I thought of putting a ? in the thread title but there's no question about it in my mind.
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Coach of the year is a multi-horse race
Posted by Mike Florio on December 25, 2017

As the storm clouds gather for the coaches who won’t be coaches a week from now, the sun is eventually going to shine on one of the coaches whose teams outperformed preseason expectations.

Ultimately, preseason expectations drive everything. From high bars to low bars and every peg in between, coaches are judged based on what we generally expected their teams to do. When it comes to coach of the year, the question becomes which coach took his team the farthest beyond what anyone thought he would?

The candidates for 2017 include, in no particular order, the following men:

Doug Pederson, Eagles: From fourth place in the NFC East a year ago to, as soon as Monday night, the No. 1 seed in the conference. Who legitimately expected the Eagles to win the NFC East? Few did, and the team’s rise not just to the top of the division but the top of the NFC makes Pederson a prime candidate for the honor.

Mike Zimmer, Vikings: A disastrous 2016 had a here-we-go-again vibe early, with the mysterious post-Week One knee injury to quarterback Sam Bradford and the Week Four ACL tear suffered by talented rookie Dalvin Cook. A loss in that same game to the Lions dropped the Vikings to 2-2. Since then, they’ve gone 10-1. And Zimmer has done it in a season after having more than a half-dozen eye surgeries.

Doug Marrone, Jaguars: The pieces were generally there a year ago, but the performance definitely wasn’t. This year, an unlikely AFC South crown and a still-lingering shot at a bye justifies consideration for Marrone. Cutting against his candidacy is the lingering presence of, as defensive lineman Malik Jackson referred to him during Friday’s PFT Live, “Coach Coughlin.”

Bill Belichick, Patriots: Another year, another 12-win season. Another No. 1 seed. Another run looming for the Super Bowl. The greatest coach of all time deserves consideration for the annual honor, especially given the glaring evidence provided eight days ago, in a head to head game against the Steelers, about the value of a stubborn adherence to and respect for situational football. Even if he’s not the coach of the year, he’s the coach any team should want, in every year.

Asshole Face, Saints: Three straight years of 7-9 quickly has become a balanced offense and balanced roster that likely will win the division — and that could perform well on the road in the postseason. Payton deserves credit for resolving the Adrian Peterson situation and realizing that Alvin Kamara had the skills as a rookie to carry a significant workload.

Ron Rivera, Panthers: From managing Cam Newton‘s shoulder injury to finding a way to balance Newton as a runner and a thrower, Rivera has presided over a turnaround that has the Panthers still alive for a division title, and very much in the hunt for a Super Bowl appearance.

Sean McVay, Rams: Recent wins at Seattle and Tennessee have rocketed McVay to the top of the list for many, and for good reason. In his first year, McVay has taken a 4-12 roster and turned it into something special. The fact that he’s doing it at the age of 31 could be the tiebreaker for plenty of voters.

Pete Carroll, Seahawks: Racked by injuries and lingering roster weaknesses, Carroll nevertheless has his team in striking distance for a playoff berth. If they make it, he deserves to be at least mentioned.

John Harbaugh, Ravens: A litany of injuries and chronic offensive struggles made it hard to pile up wins early. But they kept chugging and overachieving and could end up with a playoff berth — to the dismay of teams like New England and Pittsburgh.

Others who merit mention in this article, albeit not their own blurb, are Steelers coach Mike Tomlin (the final moments of the Patriots loss killed his candidacy), Chiefs coach Andy Reid (the midseason swoon will keep voters from saying “Oh yeah!” to Big Red), Chargers coach Anthony Lynn (an 0-4 start kept many from noticing what came next), Falcons coach Dan Quinn (Atlanta hasn’t cratered after last year’s horrific Super Bowl defeat), and Bills coach Sean McDermott (he’s turned around the culture quickly, but the quarterback shuffle sent the season off the rails).

The hay won’t be fully in the barn until next Sunday. How the final six seeds play out in each conference will be a major factor regarding how these coaches end up getting recognized the night before the Super Bowl as the best coach of the year. And they all hope that they’ll be unable to attend the ceremony in person.

Who's the coach of the year?

Sean McVay. 35.53% (549 votes)

Mike Zimmer. 25.89% (400 votes)

Doug Pederson. 18.25% (282 votes)

Bill Belichick. 12.88% (199 votes)

Doug Marrone. 4.27% (66 votes)

Asshole Face. 3.17% (49 votes)

Total Votes: 1,545

IF Sammy leaves, I guess I am ok. I mean, he had had all season to prove he is a #1--and mostly likely didnt prove that; though I may be wrong....and, I still want him back!.But, I just don’t see it with the economics and what he will want….but, if we get him at $10 mill, it may be worth it considering the 8 TDs, and the fact that maybe we don’t beat the 49ers, or Dallas, and there are a handful of other games where we go nowhere with Reynolds or M Thomas in his place.

