid depth. I expect him to deal some guys for draft picks. The Chiefs have built a solid team for many years now and even you can say Kansas City played good before Patrick Mahomes arrived. They had a team that always made the playoffs. I just don’t want Ryan Poles to be another Matt Nagy we got from that organization. Poles is a question mark, but this coaching hire might be a good start.

Going defensive-minded was a smart way of doing things for the Bears. Bears need a guy to hold players accountable for their actions on the fields. Matt Eberflus seems to be that guy who will not accept stupid penalties from guys like Akiem Hicks. Eberflus’ defenses will not get called for dumb taunting penalties. Players will not get sucked into striking the instigator back on the other team which Matt Nagy could not enforce or stop them from falling for those types of stupid penalties. Discipline and speed and playing physically sound like this will be a good hire. I like the way the Bears brought in a guy like Luke Getsy that knows the offense will be his baby. Once again it all sounds like rainbows and unicorns. When Lovie Smith arrived in Chicago, he said Green Bay was priority number one. Sounded good. Another promise made and another one lost. All Bears fans are hoping they can be the next Bengals. Bears would love for once to stick to Green Bay and make that into a rivalry; not some one-sided cattle slaughter. My heart is excited about what is going on at Halas Hall. My brain says this is another Deja Bear on another dark highway driving with no lights. To be continued with this new Bears regime in place.

The United States Football league return is set to kickoff in April. USFL brought back 8 teams from their past. The plan is to have all 8 teams play all their games the first season in one location. The new league does not want to have a work stoppage due to Covid. In 2020, the Pandemic hit and wiped out the XFL season which was approaching the halfway point of the season. The location is Alabama in the city of Birmingham. One team out of the 8 teams coming back are the Birmingham Stallions who will play all home games in the first season. The league is still without any players. Which will be coming. The ball is rolling & things are getting done as every team now has a head coach officially in the return of the USFL. Some interesting choices were made. I will say I was surprised to see no Steve Spurrier in this go around. Some of the choices made for these teams definitely have some NFL flavoring and pedigree. Half of them have basically coached in the college game. Even though each team has no players yet. We will rank all the coaches for each USFL team from worst to first just by merit and hunch. When each team does draft its, roster the worst guy we think now could be the team with the most victories at the end of the season. Plus, it is what you do with this opportunity.

#8.KIRBY WILSON – AGE 60 (PITTSBURGH MAULERS)

Kirby Wilson I have at number 8 because he was never a head coach. Wilson is the only new head coach in the USFL that has never been a head coach at any level.

RESUME: 25 seasons in the NFL as an assistant. Last job was as a Running Back’s coach in 2019-20 seasons with Raiders. Wilson has been a running back’s coach for 7 other teams in his coaching career. Wilson has been a part of two Superbowl winning teams. Wilson was a part of the 1993 WAC conference Champions.

WHAT I LIKE: Wilson played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). That experience alone could make Wilson be able to relate to guys that don’t make the NFL and play in leagues like the USFL. As Running Back coach, he probably had some great teaching moments with backs on the bubble that are trying to make the NFL roster. Improving one flaw could be a difference. Being an assistant coach all those years in the NFL can help Wilson because he is in the same boat as his players. Players trying to get to the NFL to get their dream while Wilson wants to keep his dream job as being the head coach.

How will Kirby Wilson do running the entire show for the first time? Wilson may have soaked in all the knowledge of head coaches or other assistants throughout the years he’s been with and turn himself into a great coach. Maulers were not very good the first go around in the USFL. Sometimes certain franchises’ bad play sticks around even though this is decades later. Hope not because this is a coach you root for. This is his dream job right now. Besides, Maulers have one of the coolest logos in the entire league.

#7. TODD HALEY – AGE 54 (TAMPA BAY BANDITS)

I have Todd Haley at number 7 because this guy is a blowhard. I don’t see him being a good fit for younger players buying what he is selling.

RESUME: NFL Experience. Head Coach for the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons. Record of (19-26) regular season. One post-season appearance (0-1) Mostly an offensive coordinator throughout his coaching career with the Browns, Steelers, and helped the Arizona Cardinals reach the Superbowl.

WHAT I LIKE: Bandits could have a solid offense. If Todd Haley gets the right guys he knows that can help his scheme, Tampa Bay could be scoring a lot of points.

Todd Haley has wore out his welcome most of the time during his coaching in the NFL. Haley only lasted three seasons in Kansas City, Haley probably did not even play out the full contract there. I think many players will be rubbed the wrong way by his coaching style. You know he will be extra salty because he’s the higher authority & it’s his show. Arrogance !!!

#6. LARRY FEDORA – AGE 59 (NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS)

I have Larry Fedora at number six because he has not coached since 2018. That can be for many reasons. Backpacking in Europe. Nobody wants your services. Trying to find himself. Family matters.

RESUME: Eleven seasons as a college coach. Larry Fedora was head coach at two schools: Southern Mississippi and North Carolina. Collegiate head coach record of (79-62) while going (3-5) in bowl games. Won Conference USA 2011, Won Conference USA East Division 2011, ACC Coastal Division in 2015

WHAT I LIKE: Coaching college over a decade means Larry Fedora can relate to younger players. How many stars has Fedoras coached? The USFL will be filled with undrafted younger players looking to play a few more seasons of football. Coached at Southern Mississippi which is close to New Orleans so knows the lay of the land in the south.

From the numbers it seems Larry Fedora can be successful in regular season but bowl games not so much. Will that trend follow him to the USFL if he gets his team to the playoffs?

#5.KEVIN SUMLIN – AGE 57 (HOUSTON GAMBLERS)

I have Kevin Sumlin at number 5 as this will be his first job doing professional football. Sumlin could be a guy at the number 4 spot in these rankings as well. I think this job and he are made for each other.

RESUME: Kevin Sumlin has done well in the college ranks with big football schools. Sumlin’s head coach jobs over his career took him to Texas A&M, University of Houston, and Arizona. Sumlin’s record in college is (95-63) during regular season and (4-3) in the bowl games. SEC coach of the year in 2012. 2X Conference USA coach of the year.

WHAT I LIKE: Familiar with Texas. Even though first season all the games will be played in Alabama, I like that he coached two college schools in Texas and takes a pro job in Houston. SEC coach of the year is impressive. Winning those honors is no slouch job.

Kevin Sumlin is the type of coach that is going to seize this moment as head coach of the Gamblers. Reading about him and his pedigree tell me he will be highly motivated and have great results.

#4. SKIP HOLTZ AGE – 57 (BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS)

I have Skip Holtz at number 4 because coaching is in his blood. Skip’s father is the legendary head coach, Lou Holtz. The experience that Skip Holtz has working for his father on the sidelines all those years. Then branching out on his own mean he has seen and done it at the collegiate ranks.

RESUME: Skip Holtz was on his father’s staff at Notre Dame and South Carolina. Skip Holtz was recently fired in 2021 from Louisiana Tech. Skip Holtz had head coaching stops at South Florida, East Carolina, and UCONN. Skip Holtz has the most games under his belt as a college coach taking on a USFL job. Skip Holtz’s college football record as head coach stands at (152-121) with 12 bowl games where he went (8-4). Won 2 Conference USA Championships. Conference USA Coach of the year in 2016.

WHAT I LIKE: Butt load of experience with younger players is what Skip Holtz brings to the table. Over 200 games under his belt as head coach should help in a new league that is not established in the first season. This with everyone else in the same boat.

Skip Holtz will have the home crowd with him every game in his first season since all the games will be played in Birmingham. Chalk up a new experience for Holtz. Could Holtz use this job as a stepping stone to the NFL or bounce back into the college game at a bigger university?

#3.BART ANDRUS – AGE 63 (PHILADELPHIA STARS)

I picked Bart Andrus number three because the majority of the games he was head coach in, were leagues like the USFL. Andrus’ success came from NFL’s Europe league. It’s a developmental league for the National Football League.

