The Team NFL Legend Says Can "Make Some Noise" in The Playoffs | Mailbag
Plus, Updates on Potential Coaching Changes, Dysfunctional Franchises, More!
Two more game days and five or so games with any significance are all that remain before the NFL Playoffs kick off in earnest.
In the AFC, three teams are vying for the last remaining spot, with the Denver Broncos the only squad in control of their destiny for the No. 7 seed on that side of the bracket. Carson Wentz and the Kansas City Chiefs ' practice squad are all that’s keeping Bo Nix and Co. from postseason glory.
Meanwhile, in the NFC, the regular season is capped by a divisional championship game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings for the No. 1 seed, while the Buccaneers are in with a win to clinch the NFC South. Still, if Tampa falters and the Falcons get a whole lot of help, Atlanta could sneak into the playoffs.
The jockeying for playoff positioning is taking center stage, but Black Monday looms large as do the decisions that will shape the future trajectories of the franchises long since eliminated from postseason positioning.
Inside this week’s Football Friday Mailbag, we tackle the biggest questions facing those still alive in their quest for the Lombardi as well as the futures of some of those franchises enviously looking on while staring down various stages of a rebuild.
Let’s get to your questions, especially those on the playoff teams no one wants to face, Dolphins’ coaching future, the Eagles’ postseason path, and much more!
How far will the Commanders go in the Playoffs? ( on Substack)
Jayden Daniels is transforming into a superstar before our eyes.
Over the past three games, Daniels has thrown 10 touchdown passes to just three interceptions and surpassed a 99 passer rating in each of those outings while adding 274 rushing yards over that span.
There is little doubt that Daniels is in the ideal situation to both continue to develop in an offense that caters to his best traits giving him the chance to elevate the franchise.
In particular, Daniels’ touchdown pass into a tight window to tight end Zach Ertz in a got-to-have-it moment Sunday night against Atlanta underscored his ability to deliver in the clutch.
Meanwhile, Daniels is far from the only reason Washington should be optimistic about their impending playoff appearance.
In addition to head coach Dan Quinn having big-time experience after guiding the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl berth in 2018, the Commanders’ roster is littered with veteran talent that isn’t likely to be overcome by the moment or a postseason opponent.
After all, six Commanders veterans have Super Bowl rings on their fingers, including Ertz offensive linemen Nick Allegretti, and Andrew Wylie on offense who share a huddle and offensive team-meeting room with Washington’s wunderkind quarterback.
Legendary former Washington running back Brian Mitchell tells me he’s optimistic about the Commanders’ chances in Daniels’ maiden voyage into the playoffs.
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