Without Sammy, I believe our entire offense would look different.
He keeps the best corner and safeties distracted, and that is very valuable.

So, even at a 1 year rental of a 2nd rounder I am ok. He is indispensable to this 2017 Ram team. 2018, wellmaybe M. Thomas or Reynolds step up….Reynolds ( I don’t think so) but Thomas has some skills, and looks like a gamer…which I think Sammy is too.

I know we talk a lot about this Sammy thing....but, maybe we don't even beat the TItans without his sweet 3 yard catch for a TD.....and that 3rd down against Dallas that let us get that last FG....who else catches that one.

I was really surprised, AND PROUD of McVay for saying he didn't call the timeout, and allowing for the fact that maybe the Titants would have the ball.

THough the Titans were offside, it looks llike the refs may have missed that,and hten gave the Rams another chance by saying the ball wasn't set. THE FG says the ball was set by the ref....whatever, it looks ike the Rams have favor---not like all 11+ win teams don't, right. [see the Saints game yesterday]

My kids gave me the gift of themselves.
They'll be showing up later today from Florida for a visit.

My wife gave me this!

According to NFL rules; you have to release a player that is put on injured reserve with the same injury in the same year.

Other NFL teams are saying that Aaron Rodgers should be released because Green Bay violated that rule.

Source; Yahoo.

Merry Christmas Green Bay fans.

The usual notes apply, that said enjoy boys and girls.

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It was so weird that GZ injured his back so bad that he needed emergency season ending back surgery for a herniated disk. I’ve thankfully never injured my back but couldn’t he have just taken 2 or 3 weeks rest and see if it settled down on its own? I’ve heard from people that sometimes you are never the same after having back surgery. Don’t know how that would affect a kicker like GZ. Hopefully he’s strong for next season! I’m just surprised the Rams team physicians and GZ didn’t wait longer after his back flared up from sleeping funny on it.

28 TD, 7 INT, 8.0 YPA, 3804 passing yards through 15 games

I love the Gurley for MVP talk, but just giving Goff his share of love. None of us expected him to be this good so early.

Saw a ton of my Ram brothers in Tennessee, looked like close to half the crowd was Ram fans. Great win for Christmas.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/nfl-playoff-picture-standings-matchups-scenarios

NFL Playoff Picture: Standings, Matchups, Tiebreakers After Sunday of Week 16
By DANIEL RAPAPORT

As the NFL regular season nears the finish line, the playoff picture is starting to crystallize. In some divisions—like the AFC East, which the Patriots have clinched for the ninth straight time—it's been business as usual, but the Rams and Jaguars have both come back from years of futility to clinch their respective divisions.

Seven out of the eight division titles have been decided, with just the NFC South still up for grabs between the Saints and Panthers. But the Wild Card spots, particularly in the AFC, are still up for grabs with a number of scenarios still in play. We're here to help you sort through the complex bracketology and simplify each team's path to the postseason.

Before we get to the current playoff picture, let's review the qualification rules, which are the same for both the AFC and the NFC.

• The winners of each division—the North, South, East and West—qualify for the playoffs and earn the top four seeds. The team with the best record earns the No. 1 seed, the second-best earns the No. 2 seed, etc. If a team wins its division with a 7-9 record while another team qualifies as a Wild Card with an 11-5 record, the division winner will be seeded higher.

• The two teams with the best record that do not win their division qualify in the Wild Card spots, seeded fifth and sixth.

• If two teams in the same division finish with the same record, the first tiebreaker is their head-to-head record. If the teams split the two games played against each other, the next tiebreaker is the teams' record against teams within the division. If the in-division records are the same, the next tiebreaker is the teams' records in games against common opponents. If that too is is the same, the fourth tiebreaker is the teams' record against teams within the conference.

• If two teams in different divisions finish with the same record, the first tiebreaker is the head-to-head matchup, if applicable. If the teams did not play each other, the next tiebreaker is the teams' record within the conference. If that too is the same, the third tiebreaker is the teams' record against common opponents.

• The top two teams in each conference receive first-round byes. Each conference's No. 3 seed hosts the No. 6 seed, while the No. 4 seed hosts the No. 5 seed in the Wild Card Round.