RESUME: Bart Andrus also was a head coach in the CFL. Andrus’ record up in Canada was (40-54). NFL Europe is where Andrus took his teams to two World Bowls, winning one & losing one. It was 2005 when Andrus was coach of the year for the NFLEL and won the World Bowl in the same year. Andrus has some college coaching as well. In Junior College, Andrus had (2-8) record as head coach. Above Junior College Football, Andrus had a (6-4) record.

WHAT I LIKE: Bart Andrus will know how to develop young players and he will have to do that in the USFL. I think Andrus’ biggest thing he will have going for him is the knack of knowing which players in the draft he can develop. Andrus should still have ties to certain NFL people and connections back in the CFL, that will help him construct a pretty good team.

I can see the Stars getting better as the game goes on. This is true in any Spring league because your team has to find its chemistry. Look for Andrus’ younger personnel to improve their game later in the season when players take to his teachings and buy in on his coaching.

#2.JEFF FISHER – AGE 63 (MICHIGAN PANTHERS)

Jeff Fisher by far is the biggest name on this list of new coaches in the NFL. Fisher has merits as a player and a coach. As a player, Fisher played for the 1985 Chicago Bears. Fisher has also coached a team all the way to the Superbowl.

RESUME: Jeff Fisher by far has the most games coached by anyone hired for the return of the USFL. Fisher coached for 22 seasons in the NFL and racked a regular season record of (173-165-1). Fisher started his head coaching duties in Houston for the Oilers. Fisher was the head coach of the Oilers when they became the Titans in Nashville as the team moved there. Fisher won the AFC Championship and got the Titans to the Superbowl in 1999 only to lose in a close one with the Rams. Fisher then coached the Rams years later. Fisher finished with a (5-6) post season record.

WHAT I LIKE: Jeff Fisher has not coached a team since 2016. The USFL might be a nice way to get back into coaching for Fisher to scratch the itch. This will not be a pressure cooker like an NFL job, especially the first season. Fisher could be motivated even more having his say as the final decision regarding who to draft and be the architect of his own version what a team should be.

Look for Jeff Fisher team to have that recipe of great defense and a ball control offense. Fisher will find a quarterback that will not make mistakes in turning over the ball. I think players will like to play for Fisher because he has played in the NFL. Some players will be using the USFL as a stepping stone to get into the NFL. Fisher would be the key master to a few.

#1.MIKE RILEY – AGE 68 (NEW JERSEY GENERALS

Mike Riley has Spring football in his blood. The life of Riley has him a jack of all trades in football coaching because he has been everywhere but is a master of none. Riley’s Spring football resume is nothing to sneeze at.

RESUME: Mike Riley’s NFL head coaching was not his bright spot. Riley went (14-35) in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. Riley did pretty well at the College level and took jobs at some decent sized schools. Oregon State and Nebraska have some great College football history. Riley went (112-99) on the College grid iron of regular season. His record in College Bowl games was (7-3). In the CFL Riley has won two Grey Cups as a head coach with a record of (40-32). Last season Riley was Offensive Coordinator of the Seattle Dragons in the XFL. In 2019 Riley was head coach of the (5-3) San Antonio Commanders of the AAF which was one of the best records in the league before they ran out of money and shut the doors.

WHAT I LIKE: Mike Riley knows the inside and outside of all these other professional football leagues. Riley will have loads of knowledge of all the players that he has coached or seen in the XFL and the AAF over the last two seasons. This might give him the leg up in the draft.

Mike Riley will have an exciting offense in New Jersey. I also think Riley can get his players in a better routine than all the other coaches because he has coached in two Spring leagues the last two seasons. Riley’s team might be quicker to adjust because he knows what to expect and may have players with the same kind of resume.

If the Chicago Bears ever want to get out of the stone age of Bedrock when it comes to how they operate as a football team, the time is now. Time for the Bears to make a significant game changer move to change the bad history of what they call the Monsters of the Midway over the last few decades. New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is stepping away after 15 seasons. If the Bears want to solve a major problem that has haunted this franchise since the 1940’s, Sean Payton is the guy they need to get right now. If the Bears don’t want to see another number one quarterback who they wasted extra draft picks on to acquire and can’t develop him, they need to make a trade and bring Sean Payton home.

The McCaskey family, the owners of the Bears, have had their thumbs up their rears way too long. Enough of the small potato moves that have scorned the Chicago franchise for decades. It’s time to go big and get a guy like Sean Payton who has earned stripes as a head coach in the NFL. Enough of the Matt Nagy’s of the world. Guys like Marc Trestman, John Fox, Lovie Smith, and Dick Jauron. Matt Nagy was going to be this master mind on offensive football like he hiked up the mountains and saw Moses who handed him the tablets of answers. John Fox lost a Superbowl old school guy. Marc Trestman is an absolute train wreck. Lovie Smith is too stubborn to make the changes to keep his team doing well. Loved Dick Jauron; he tried, but he too was in over his head. Bad hires that had no answer to the quarterback problems. Sean Payton knows what a quarterback looks like as he was one in his playing days. Payton knows what an Offensive line needs to do protect his guy behind center. Sean Payton led the Saints to their only Superbowl title in their history, back in 2009. Payton’s regular season record as head coach is 152-89 which is a .631 winning percentage. Matt Nagy’s winning percentage in 4 seasons as the guy is .523. Payton has coached in 17 playoff games, going 9-8 in those.

Sean Payton has plenty of connections to Chicago. Payton is originally from the suburbs of Chicago where he played football locally at Naperville Central. Payton then went on to play college ball at Eastern Illinois where he played the quarterback position. Like Matt Nagy, Payton dabbled in some Arena Football and played behind center in the 50 yard war indoors. Payton played for the Chicago Bruisers and Pittsburgh Gladiators. During the NFL strike year in 1987, Sean Payton started a game behind center for Da Coach Mike Ditka as a replacement player. Payton was not very good but completed 8-23 for 79 yards and an interception against the Saints, a team he would eventually coach. It would be nice to bring a local guy back that could solve all that has gone wrong for the Bears.

Drew Brees was tossed to the curb with an injury by then the San Diego Chargers who drafted Phillip Rivers after the 2005 regular season. In 2006 Sean Payton convinces Brees to come play for the Saints and in 2009 both were celebrating a Superbowl title together. Brees became one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, a for sure Hall of Famer, as only Tom Brady has all those passing records. He’s second on the list to only the GOAT of NFL quarterbacking. Meanwhile Rivers would never even see the Superbowl as a player. Payton has done wonders to Jameis Winston who lead the entire league in interceptions in his last year in a Buccaneers uniform. Winston this season became the Saints starter and before he got hurt, he was not making the mistakes like he did in Tampa Bay. Teddy Bridgewater got the big contract from Carolina who then traded him to Denver last season. Bridgewater did not do well in Denver. When Teddy was in a Saints uniform, it earned him the huge money from his play when he became a free agent.

The Chicago Bulls cleaned house and got rid of all their hot garbage in the front office and coaching staff. Bulls ended up hiring a big name coach like they normally would not do in Billy Donovan. Chicago is thriving on the hard court this season in hoops. Bears fired the idiot Matt Nagy finally as well giving a pink slip to General Manager Ryan Pace who could not hit on a top pick if his life depended on it. Sean Payton would give the Bears a face of their franchise since Mike Ditka was fired. A bona-fide leader since Ditka. Bringing in Sean Payton, he could develop Justin Fields or tell the Bears organization this is a waste of time trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I know Sean Payton can fix the Bears offense. Make it look like the training wheels are off the bicycle for a change. Saints have had some interesting defenses over the years including Bounty-gate, which Greg Williams ran. The last two seasons, the Saints have had some really good defenses. I can’t see Sean Payton taking the Bears job and suddenly seeing the defense turn into what the Trestman-era had. Just awful. Payton always made some good hires to coach that side of the ball. The Bears window right now on defense has closed with aging super stars making way too much money. Maybe Payton can bring back Vic Fangio who is free now because he was fired by the Broncos as their head coach. Why do the McCaskey’s need to hire an consultant? I just gave the Bears the answers they were are looking for. It is that simple go out and trade for Sean Payton and bring him to Chicago. Then by the time the Bears build the new stadium, and move the team to Arlington Heights, they may be king of the NFC North and actually have a rivalry with the nemesis Packers from Green Bay. A rivalry which has been all but one sided for decades. Besides, the name Payton goes well in Chicago. It’s very sweet-like. Bears have done well with a Payton on their roster in the past, which was really sweetness.

