Up until this point in the offseason, the Carolina Panthers have conducted interviews with eleven potential candidates for the head coaching position. Among them, three candidates—Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, Ravens Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald, and Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson—have advanced to the conference championship weekend, still competing in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, two candidates, Texans Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales, were eliminated from the playoffs over the weekend. With their respective seasons now concluded, scheduling second interviews with them becomes more feasible this week. However, the focus remains on the three candidates who are still actively involved in playoff competition.
Examining the performance of each coaching candidate’s unit from this past week:
Lamar Jackson delivered undoubtedly the most impressive playoff performance of his career, amassing 252 yards of offense and securing four touchdowns—two through the air and two on the ground. Justice Hill contributed 66 rushing yards, while Gus Edwards and Dalvin Cook combined for an additional 63 on the ground. The team’s success in the running game allowed Baltimore to dominate time of possession, holding a commanding lead of over 15 minutes, equivalent to a full quarter.
Reviewing the performance of Mike Macdonald’s Ravens defense:
Despite not registering a single sack, which came as a surprise, Macdonald’s unit effectively controlled the passing game. CJ Stroud, the opposing quarterback, threw for only 175 yards. Compounded by the absence of a significant run game, the Houston offense struggled to find traction, ultimately facing substantial challenges throughout the game.
Analyzing the performance of Bobby Slowik’s Texans offense:
Following an impressive showing with nearly fifty points against Cleveland in the Wild Card round, the Texans were held to just ten points in the recent matchup. While C.J. Stroud made efforts, he faced challenges due to the limited support from the running game, which only managed 38 yards on 14 carries. The game was tightly contested, with a 17-10 score heading into the fourth quarter, but it quickly slipped out of control for the Texans.
Assessing the performance of Dave Canales’ Buccaneers offense:
While not flawless, the Buccaneers’ offense displayed resilience, staying competitive until the very end. Baker Mayfield completed 26 of 41 pass attempts for 349 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions, with the second interception serving as the decisive blow that sealed Tampa’s fate. Despite the challenges, the offense persevered, making a noteworthy effort throughout the game.
Evaluating the performance of Ben Johnson’s Lions offense:
In Detroit’s victory over Tampa, Ben Johnson orchestrated an effective game plan. The team maintained a balanced approach with Jared Goff throwing for 287 yards, complemented by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combining for 107 rushing yards. The Lions displayed proficiency in crucial situations, going 6 for 14 on third downs, converting on their sole fourth-down attempt, and achieving a 3 for 4 success rate in the red zone. Johnson’s play calling contributed to a well-executed offensive performance, leading to success in key facets of the game.
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