Not the Same Old Cowboys

This year feels different in Dallas as they have found a winning formula on both sides of the ball. On defense, they are tied for second in takeaways with 21 on the year. Led by rising star DaRon Bland who leads the league with 8 interceptions and a league-high 5 pick sixes, the Cowboys defense is allowing just 17.9 points per game.

On offense it’s all about Dak Prescott and he is thriving with head coach Mike McCarthy now calling the plays. Many including myself questioned why the Cowboys would let Kellen Moore walk this past offseason. It’s safe to say that gamble paid off as Prescott looks much more comfortable this year.

Last season Prescott led the league in interceptions with 15 in just 12 games. This year he only has 6 in 13 games and more importantly, he’s cut down on the number of bad throws. In 2022 his percentage of poor throws was 17.3% and this year it’s down to just 11%. McCarthy has emphasized to not force the deep shots if they’re not there and instead check down to the higher percentage throw.

The Road Ahead

The next two weeks will go a long way in not only deciding the MVP race but also the top seed in the NFC. Dallas has back-to-back road games at @Buffalo and @Miami on deck. If they want to show the world they are for real they will need to win at least one of these games and look competitive in both. The biggest knock on the previous Cowboys teams was their inability to win road playoff games. Now is their chance to show they are a legit contender as the next 2 games will have playoff-like atmospheres.

NFL MVP Odds

As you can see above, Prescott currently leads the odds for NFL MVP with Brock Purdy not far behind. It certainly seems like a two-man race but don’t discount Tua Tagovailoa yet. If Tua and the Dolphins can continue their winning ways and take down the Cowboys in Miami things could get really interesting.

The post Is Dak Prescott the Frontrunner for MVP? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Revisiting the previous season, a total of five coaches got the axe. Kliff Kingsbury, Lovie Smith, Matt Rhule, Frank Reich and Nathaniel Hackett are all out. Of the five that were let go, only Frank Reich landed another NFL Head Coaching position as he signed on with the Carolina Panthers. You can expect around the same number to be fired next year if not more. NFL teams are hiring and firing coaches more quickly now (see Hackett).

With that said we picked five coaches that are currently on the hot seat for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on these coaches as it will be important for all of them to start fast when the season starts.

Robert Saleh – New York Jets

Robert Saleh very well could’ve been fired following the 2022-2023 season. The Jets spiraled out of the NFL playoff picture losing their last 6 games. Despite having a stellar NFL Draft, they lacked a true offensive identity and finished near the bottom in total points (296).

In steps Aaron Rodgers to try and revitalize the Jets franchise. Rodgers brought with him some old friends in Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. He also has Nathaniel Hackett running the offense as the two former Packers team up again. The expectations are now sky-high and if the Jets start off the season slow it may be Saleh that pays the price.

Kevin Stefanski – Cleveland Browns

Kevin Stefanski had a dream debut season for Cleveland. The Browns finished that season with an 11-5 record and made the playoffs. In their Wild Card matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offense was unstoppable and they put up a whopping 48 points. It seemed as if Stefanski and Baker Mayfield were the perfect match. Since then things haven’t gone as planned. Mayfield is no longer with the Browns and Deshaun Watson was brought in on a massive contract.

Cleveland is now predicted to finish last in the AFC North next season. Stefanski will need a strong season from Watson and the offense as a whole to keep his job.

Mike McCarthy – Dallas Cowboys

If this were any other team in the NFL Mike McCarthy would be safe. The Cowboys finished last season with a 12-5 record and a playoff win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet there is a sense of urgency that Dallas needs to produce better postseason results.

They since have let go of their promising offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. McCarthy has taken over the play-calling duties and with that is more added pressure. If the Cowboys don’t make the playoffs or fail to advance in the postseason, Jerry Jones may lose his patience.

Matt LaFleur – Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have officially entered the Jordan Love era. Whether it’s fair or not, Matt LaFleur’s future depends on how well Love progresses. Aaron Rodgers leaving could be a blessing in disguise for the Packers franchise. It could also end up being the start of a stretch where Green Bay is no longer relevant and they are back in the quarterback market next year. Regardless, the microscope will be on LaFleur as he enters the upcoming season.

Ron Rivera – Washington Commanders

It’s already been an unusual offseason for Head Coach Ron Rivera. The Washington Commanders are finally getting rid of their hated owner Dan Snyder. This alone has caused a new level of optimism around the franchise. They also brought in Eric Bieniemy as Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. With that, there is a bit of strange dynamic while they wait for future owner Josh Harris to take over.

Will Rivera be safe until next year? No one really knows but don’t discount the Bieniemy effect. Early reports from Commanders OTA’s are saying Rivera has delegated many duties to Bieniemy. It’s plausible that Bieniemy has been tabbed the Head Coach in waiting. This situation is worth keeping an eye on as we get into training camp.