NFL ROUND TWO PLAYOFFS (DIVISIONAL)

LAST WEEK’S PREDICTIONS RECORD(6-0) WILD CARD ROUND

THE SATURDAY GAMES

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Last time the Bengals and Titans met, was week 8 of 2020. In Joe Burrow’s rookie season, Bengals won that regular season affair 31-20. Titans quarterback is 2-2 behind center during the post-season.

OFFENSE: BENGALS

Let’s face the facts, I see this game as a shoot-out. Quarterback play, Joe Burrow is a better option than a Ryan Tannehill behind center. Tannehill needs the running game to set up the play action pass to be effective. Burrow has a slew of play makers with which he can pick opposing defenses apart.

The return of Derrick Henry makes the Titan offense “clicky clack” like a runaway train. The Bengals have Joe Mixon, one of the best backs in the league. These offenses should be able to exchange jabs all day long. It depends who has the ball last.

DEFENSE: TITANS

I like the Titans’ experience in the playoffs over the wounded Bengal defense limping into Nashville after their game versus the Raiders. Trey Hendrickson is the top pass rusher in this contest, but he got banged up against the Raiders last week. The Bengals will be without Larry Ogunjobi, a key big man of the defensive line. The Titans defense is a type of usually “bends without breaking” but has broken a few times as teams can score on them. The Titans unit gets small victories by forcing you to kick field goals in the red zone. The Titans defense is known for creating turnovers as well in big moments.

Not sure how much gasoline Derrick Henry has in the tank. Titans’ back up running backs have gotten playing time when Henry went down. Look for the Titans to take advantage of the 4.4 yards per carry that the Bengals defense has given up this season. The game will be a shoot-out. Bengals will make one mistake that the Titans will take advantage of and win this game.

OUR PICK: TITANS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Last time the 49ers and the Packers met, was during regular season and the Packers won that game. In 2019, both the Packers and 49ers met in the NFC Championship. Jimmy Garoppolo got the better end of Aaron Rodgers that year. The playoff series between the Packers and 49ers is tied 4-4 in eight total games. Aaron Rodgers is 0-3 life time versus the 49ers in the playoffs.

OFFENSE: PACKERS

I’m expecting Aaron Rodgers’ revenge tour to be put in overdrive this weekend. Rodgers does not do very well in post-season as his stats will tell you he throws too many interceptions. Jimmy Garoppolo just wins, baby. The 49ers rely more on their run game than Jimmy’s arm. Jimmy is prone to make mistakes at wrong times late in games. Evidence includes Dallas last weekend. Both teams can run the ball. Packers actually have two good backs if they have to run the ball a lot. Rodgers has more weapons at his disposal than Jimmy, who keys in on a few guys.

DEFENSE: 49ERS

Joey Bosa is a beast on the San Francisco defense. Bosa will be the best defender on the field this weekend between the Packers and 49ers defensive units. The Packers defense did not do well versus a bad Lions team to close out the season. The 49ers defense had some of their guys banged up in the Wild Card round versus Dallas. Packers defense has that switch at times. When Rodgers was out with Covid, the Packers defense had a strong performance versus the Chiefs offense. Packers should be well rested and may get some guys back that were banged up. The 49ers defense is the better unit between both these teams.

I have to play the cold card in this one. A West coast team flying into Green Bay in the dead of winter in frigid condition goes well for the green and gold. It’s hard for any road team to win in these kind of conditions at Lambeau Field. No way Aaron Rodgers will be one and done in these playoffs, which is the key to this game. Rodgers’ revenge tour is a thing. Rodgers wants to get to the Superbowl and win it just to heighten his ego. Thoughts of him failing in his first post-season action of this tournament would not help his ego in the off-season.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

THE SUNDAY GAMES

LA RAMS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Rams and Buccaneers faced off last September. That contest went to the Rams. Rams and Buccaneers have played each other 27 times. Rams lead the all-time series 18-9. Matthew Stafford finally won his first playoff game behind center in a Rams uniform. Stafford was 0-3 in a Lions uniform during the post-season.

OFFENSE: BUCCANEERS

Tom Brady is down to the bottom of the box, with the crumbs that he has to throw to. The Buccaneers offense is still clicking even with the laundry list of injuries they have. Matthew Stafford played well last week in the win over Arizona. Stafford has all his weapons intact with a healthy choice of running backs at his disposal. Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. are legit threats in the passing game. Even though the Rams on paper have all their weapons on offense, Tom Brady is healthy and can throw to the beer guy and be the better offense.

DEFENSE: RAMS

Defense-wise the Rams have an all-star team assembled. The Buccaneers defense has a lot of big names as well, but many of them are on their last legs and all-stars from the past. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player in the league. Look for Von Miller to come up big in this contest. Miller in the past with the Broncos was a difference-maker for Denver in their last Superbowl.

It’s Miller time & my gut feeling is telling me Von will have a big day. Buccaneers are the best at stopping the run. Buccaneers are banged up in the secondary and can be exposed there by the Rams’ play makers.

Rams are on a short week and flying across the country for this one. Tampa Tom Brady can have yet another game of his life. The man will be out there being productive at the age 60. Every quarterback’s nightmare is pressure and Brady can get rid of the ball fast. My key is, Tom Brady’s Berlin Wall is crumbling around him. I know Brady can pass it to anybody he will make look good. Timing, timing, timing. I think the Rams defense will take advantage of the Buccaneers offensive line and make plays through the cracks.

OUR PICK: RAMS

BUFFALO BILLS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Bills and Chiefs in Kansas City is a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game. Chiefs won that & then went on to lose to Tampa Tom and his Buccaneers. This past regular season, Bills went on the road to Kansas City and beat up on the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is 7-2 all-time behind center in the playoffs. Take out the Superbowls & Mahomes is 6-1 in the AFC playoffs.

OFFENSE: EVEN

The Chiefs and Bills offenses put up 40 points last week on their opponents. Both offenses are two of the best in the entire league. Both quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, can make things happen in a jiff if a play breaks down. Both quarterbacks can pass and make plays with their legs. The Chiefs can run the ball better than the Bills. Both teams have that number one receiver. The Chiefs have the best tight end in the league with Travis Kelce. Bills tight end, Dawson Know, is no slouch. I think the Bills have more play makers in their receiving core than the Chiefs. Both lines provide excellent protection as well.

DEFENSE: BILLS

Bills have the better defensive unit overall as they were tops in the entire league all season long. The Chiefs defense seems to ignite by a simple on switch. Chiefs defense looked horrible early in the season and then played better as the season went on. Chiefs defense is notorious for getting better as the post-season goes on. The Bills’ weakness is stopping the run. Their strength is pass defense. Teams can run or pass on the Chiefs defense. That switch in the playoffs comes on, and the Chiefs can tighten up and play solid all around defense on that Sunday. Bills find ways to get turnovers. The Bills defense are tops in the league forcing offenses to make mistakes. Bills also have the best scoring defense in the league.

In the off-season, both teams went out to fix problems they had last post-season. The Chiefs went out and landed more protection for Patrick Mahomes. While the Bills went after guys to chase down quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. Both teams have been up and down like a roller coaster this season. Chiefs have the home field advantage. The Bills have played very well on the road this season. The Bills lost to the Patriots that first time and had a bad second half versus the Buccaneers. The comeback versus the Buccaneers came up short in overtime. Since that second half of the Buccaneer game, the Bills have played their best football. Bills went on the road in a prime time game and beat the snot out of the Chiefs in that one. It can be done. Josh Allen has done well in prime time spots his entire career. Look for this game to be a closer match-up than the regular season affair. In the end, Bills pull one out and move on.

