Thursday, January 11, 2007

Blogging the NFL – Divisional Play-Offs

Coaching Carousel
Some way some how Tom Coughlin survived this season as the New York Giants head coach despite finishing the season 2-7. In fact the Giants gave Coughlin a one year extension through 2008. Is this an example of blind faith?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly very close to hiring their next head coach. In fact rumors are flying that there will be an announcement as early as tomorrow. Longtime assistant Russ Grimm has been speculated to be the leading candidate.

Who hasn’t interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching position? No one can deny that Miami has done one of the most extensive searches of the off season. The number of interviewed candidates is up to 12 and the most recent big name to come up is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

The plan is to narrow the list down to five and then two before making an offer to anyone.

The Arizona Cardinals appear to be focusing in on Houston Texans assistant head coach Mike Sherman. They are bringing the former Packers head coach in for his second interview but are also supposedly waiting to see what the Pittsburgh Steelers do with Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt. I wouldn’t eliminate Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow from the equation yet either.

The Oakland Raiders are rumored to be interested in former offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.

Browns Moving to the West Coast?
Offensively speaking of course. Cleveland is hot on the trail of former Atkanta Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp who is a West Coast offensive guy.

Harrison Out Again for Pats
The New England Patriots will be out Rodney Harrison again this weekend when they travel to play against the San Diego Chargers. This will be the second consecutive play-off game the Patriots safety will miss with a sprained knee. At this point Harrison is looking like a very bad investment for New England.

Seattle has Jackson Back
Seattle will need to use every offensive weapon in their arsenal to upset the Chicago Bears and it appears they are close to getting there. Leading receiver Darrell Jackson has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game.

Divisional Play-Off Winners
Indianapolis at Baltimore – Ravens
Philadelphia at New Orleans – Saints
Seattle at Chicago – Bears
New England at San Diego – Chargers
If you are registered for the NFL Play-Offs Contest don’t forget to make your picks before kick-off of the Colts/Ravens Game on Saturday. You can make your picks here!