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By: Jake Rajala

The bold and creative genius Sean Payton announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down as the New Orleans Saints head coach after 15 seasons. Payton elaborated in his infamous retirement press conference that he doesn’t know what’s next, but he still has a vision for doing things in football. It was a very emotional moment for Who Dat nation, Payton, and the whole NFL world.

The legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees retired the last offseason and then made a switch to being a sports commentator for NBC. The former Saints HC could reunite with his former QB as a football analyst. Payton stated “I talked to Drew Brees about it a little bit last night” in the course of his retirement address. It would be poetic if Brees and Payton took another big stage together, but it’s unclear if we should expect the marriage to come to fruition in 2022.

As for the Saints head coaching seat, it’s ambiguous which lead face will replace Payton. According to Ian Rapport, the Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is the favorite to land the Saints head coaching gig. Nonetheless, the Saints will have a massive question mark at head coach and it’s well known that it will be a challenge for any coach to replace Payton’s gifted coaching ability. With that said, I’m going to outline several coaches that would be the best choice to replace the “retired Sean Payton”.

1. Eric Bieniemy – Kansas City Chiefs – Offensive Coordinator

I’m a huge fan of the Saints and Mickey Loomis inking an offensive-minded coach to replace the gritty offensive-minded Payton. The Chiefs offense looks like it’s programmed by the same team that controls “Zeus from Real Steel”. The Chiefs offensive design is simply the best in the NFL.

Bienemy took over as the Chiefs OC in 2018. In the past four seasons, Bieniemy’s offense has ranked Top 5 in points three times and Top 5 in yards three times. The Patrick Mahomes featured offensive ranked third in YPC in 2021 and it has ranked first in YPG in the 2022 playoffs thus far.

The Saints may need all the help they can get on the offensive side of the ball, as well. The QB situation is very murky and it would be a nightmare if the HC – QB combination isn’t positive in training camp. The Saints would ideally have a better chance of obtaining a talented QB via trade if they have a bright offensive mind like Bieniemy at HC, too.

A fun aspect of recruiting Bieniemy is that the Chiefs OC is actually from New Orleans, Louisiana. It may be time for him to come home. If the Saints sign Bieniemy to the HC position, the Saints might be able to still retain Dennis Allen for another season at least.

2. Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints – Defensive Coordinator

It may be a tad boring if the Saints promote Dennis Allen to the head coaching role, but it would be a smart decision. Allen has a nice grasp of the culture in the Big Easy and he knows the right buttons for the Saints defense to click.

The Saints DC has been a titan-like coordinator in his time in NOLA. The Saints defense has ranked Top 5 in points allowed in each of the last two seasons. His defensive unit also carries a tremendous amount of chemistry and pride, as the unit has been strongly intact over the previous few seasons.

Allen had a head coaching stint before, but he was placed in a near mission impossible-like situation. He was once the youngest head coach in the NFL with the Raiders and he was awarded Terrelle Pryor at QB for half the duration of his tenure (two and a 1/4 seasons). It’s a bit understandable why Allen flamed out of the “Black Hole” and went to return to his roots in New Orleans (a Saints DB coach in 2009) to improve his skillset.

If the Saints offense can’t lift off in 2022 and the defense takes a step back without Allen, the 2022 season could be a bigger challenge than the 2021 season. So, the signing of Allen could be safe and beneficial to the success of the defense.

The “Goat of all coaches” Bill Belichick failed early on as a head coach just like Allen. The defensive guru Allen could have a stronger and more passionate comeback in a second potential head coaching gig.

3. Kellen Moore – Offensive Coordinator – Dallas Cowboys

The young Dallas Cowboys wizard would be a sharp addition, who carries unlimited potential. The 33-year-old Kellen Moore has been very elite as the Cowboys OC and it’s clear with the production under Moore.

In the past two seasons, the Cowboys have been the most explosive offense with Dak Prescott. In 2021, the Cowboys offense ranked first in YPG and PPG with a healthy Dak. Moore could incorporate passing schemes that would help the likes of Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas succeed deep down the field.

If Moores is the replacement for Payton, he could also help recruit talent from Dallas like WR Michael Gallup, DE Demarcus Lawrence, and potentially even QB Dak Prescott.

4. Aaron Glenn – Detroit Lions – Defensive Coordinator

Aaron Glenn was a superb defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints from 2016 until 2020. Glenn notably helped Marshon Lattimore win defensive rookie of the year and the Saints hold a Top 5 pass defense in 2020. That helped him earn a job as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2021. Glenn notably helped his squad unravel huge upsets against the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers.

Glenn’s familiarity with the Saints elite defense is very important and that will be a huge reason why he’s a key competitor for the HC gig. Per Ian Rappaport, the Saints are set to interview Dennis Allen and Aaron Glenn for the head coaching gig.

5. Jim Harbaugh – University of Michigan – head coach

The former 49ers and Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed his interest in returning to coaching professional football. The Michigan coach posted an incredible 12-2 record with a victory over Ohio State. Harbaugh is a smart fellow and he’s not scared to go against the status quo. It may seem like Chicago would be an ideal fit, but the opening with the Saints has to be dreamy for Harbaugh.