OUR PICK: BILLS

Currently the NFL has eight vacancies for head coaches. Out of the eight teams, which ones are playoff ready today if I signed up? Which places does the ownership send out red flags? If I was head coach and wanted a job, where would I go? I have ranked all 8 destinations from worst to first. I have pros and cons for each city. I have what is in place right now and what is not. I also judge the city on its fans and the state they live in. Off the field is very important in any job for family and your own psyche.

WORST DESTINATION: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jacksonville Jaguars to me would be the worst destination out of all the head coaching vacancies.

CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF YOU JOKERS TO THE RIGHT

Being the head coach of the Jaguars, you are stuck in the middle of things with the fans and ownership. Fans dressing up as clowns in the Jaguars’ last home game paints a thousand words right there. Most of the clowns looked like the Joker, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. Khan has made money as a business man. Maybe had a silver spoon in his mouth all his life. If Khan had his way, he’d have the Jaguars playing in London, England across the pond. Not very football savvy. Khan’s football hires all have been questionable. This is a guy who does not get what it takes, or how, to run a professional football team.

JINXED AT QUARTERBACK

The quarterback position is the most important position on the field. When it comes to a field general behind center, the Jaguars are snake bitten. Mark Brunnell seems to be the only quarterback that was half way decent for this franchise since its existence. These are the same Jaguars that gave Blake Bortles an extension because the team had a winning season. Bortles was the weakest link on that one year wonder of a team.

Trevor Lawrence, AKA Jeff Spicoli, might be a bust. Lawrence may be heading down Ryan Leaf avenue. Will Shahid Kahn expect you to fix Lawrence, which might result in more years of taking on lumps from other teams.

THE PROS OF THE JAGUARS JOB

Right now the team has a pretty good defense in place. Jacksonville is probably the third city of the state of Florida so media as well as fans would be easier to handle. You might have some time to build a winner down there. Fishing and living on the beach with warm weather all year around could be intriguing. The babes on the beach there might not be that interesting.

7TH BEST DESTINATION: HOUSTON TEXANS

HOLDING WATSON FOR RANSOM

The Houston Texans ownership and their franchise quarterback have been in some kind duel at high noon but no one is drawing their weapon. Deshaun Watson wanted out of Houston. Watson wanted or was told he was going to be a part of hiring process of a new General Manager and coach. Texans decided those hires should not be a group effort. Then Watson has been having problems with understanding what massage therapists do. How far they will go? Watson has over 20 allegations of sexual assault complaints filed against him. When will those complaints be solved? Will Watson be put behind bars? The Texans could have traded Watson but are holding out for a kings ransom. This is why the Texans continue to pay the contract of Watson while these complaints hopefully go away. Watson is paid not to play and be inactive every Sunday but has a roster spot. As a new coach do you really want to step in this kind of drama involving the biggest position on your roster?

PULLING THE PLUG

Owner Cal McNair pulled the plug on head coach David Culley after only one season. Culley could not convince Deshaun Watson to play for the Texans last season instead of demanding a trade. This of course was before Watson groped the help. Culley had the Texans playing better late in the season. Culley had to rely on rookie quarterback Davis Mills most of the year as veteran Tyrod Taylor fizzled out. Only getting one year in Houston coming into a hostile situation is what Culley had to deal with the owner is a problem.

FORMER TEXANS

Players like JJ Watt and DeAndre Hopkins, two great super stars, leave Houston with a bad taste in their mouth. Will this be a problem signing free agents in the future for the Texans? Will the Texans have to over pay for mediocrity?

THE PROS

Rookie Davis Mills did get some good experience being thrown into the wolves last season. Mills improved his game the more he played. Mills could be a decent back up. Can a new coach get Mills to take the next step?

THE DEFENSE

Defensive coordinator Santa Claus, Lovie Smith, had the Texans defense at the end a turnover machine. Texans beat up the Chargers in the last few weeks of the season when the defense created some mistakes by Justin Herbert that Sunday.

Not sure I like the weather in Houston, a dry heat. Warm weather rather than cold weather can be a difference maker. If you like Space, getting a tour of NASA could be cool. The Bad News Bears had one of their movies filmed in the Astrodome.

Making fun of Dusty Baker, the manager of the Houston Astros, and all the wrist bands he wears. Whatever you wear Baker would be the pun in everyone’s jokes in town when it comes to being the coach of one of the professional sports teams in town.

CONS

Hurricane season can put a damper on things. Being the second fiddle to the Dallas Cowboys in the state of Texas. The baseball team in Houston is a roster of cheats.

#6. SIXTH BEST DESTINATION: NEW YORK GIANTS

THE MEDIA

Any job in New York City you have to have tough skin such as to take this job with the Giants. New York is the biggest media market in the United States so dealing with the reporters, you have to have that down to a science. In the city that never sleeps, you have to have all your players in line and not out becoming front page news off the field. Reporters will dissect your coaching like the frog you cut up in Biology class.

THE FANS

The fans in New York demand a lot and can be very patient like. If you show any weaknesses, fans will eat you up like a zombie feasting on your guts. The pressure of winning is escalated before they want to run you out of town on the rail with no car.

KEEPING THE JONES

Do the Giants have an answer at the quarterback position with Daniel Jones? Jones has 3 seasons under his belt so far and has completed 62% out of his passes so far with 45 touchdown passes and only 29 interceptions. Jones’ overall record is 12-25. Jones missed some games with injuries. Jones has shown some flashes of being a good option in this league as well.

THE BAD

Giants are in cap space hell with a roster that still has holes. The Giants do not have any middle class when it comes to their roster breakdown. The Giants will be looking for a new General manager as well. If you don’t get a guy to fix the numbers on the cap space, this job might take you awhile to get things going in the right direction.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Giants need help on their Offensive line. Giants maybe have one decent option in place on the line. Adding some pieces to the line would help Daniel Jones even get better and most importantly keep him healthy.

THE PROS

THE DEFENSE/ THE DIVISION

Last two seasons the Giants defense has been a very decent unit in the NFL. Yes the Cowboys and Eagles made the playoffs. Obviously one team has to win the dreaded NFC East. Notice the Eagles and Cowboys are already knocked out of post-season. The division is very winnable.

If you can win regularly in New York, the accomplishment is bigger than most jobs in sports. New York jobs are the hardest so to beat the odds is a higher award of achievement.

New York, if you like eating at the fanciest restaurants, the Big Apple has them. Food-wise New York is a top city where your tummy would be happy. Always something to do around the city from sports, Broadway shows, museums and the history of the New York is amazing.

THE 5TH BEST DESTINATION: CHICAGO BEARS

OWNERSHIP: The Chicago Bears cleaned house of Matt Nagy as head coach and Ryan Pace as General Manger. Last year both of them should have been gone. Ownership has an accountant as the President of Football operations. Look at the last few head coach hires of the Bears. It’s a laundry list of losers. Marc Trestman, John Fox and Matt Nagy. Bears are so incapable of finding the right guy to run this historical franchise they have to go outside the organization and ask for advice from former greats that held front office positions. Bears have only been to two Superbowls since the Superbowl ERA started. The Bears have not won a Superbowl since the mid 1980’s. That says it all.

SINCE MCMAHON LEFT

Since Jim McMahon was traded away to the Chargers, the Bears have not really had any stable foundation behind center. Sure the Bears had some good years with the likes of Jim Miller and Erik Kramer. Even McMahon was not the greatest, but he won games and did not beat himself. You have to go way back in the time machine as Sid Luckman in the 1940s era is still the best quarterback Bears ever had. Jay Cutler has all the passing records, but we know he is just a dog that needs to be put down. The Bears’ Christmas list of quarterbacks all have been on the naughty list. Just sucking.

HOPEFUL

Is Justin Fields the answer for the Chicago Bears at quarterback? Fields has a nice deep ball and a guy that can pass and use his legs. Can Fields be the next type of guy like Josh Allen? Did we not see Fields enough last year to really get a fair judgement? This is the biggest question any coach will have taking the Bears gig. Do they have a franchise quarterback in place?

THE BAD

THE MONEY

Bears money is all tied up in that defensive front. The defense is an aging unit and the window for success is being help open by shim. The Offensive line is a turnstyle. The Bears have not invested their money to protect the quarterback. Justin Fields missed some games this last season due to broken ribs. Bears new hires would have to free some of that money from the aging defensive players and put it elsewhere because the roster has many holes to repair.

DRAFT PICKS

Bears in the Ryan Pace era used their draft picks like toilet paper trading piles away to move up a few spots. Bears come in with no number one picks. As they traded that future pick just to move to get Justin Fields. During the Ryan Pace years the Bears never hit on any of their top picks. These picks would go elsewhere and get developed. Good news the Bears will have a new General Manager and if they get it right that would be half the battle.

THE CONS TAKING THIS JOB

Downtown Chicago is a complete shit hole. Crime continues to sky rocket. Businesses are closing up shop for good. More companies having their people work from home leaving the streets of downtown Chicago mostly to the rats, thieves and homeless.

Cold weather and the team plays outside.

THE MEDIA

Chicago has one of the biggest media markets in the states. Bears are the team that all Chicago people seem to migrate towards. The media will be all over the new coach and questioning your scheme every Sunday like Clockwork Orange.

THE PROS

Greatest pizza in the world.

The Bears may move from the city of Chicago, head to the Northern burbs to take over the Arlington Park Horse Racing track, and build a brand new stadium. Be a part of history. A new stadium with the Bears owning it would certainly bring the franchise to modern ages and they’d be able to compete with the big dogs.

If you win in Chicago, you never have to buy your own drink or meal ever again. Ask Da Coach. All those Bears players from that 1985 team are still the toast of the town.

4TH BEST DESTINATION: DENVER BRONCOS

ELWAY TRYING TO FIND A QUARTERBACK STILL

John Elway you think would know what a quality NFL quarterback looks like. Obviously once upon a time ago Elway played that position and played it very well. This season the Teddy Bridgewater experiment did not work. Drew Lock has some seasoning but still is not the answer for this franchise that can’t find that guy behind center.

INHERITING

The Denver job has two great things in place. If you do find a quarterback, the Broncos have some nice play makers in place with Tim Patrick, Noah Fant and Courtland Sutton. Former Broncos head coach Vic Fangio leaves a solid defense intact for the next coach as well.

THE CONS

THE AFC WEST

The AFC is one of the strongest divisions in the league. Chiefs still have Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback as he will be hitting his prime. Chiefs are still in the playoffs. The Raiders made the playoffs and were knocked out last week. The Chargers should have been in the playoffs, but mathematics, which is the new math, the new stat probably kept them out. Chargers have a stud quarterback Justin Herbert who established himself in his first two years of the league.

THE PROS

Colorado is a beautiful state. Broncos probably practice with mountains in the background. If you are a head coach that loves the outdoors like fishing, hunting, skiing, and hiking, the Bronco job would work well. I’m from a big city and Colorado sounds marvelous just tapping in the keys.

Something about a ski bunny by the fireplace sipping on a hot beverage of booze. Lots of cool log cabin type bars drinking IPA’S & eating comfort food in the winters.

3RD BEST DESTINATION: MIAMI DOLPHINS

WHY DID BRIAN FLORES FIRED?

Are the Dolphins irrational for firing Brian Flores after this season? The Dolphins were one of the hottest teams in the league this season. Dolphins got off to a bad start as they dug themselves in a hole. Bears win three games in a row and Bears brass would keep you on for another year. Dolphins missed the playoffs the last two seasons by a game. Flores had his players playing hard. Taking the Dolphin job you may be dealing with idiots as bosses. How many jobs have we had where that statement is true?

SOUTH BEACH ADVANTAGE

Many teams have a playing advantage at home. Cold weather towns. Dolphins have the high heat with a very high humidity teams like the Patriots with Tom Brady or without, would have hard times winning in South Beach because of the conditions.

TUA TIME????

Is Tua Tagovailoa the man behind center for years to come in Dolphinland? Tua is no Dan Marino. Dolphins are another team that has been looking for their next franchise quarterback to replace the a former legend, in the Dolphins case Dan Marino. In two seasons, Tua is 13-8 as a starter. Tua went 7-5 for Miami this season. Tua has his moments. Is Tua going to be that guy like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers where you know they are going to go the distance down the field and win the game for you? Probably not. In Miami you may be searching for your next quarterback.

CAP SPACE

Dolphins are a team right now that can take that next step to get into the post-season. If they need a certain free agent, they have plenty of cap space available.

THE PROS

Jaylen Waddle was very impressive in his rookie season with the Dolphins. Waddle may be that one legit future play maker for years to come as he showed the league he is a weapon of mass destruction.

THE DEFENSE

If the new coach runs the defense like Brian Flores did the last few seasons, they have guys that can force turnovers. Dolphins defensive unit was awesome at forcing fumbles and ball hawks getting interceptions. You would hope the next guy would run the same system and add to their strength.

LIVE BY THE BEACH/ ENJOY THE NIGHT LIFE IN MIAMI

Living by the water. Hot weather. Playing motor boat. Sailing.

THE CONS

AFC EAST

The Bills are in your division. Buffalo is an AFC Power house. Bill Belichick rebounded after his first season without Tom Brady and got the Patriots back into the playoffs. Could Belichick get his team even better next season and become the thorn in your sides for years to come. The Jets are due to get a franchise quarterback at some point with all the top picks they get and use for that position. Maybe not, so you might be safe with the Jets in that division.

Management: not knowing why Brian Flores was fired.

Fake people.

SECOND BEST DESTINATION: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

BAD HAIR CUT

Seeing owner of the Raiders, Mark Davis’ ugly hair cut every day would drive me nuts. Looks like he should be cast in the movie Dumb and Dumber

INHERITING A PLAYOFF TEAM

If the Raiders don’t hire their interim coach, you would inherit an established playoff team. Raiders have plenty of good things on their roster on both sides of the ball. You can build off this roster and even make it better.

OFFENSE

Is Derek Carr your future quarterback? Yes, you could upgrade. Having a Derek Carr on the roster already and improving around him can work as well. Josh Jacobs is a nice running back in place. Did Hunter Renfrow emerge as more than just a possession receiver?

DEFENSE

Raiders need to build around Mad Maxx Crosby. This guy has become a legit pass rusher in the NFL. If Raiders could get another pass rusher on the other side of the field, things could get very interesting for Vegas.

PRO

Living in Las Vegas gives you plenty of stuff to do. Warm weather. Raiders have a brand new state of the art stadium in place.

GREAT FANS

Raiders are die hard fans. Even when they move from town to town, Raider nation sticks with the silver and black.

Plus you can wear your Halloween costume more than once a year.

THE CONS

You would have invest in UBER for your players going out at night. Maybe a car service or ankle monitors to stop and prevent this team leading the league in DUI’S.

THE AFC WEST

Patrick Mahomes is still in the playoffs. Mahomes is about to reach his prime. Derek Carr may be the old man quarterback of the division. Justin Herbert and the Chargers are solidified and a team on the rise. If the Broncos somehow find their guy behind center, Raiders will be battling arch rivals tooth and nails every year just to get to the post-season. No easy lay ups.

THE VEGAS TEMPTATION

The food will make you fat. The hookers will get your cardio intake. The excitement level might be too much for the ole ticker to handle. You might catch something you don’t want. Then gambling will take whatever you have left in your wallet. Too many vices for some people.

BEST DESTINATION: MINNESOTA VIKINGS

DEFENSE, DEFENSE AND DEFENSE

If you can fix the Viking defense, you may have something special. How many leads did the Vikings blow this year? How many leads did the Vikings blow late in the game? If you’re a defensive-minded coach, you may find a way to get this unit to play in the middle tier of the defenses in the NFL… instant playoff team.