If Harbaugh went to the Saints and he was able to have Jameis Winston, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas, he would surely put up at least a Top 10 offense next season. The Saints could really be a playoff contender with Harbaugh leading the charge, regardless of the starting QB. A QB like Russell Wilson may be fascinated by the brainy Michigan coach touching down in the Big Easy even.

6. Pete Carmichael – New Orleans Saints – offensive coordinator

Dennis Allen may be in charge of a sexy defense, but the introverted Pete Carmichael has been one of the best offensive coordinators and offensive assistants for a very long time. Carmichael may not have been calling the shots for the Saints offense, but he’s one of the most knowledgable offensive minds in the league.

Carmichael will have the perfect feel for the Saints scheme with the screens, play-action passes, and adjustments. Carmichael may even be less aggressive than Payton in key moments, which could be beneficial at times. He should remain the OC regardless of the HC role, but he could have solid control of the offense if an offensive-minded figure doesn’t take over HC duties. If Carmichael gets the gig, he would have a strong influence on a successful culture, as well. Carmichael could be third in line to get an interview after Allen and Glenn.

7. Joe Lombardi – Los Angeles Chargers – Offensive Coordinator

The Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been a quality apprentice under Sean Payton in New Orleans. Lombardi was the Saints QB coach from 2009 until 2013 and then the Saints QB coach from 2016 until 2020. Lombardi knows the Saints playbook in his sleep.

In 2021, the Chargers offense excelled under Lombardi, as well. The Chargers offense ranked fourth in YPG on offense and fifth in PPG scored. Justin Herbert was a flat out monster with 5,014 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The grandson to Vince Lombardi would make a ton of sense if the Saints don’t see the right fit with Allen, Glenn, or other talented candidates.

The post Sean Payton retires: ranking the seven candidates to replace Payton appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Menachem Ickovitz

To say the 2021 season has been tumultuous for the Las Vegas Raiders is an understatement. From Jon Gruden’s resignation to receiver Henry Ruggs’ DUI resulting in death, there have been plenty of bad headlines coming out of Las Vegas.

While interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia has stabilized some of the issues, it is likely that Owner Mark Davis and GM Mike Mayock will be looking to clean the house from the “Gruden guys” and start the search for a new head coach.

The Raiders have some pieces in place that could make the head coaching job appealing to many. Quarterback Derek Carr has thrown for over 4,000 yards for the 4^th consecutive season. Tight end Darren Waller, while currently injured, has been a bright spot over the past few seasons and their defense played well against the Cleveland Browns in Monday’s game.

Whenever an article comes out about a team’s options for a new head coach the same group of names gets bandied about. The truth is it’s important to look at a team’s hiring history. The Raiders often hire coaches who have head coaching experience and have historically been at the forefront of minority hiring. They have also have given up-and-comers opportunities.

Todd Bowles

Bowles is currently the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and if he’s interested in being a head coach again, he would be a great fit for the Raiders. Bowles has won a Super Bowl as a player, an executive with the Green Bay Packers in the mid-’90s and as an assistant to the Buccaneers last season.

He is smart and disciplined; something the Raiders would like in a new head coach. Also, with pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, Bowles’ aggressive playstyle will fit perfectly.

While his first stint as a head coach ended with a 26 ”“ 41 record with the New York Jets, this Raiders team has a lot more talent than those Jets teams did.

Doug Pederson

Doug Pederson was most recently the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He compiled a regular-season record of 42 ”“ 37 ”“ 1 and won Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. Prior to being named head coach of the Eagles, he was an assistant to Andy Reid in both Philadelphia and Kansas City.

Much like Mike McCarthy did a few seasons back; Pederson has taken the year away from the game. This not only makes Pederson a coach that teams will want, but it also doesn’t tie him to how a team is currently doing. For example, Jason Garrett will not be amongst the potential head coaches this off-season because he was fired by the New York Giants midseason. Pederson doesn’t have to deal with explaining a bad showing by his team, as he has no team to worry about. Just as Mike McCarthy’s past faded away.

He has gotten the best out of quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, so he should do well with Derek Carr. Also, Pederson offenses always highlight the tight end, which is great for Darren Waller.

Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore is one of the hot young names on the coaching market. He is currently the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. In just four seasons as an assistant coach, third as OC, Moore has already positioned himself as a quality head coach candidate.

His ability to bring out the best offensively from his quarterback will be very appealing to the Raiders and Derek Carr. He will also get more out of the running game and Josh Jacobs than the Raiders currently are getting from that position.

The biggest question mark about Kellen Moore is who he can fill his staff with. He has only coached for four years and only with the Dallas Cowboys. While he has been under two different head coaches, he might not have the infrastructure that other potential coaches might have.

The post Three head coaching options for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.