RUNNING GAME

Dalvin Cook is a top tier running back in the NFL.

WIDE RECEIVING CORE

Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are one of the best 1-2 punches in the entire league at the wide receiver position.

QUARTERBACK

Kirk Cousins had an awesome year. If the Vikings fix the defense, Cousins would not have all the pressure to win the big games on the big nights all the time. Cousins did win the shoot out versus the Packers and Aaron Rodgers who can sling with the best of the NFL. If Cousins has a running game, which he does. With the play makers the Vikings have, Cousins could be a guy behind center for the Vikings for the next few seasons. Then you can pay full attention on fixing the defense.

THE PROS

Ownership gave Head coach Mike Zimmer years and years to get the job done. Patience is good if you take the job with the Vikings.

Vikings play inside so the cold will not be a problem taking a job in Minnesota. Vikings stadium is relatively brand new as well, so your team would have the luxury with the state of the art facilities.

NFC NORTH

If Aaron Rodgers leaves Green Bay after his revenge tour, the Vikings would have a very easy route to the playoffs. Without Rodgers, Green Bay would fizzle. Lions and Bears are just wounded animals that need a lot of repairs on their current rosters.

Minnesota is a beautiful state. Having a place by a lake would be relaxing for a new head coach. Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, ice fishing and hunting.

Cool places to drink such as many popular breweries. I picture some of those log cabin bars with fire places in the winter as well.

THE CONS

It does get cold in the winter with lots of snow in the forecast living in Minnesota.

Can you entice free agents to come up North and have them relocate to the state of Minnesota?

The NFL playoffs is a different animal than every other sport. One loss & the season is over. The first round of the NFL, which is called the Wild Card Weekend, had three days of action-packed gridiron fun. The docket featured six games with twelve teams. We rank the best to worst in moments the teams had over the Wild Card Weekend. The best moments were teams on the rise and wanting to get deeper in the playoff picture. The worst moments could mean your team will have much work to do in the off-season to improve on things.

#1.THAT IS THE END OF THAT CHAPTER

Josh Allen may have said that is the end of that chapter of his play on Saturday night, as he torched the Patriots with his arms and legs. Josh Allen and the Bills made NFL playoff history scoring a touchdown on their first seven possessions. The Bills played like they were the Rebel Alliance and saved the galaxy by killing off the Evil Empire Patriots. All the bad losses over the years the Bills took from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. It was time to stand up to the playground bully as the Bills played an impressive game. The offense, defense, and Special teams of the Bills defended their home from the invaders while playing a complete game in frigid temperatures in Buffalo.

#2.THEY’LL BE BACK

You think they are gone. You write them off. The Chiefs are back in the post-season and they look like their familiar badass selves. The Walrus on the sideline is barking in the calls. Patrick Mahomes and the offense are defending Arrowhead Stadium by lighting up the score board. Chiefs defense pushed the on switch and played well once again in post-season like they never had a problem at all during the regular season. This was Patrick Mahomes’ first ever wild card game. Mahomes will be looking to get his team to another AFC Championship when they defend Arrowhead once again in the Divisional round.

#3.TAMPA TOM FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

We know Tom Brady will be playing solid football in the year 2099. We know Tom Brady has found the fountain of youth. Tampa Tom was looking very sharp over the Eagles in his first game defending the Buccaneers championship run. It seems like the Buccaneers continue to mount up injuries. Versus the Eagles, a few of Tom’s security guards on the line came away with some injuries.

When is Tom Brady going to help the people around him find that secret to success of that hidden fountain? The one that only Tampa Tom knows about.

#4. STAFFORD FINALLY GETS THAT FIRST PLAYOFF WIN

Matthew Stafford finally gets his first ever playoff victory. First time the NFL had a playoff game on a Monday night. Let’s remember before we do the Hokey Pokey, let’s turn it around quickly. Rams played a bad Cardinals team. The guy the Rams sent to Detroit, Jared Goff for Stafford, has won playoff games in a Rams uniform. I want to see how Stafford does in the divisional round. I want to see if Stafford brings his game to an even higher level in the divisional round.

#5.JIMMY JUST WINS BABY

Jimmy Garoppolo might be the prettiest guy in the NFL. Most people will tell you this. Garoppolo’s play is not always pretty. Did the Cowboys gift wrap that victory for the 49ers? Cowboys shot themselves in the foot but still made it a close game. Does Jimmy have the Killer instinct? The announcers talked about if the 49ers win the game versus the Cowboys it will change Jimmy Garoppolo’s legacy. All’s Jimmy does is win and he did that. Then what is the problem? If Jimmy Garoppolo wins the Superbowl, he may be compared to guys like Joe Flacco or Trent Dilfer. It is not pretty how they get it done, but with a good running game and a defense, they are serviceable. Let’s face it. Jimmy is the best quarterback the 49ers have right now. Trey Lance was drafted in the first round and he is not even close to being an everyday starter in the NFL. The 49ers have to hope Jimmy can Dilfer it up all the way past the Superbowl.

#6. BENGALS BROUGHT BACK THE ICKY SHUFFLE

When you have not won a playoff game in 31 seasons, I think it’s OK to bring back an old touchdown celebration. The Icky Shuffle resurfaced for Cincinnati after their first score. Bengals win their first playoff game since 1990. When it comes to the Bengals, my simple question is will their play turn back to bumble-like? The Bengal defense did bend but did not break in the end zone. Raiders settle for field goals. Love the Bengals high powered offense with Joe Burrow behind center. That defense looks more Bumble than Bengal.

#7.WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

The face of Bill Belichick above says it all!!! How many times have Patriot teams with Bill Belichick running the show just done what the Bills did to them last weekend? Patriots were always running up the score, especially against Buffalo. Belichick did improve his team from last season adding free agents and drafting Mac Jones. Patriots are still nowhere close to their Empire status. Can Mac Jones even be able to hold Tom Brady’s jock strap in years to come?

#8.TUB OF LARD

What would Hank Hill say if he saw Dak Prescott scramble at the end of the game with seconds left and no time outs?

That… or “What the Hell, McCarthy” or “Dang it you stupid tub of lard.” Coaching, coaching, and coaching in Dallas. Stupid call on the last drive. The penalties. Stupid penalties. Lots of talent in Dallas on the roster. The Cowboys need yet another change.

#9.THE GHOST OF JOHN MADDEN IS NOT ENOUGH

The final game of regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders honored the passing of John Madden. Madden was head coach when the Oakland Raiders won the Superbowl in 1976 versus the Minnesota Vikings. It seems wherever the Raiders call home in present times, in whatever city, it does not matter. It’s all about black and silver which equals Raider nation. That last win in regular season, many players could have been considered being a part of one of those All-Madden teams. The Raiders win over the Chargers was magic-like. On Saturday in the red zone, John Madden did not pull any strings in the heavens as Raiders could only muster up field goal after field goal. Scoring 19 points against an average defense that did not break in the red zone. The Raiders overcame many obstacles just to get to the Wild Card Weekend. This Raider team may have to make some big changes to get themselves back to the post-season. Is Derek Carr one of those changes? Plus the team needs a car service to reduce the number of DUI’S they have racked up in one season.

#10. EAGLES HURTING AT QUARTERBACK

Run Forest, run!! Can Jalen Hurts beat you with his arm? Buccaneers made Hurts one dimensional on Sunday. Buccaneers defense dared Hurts to beat them with his arm by stacking the box. All’s Hurts wants to do is take off. I’m surprised the Eagles don’t run the wishbone offense on every play. It was Nick Foles that won the Superbowl over the Patriots behind center in a Eagles uniform. Carson Wentz looks more and more like a top pick failure as the Eagles got rid of him because they drafted Hurts. The Eagles may need to address the quarterback position again. Do they waste another top pick at that position?

#11.TIME IS UP

Once upon a time ago, the Big Ben clock in Pittsburgh stayed upright in any condition. People the size of bulldozers hanging all over it. Weather conditions. Big Ben would stay upright and would not crumble on impact. The once powerful arm that took Steel City deep in the playoffs almost every year. It’s shameful to see Big Ben Roethlisberger’s last game & last stand look that bad. It’s been looking like that for years in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger’s arm can’t throw the ball down the field. Age caught up to him years ago. Pittsburgh is where coaches turn into the Pope and hold on to the same position for decades. Pittsburgh is where they draft talented receivers, but are not always playing with a full deck. The Steel curtain will always get this team out of trouble. They rely so much on their defense that it turns into a shower curtain filled with holes. How long will it take the Steelers to find another quarterback? If the Steelers dumped Big Ben years ago, could this team have a young reliable option right now?

#12. BIRDS CAN’T FLY THE ENTIRE SEASON

The Arizona Cardinals looked like the best team in the NFC after the first ten games. The Cardinals back into the post-season with some real questionable play that left you scratching your head in the last six weeks. Losing to the Lions should get some people fired. The Cardinals could not stay healthy last season as their injury bug took them out of the playoff picture at the end and let the Bears walk in the back door. This year the same thing wounded wings of many of their players. Then the entire team just had a complete meltdown. Looked stale on Monday night versus the Rams. If I was an Arizona fan, I would be one angry bird right now. Is Kyle Murray the real deal? I would have questions for my head coach as well.

WILD CARD WEEKEND (NFL PLAYOFFS)

SATURDAY GAMES

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

When I think of the Raiders and Bengals match-up, my thoughts go immediately to Bo Jackson’s last game in the NFL due to his hip injury he suffered versus the Bengals.

The Raiders season has been good, bad and ugly at times on and off the field. The Bengals have played very well, but at times turn back to their Bumble state. Raiders as an organization have made the playoffs twice in 19 seasons. While the Bengals have not won a playoff game since 1990. Whichever team wins, this will be a huge deal just for both teams’ dreadful playoff history in the last few decades.

OFFENSE: EDGE BENGALS

The quarterback position is always the most important position in the game. Joe Burrow had a great regular season for the Bengals throwing 34 touchdowns. Derek Carr has played well for the Raiders, but is prone to bad mistakes in the red zone. Bengals have a slew of of play-makers for Burrow to choose from, especially Ja’Marr Chase who has risen to stardom in season one for the Bengals. Raiders receiver Hunter Renfroe’s game has risen. Who else will make the tough catches if Renfroe is taken out of the game? Running back Joe Mixon has had a great year and is a back that can make catches out of the back field and run the ball well in between the tackles. Josh Jacobs’ power running game showed up versus the Chargers. Can he carry it over into the post-season?

DEFENSE: EDGE BENGALS

Both teams have a defensive end that can change the momentum of the game. Mad Maxx Crosby for the Raiders and Trey Hendrickson for the Bengals. These are two guys that can kill the quarterback. Bengals defense is ranked in the middle of the pack of the NFL. While the Raiders defense is bottom tier as quarterbacks can pick that defense apart. The Bengals front can get pressure on the quarterback constantly as they have done all year.

I like the Bengals playing at home in cold weather. Raiders, coming from a warm climate, playing in the cold is going to make it very hard for a team like that to get an upset. Last week, Raiders won the game versus the Chargers to get in the playoffs. Raiders had problems getting off the field on defense on 4th down. Justin Herbert was converting big chunks of yardage on 4th down.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT BUFFALO BILLS

In the Rocky trilogy, this third match up of the Bills and Patriots would feature Rocky Balboa going up against Clubber Lane. Patriots won the very first match up of the year between the Bills and Patriots. In Buffalo, in a wind storm, as the Patriots ran the ball the entire game. Bills struck back in game two of this saga and won very convincingly at the Patriots place.

OFFENSE: EDGE BILLS

Let’s face the facts. The Bills have the better quarterback with Josh Allen over the rookie, Mac Jones. Allen has the experience in the playoffs the last two seasons which gives the Bills a big edge. I give the Patriots the edge in the running game with their committee of backs. Bills have all the play-makers in the receiving game. Bills had a few of their play-makers out in their last game versus the Patriots due to Covid reasons.

Other guys stepped up. Isiah McKenzie torched the Patriots secondary.

DEFENSE: EDGE BILLS

Patriots have the grand scheme of Bill Belichick. The Bills defense has been a top unit most of the year. The Bills have been stellar versus the pass. The running game as Belichick’s Patriots did the first game in Buffalo, ran it down the Bills throat. Bills stepped up their game versus the run of the Patriots in the rematch. I like the Bills’ chances of executing getting to the quarterback, and rattling the rookie Jones rather than the Patriots getting to Josh Allen.

Bills will shut down the Patriots run. Josh Allen does well in prime time games, so look for the Bills to kick the Patriots to the side of the road in this one. They’ll get the job done at home and move on to the next round.

OUR PICK: BILLS

SUNDAY GAMES

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Buccaneers met the Eagles on a Thursday night game earlier in the season, which Tampa Bay won. The Buccaneers built up a lead & the Eagles made a game out of it coming back, but ended it coming up short and eventually losing the game.

OFFENSE: EDGE BUCCANEERS

Tampa Tom. Tom Brady is all I should have to say when it comes to having the better offense. Eagles like to run the ball & it is what they do best. Buccaneers have a well-balanced offense and do both very well. Passing the ball is their strength. Buccaneers have had a slew of injuries over the last few weeks. Tampa Bay is expecting to get some of those guys back for the start of the post-season. Can Jalen Hurts beat the Buccaneers with only his arm?

DEFENSE: EDGE BUCCANEERS

Buccaneers are one of the top teams against the run. The Eagles defense looked very bad in the last week of regular season. The Cowboys used the Eagles defense like a whore house and did whatever they wanted to do without leaving cab fare at the end. The Buccaneer defense is chalked up filled with veteran guys who have seen it all. The Buccaneers defense have the playoff experience as it is the same unit basically from last season’s Superbowl run.

The Buccaneers will start the post-season at home. Buccaneers will stop the Eagles’ bread and butter, the running game. The Eagles will be the Buccaneers’ first victim in defending their Superbowl trophy from last year. I can see Tom Brady having an axe to grind versus a demon of his past, the Philly Special.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Old rivalry is renewed between the Cowboys and 49ers? Some epic games have been played between these teams over the years. Cowboys and 49ers did not play each other this season.

OFFENSE: EVEN

I know the Cowboys have a high-powered offense that can run and pass. The 49ers have a great running game. The 49ers seem like they have plenty of running backs that can do well in their system. Jimmy Garoppolo is no Dak Prescott, but he finds ways to win games. The passing game the Cowboys have is the advantage of all the play makers they have. Who do you cover? The 49ers have Deebo Samuel who is just a beast at the wide receiver position with 77 catches and 6 touch downs for over 1,400 yards this season.

DEFENSE: 49ERS

Cowboys defense has improved a lot from the 2020 team. Cowboys find ways to force turnovers. The 49ers defense is solid. The 49ers put the Rams offense on ice last week. The 49ers defense can get to the quarterback. The 49ers are one of the top teams in the leagues sacking the quarterback. Trevon Diggs, on the Cowboys defense, can change a game in an instant with interception. He’s one of the best ball hawks in the league this season.

I think the 49ers are one of the teams that nobody wants to face right now. I think the 49ers will control the clock with their running game, making time crucial for Dak Prescott. If Cowboys don’t blow out teams, they can struggle at times in close battles and Dak Prescott can make mistakes.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs blew the doors off the Steelers wagon in week 16. Chiefs are looking to get back to the Superbowl for their third straight season. For the Steelers, it’s all about Big Ben Roethlisberger’s last stand. Big Ben is looking to walk off into the sunset after this season. Steelers beat the Ravens last Sunday and hoped that the Raiders and Chargers would not tie just to get into the playoffs from the back door.

OFFENSE: EDGE CHIEFS

Patrick Mahomes is already a young superstar in this league. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal including the best tight end in the league, Travis Kelce. Let’s face the facts. Big Ben Roethlisberger’s arm looks like it’s going to fall off. Big Ben can’t throw the deep ball and has to rely on the short passing game and the running game. Chiefs have gotten their running game going when they want it or need it. Like an on-and-off switch for Andy Reid’s offense. Mahomes can also make plays with his legs.

DEFENSE: EDGE CHIEFS

Steelers have too many injuries on the defense side of the ball, which has been their MO this season. Can Steelers’, T.J Watt, wreck havoc and make the play or two to give his team the edge? Steelers have been having problems stopping the run. The Chiefs seem to always have that playoff defense switch that goes on in the post-season. Chiefs defense has not played well in the last few games. That defense switch did go on during the Chiefs’ winning streak during the season when people were starting to write off the Chiefs.

Chiefs at home is a tough contest to win for any opponent coming into Kansas City at this time of the year. This game will be closer this go-around. I think the Chiefs defense will find a way to stop the Steelers running game leaving Big Ben’s Roethlisberger arm to win the game. Steelers get off to slow starts. Chiefs get off to fast starts. Patrick Mahomes will keep the Chiefs ahead by ten points throughout the game. I think the Steelers are the weakest in the tournament.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT LA RAMS

This is the third battle of the year between the Cardinals and the Rams. The series this season has been split with each team winning on the road. This is the second match-up of the wild card weekend that has division rivals squaring off. This will be the first playoff game being played on Monday night.

OFFENSE: EVEN

Both offenses have been riding the struggle bus. Can another weapon in the passing game for Kyler Murray emerge for the Cardinals? Can Matthew Stafford win a playoff game? With DeAndre Hopkins out for the year, the Rams have the better receiving core with the dog, Odell Beckham Jr., and Cooper Kupp. If James Connor is healthy and able to play, it gives the Cardinals the better running games because he can catch the ball and be a duel threat for the Arizona offense. Kyle Murray can get big chunks of yardage with his legs as well.

DEFENSE: RAMS

Rams has a superstar cast on the defense. Can this Rams unit play well and be dominating on the field, not just paper? Will JJ Watt be able to play for the Cardinals? How much will Watt contribute on defense if he does play? Cardinals’ defense overall is limping into the playoff scene. Can the best defensive player in the league, Aaron Donald, step up his game to even a higher level?

The Cardinals have gone 1-4 down the stretch after a great start. It seems like whoever wins this game, can be a team that can find their way into the NFC Championship just getting that confidence from the victory. Rams have not really looked impressive over the last few weeks as well. Cardinals looked bad versus a bad Detroit team which is what stands out to me. The missing ingredient that has hurt the Cardinals is not having their number one guy, DeAndre Hopkins. AJ Green is this shell of his former self. This game will be all about the Rams defense playing well and acting cohesive as a unit, like they have done at times this year. It will be the key in this one.

OUR PICK:RAMS

Is Antonio Brown related to the character in Seinfeld, Joe Davola? Two Sundays ago was another episode for Antonio Brown that shows he is cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Once upon a time ago in a galaxy far far away, Brown was perhaps the best receiver in the NFL. Brown helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Superbowl last season. Brown would make it sound like he won the Superbowl single-handedly. Two weekends ago he was told to go into the game. The Buccaneers were losing to the Jets in the second half. Brown refused to go into the game with the explanation of an ankle injury he was bothered by. Brown played in the first half and caught three balls for 26 yards. Instead of electing to go sit on the bench & ask for a trainer to look at the ankle, he had a heated exchange of words from his head coach Antonio Brown. He then has a tantrum, a hissy fit, and takes his ball like a small child and goes home. Before he leaves the playground, he has to let everyone know poor Antonio Brown was not put on a pedestal and paraded out of the stadium because he had an owie on his ankle. Brown takes off his helmet and shoulder pads on the sideline. Then jogs down to the end zone & rips off his shirt while then throwing his gloves into the crowd of Jets fans with no shirt on. Then Brown proceeded to do jumping jacks. It was like watching an episode of Jerry Springer. Brown then heads to the locker room in a jog flashing the peace sign as this is another episode of his chilling bipolar tendencies displayed by the on-and-off disgruntled wide receiver.

This is not Antonio Brown’s first rodeo. Brown was asked by Big Ben Roethlisberger to ease off the social media back in his Pittsburgh days. Brown instead records the Steelers locker room celebration live streaming it through Facebook after a big win versus the Chiefs in 2017. The recording had head coach Mike Tomlin saying things that the team should only have heard, not the entire nation. More heated exchanges between Big Ben and Brown occurred. Then Brown wanted out and demanded a trade having three years left on his contract. The Steelers agree to trade him. Brown makes it tough on the organization that drafted him by saying he will not play for about a half dozen teams through the media. Finally Pittsburgh deals the head case to the Oakland Raiders. Jon Gruden was excited for the opportunity to have a big time receiver for his quarterback, Derek Carr. The NFL changed the helmet for safety reasons and Brown made a big deal on this topic as he liked the old style helmet. Brown then caught frostbite on his foot from a cryotherapy machine. Never played one play for the Raiders, as they released him. Then Brown would meet Tom Brady in New England, play in one game, and score a touchdown. Then Brown was cut because of old skeletons that came out of his closet. Women with beefs against the wide receiver who is too cool for school. That’s the kind of cloud he rides. A lawsuit surfaced from Brown’s former trainer with accusations of rape and sexual assault. Then other women said the same thing. Patriots had to let him go. Brown had to make them go away and paid them off. Brown then would find his way to Tampa Bay and reunite with Tom Brady and all the misfit Buccaneers.

Who is right in the situation that took place on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sideline two weekends ago? That’s the question after some of the dust has settled. Head Coach Bruce Arians or Antonio Brown? During half time, Antonio Brown was upset and wanted more targets. Other players in the locker room were able to calm him before the real storm that was going to take place minutes from then. Outbursts like this usually involve money. Bonus money. Brown needed 8 more catches to unlock a $333,333 bounty. Brown would have had week 18 as well to unlock these bonuses. Brown needed only 55 yards to unlock yet another $333,333 bounty. Then one more touchdown for the year again would unlock another $333,333 bounty. Did Bruce Arians think that Brown’s ankle injury was the receiver’s imagination? Brown did miss two practices leading up to the Jets game but was cleared to play that week. Brown said the Buccaneers pressured him to play even with the organization knowing he had bone fragments in his ankle. Brown said that Bruce Arians treated him like an animal telling him to get his rear on the field. Brown was sidelined before the last few games because he suspended by the NFL for using and having a fake Covid vaccination card he purchased during the Summer. This is a violation of the NFL Covid protocols. Arians was asked about the ankle injury and was not aware of the receiver having problems. After the Jets game, Arians would say Brown is no longer a Buc. Buccaneers would eventually cut Brown having had enough of his shenanigans. Brown continues to lash out and point the finger to Tom Brady, the Buccaneers trainer, and whoever else he thinks he can throw under the bus at this time. I think Antonio Brown has cried Wolf far too many times. Anybody credible would side with Bruce Arians on the situation just because Brown is a mental case and screwed up in the head. I think Brown’s days in the NFL are over. Thank the lord. I don’t think any team will bring this kind of drama to the locker room. Who else besides Tom Brady could keep this hot mess intact? I’m surprised Tom Brady kept the disgruntled receiver in check for last year’s Superbowl run. Some teams may kick the tires on Brown next year if they are in a pickle. To bring that to the locker room you have to be ready for the boiling point with the gas turned up all the way and the explosion is going to occur sooner rather than later. Maybe Brown finds himself in the XFL in 2023. Would be nice of some defender looking to move on from the XFL to the NFL just gave him a devastating hit knocking the ball out of his hands. Just to see who he would blame. Where do the Pittsburgh Steelers find these clowns from?