• In every playoff game, the higher seed hosts the lower seed.

• After the Wild Card round comes the Divisional Round, during which the top seed in each conference plays the lowest remaining seed, while the No. 2 seed plays the higher-seeded team. There is no bracket as there is the NBA playoffs; matchups in the Divisional Round depend on the winners in the Wild Card round.

Now that the clerical stuff is out of the way, let's get to the playoff picture.

Note: (x) = clinched playoff berth | = clinched division title | (z) = clinched first-round bye | (*) = clinched number one seed

AFC

Current Wild Card matchups

6. Titans at 3. Jaguars, 5. Ravens at 4. Chiefs.

1. Patriots, 2. Steelers have byes, will host Divisional Round games.

Seeding breakdown:

1. xy-New England Patriots (12-3 | DIV: 4-1 | AFC: 9-2 | first place in AFC East)

Remaining games: vs. Jets

The Bills hung around early thanks to an uncharacteristic pick-six thrown by Tom Brady, but the Patriots eventually found their groove offensively and blew out the Bills 37-16. With just a home game against the Jets remaining on the schedule, the Patriots are in terrific shape to clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

It appears that, once again, all AFC roads lead to Foxborough. If Jacksonville loses at San Francisco, the Patriots will clinch a first-round bye, and a Pittsburgh loss in Houston would guarantee the Pats home-field advantage before the final week of the season.

2. xy-Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3 | DIV: 5-0 | AFC: 8-2 | first place in AFC North)

Remaining games: at Texans, vs. Browns

Last week's brutal loss at home to New England, which was sealed by tight end Jesse James' touchdown-that-wasn't, means that the Steelers will more than likely have to settle for the number two overall seed in the AFC. Pittsburgh has clinched the AFC North and are a perfect 5-0 in the division, but they'll need the to win out and hope the Jets pull off a miracle in New England in order to get home-field advantage. Pittsburgh can clinch a first-round bye with a Jaguars loss to the 49ers.


3. xy-Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5 | DIV: 4-1 | AFC: 9-2 | first place in AFC South)

Remaining games: at Titans

Tennessee's loss to the Rams clinched the NFC South for the Jaguars, but the Jaguars will not be happy with their loss to the Niners on Sunday. The loss means Jacksonville cannot get a first-round bye, as the Jags are now two games behind both the Patriots and Steelers with only one game remaining. Jacksonville is now locked into the three seed—they have a better AFC record than the Chiefs—so the only incentive now in Week 17's matchup with the Titans is to knock their division rivals out of playoff contention.

4. xy-Kansas City Chiefs (9-6 | DIV: 4-1 | AFC: 7-4 | first place AFC West)

Remaining games: at Broncos

When Kansas City had lost five in a row to drop to 6-6, the season that once looked so promising appeared to be slipping away. But the Chiefs deserve credit for righting the ship and putting together three straight wins, including a crucial one over the Chargers, to clinch the AFC West and return to the postseason. Kansas City is now locked into the fourth seed, but this team once again appears dangerous after managing to escape a miserable middle of the season.

5. Baltimore Ravens (9-6 | DIV: 3-2 | AFC: 7-4 | second place AFC North)

Remaining games: vs. Bengals

It wasn't pretty, but the Ravens managed to take care of business at home to beat the Colts. That win gets Joe Flacco & Co. on the brink of the postseason—all the Ravens need to do is beat the Bengals at home next week and they'll clinch a playoff berth. And even if they do lose, losses by the Bills and Titans mean the Ravens will get in if either of those teams lose next week. The defense is playing solid, and we all know what Flacco is capable of in the playoffs, so this is a team that no contender wants to see come January.

6. Tennessee Titans (8-7 | DIV: 4-1 | AFC: 7-4 | second place in AFC South)

Remaining games: vs. Jaguars

Tennessee is trending in the wrong direction by losing three in a row, but the Titans still control their own destiny because they have a better AFC record than the Bills or Chargers. They'll get into the playoffs with a win, but that won't come easy against a Jaguars team that's still fighting for seeding. Tennessee can also back in with a loss if the Bills and Chargers also lose, but no team wants to enter the playoffs on the heels of a four-game losing streak.

Outside looking in

7. Buffalo Bills (8-7 | DIV: 2-3 | AFC: 6-5 | second place in AFC East)

Remaining games: at Dolphins

Buffalo couldn't realistically have expected to get a win in New England, but Tennesee's loss means the Bills have a good chance of getting to the postseason. That's because the Titans still have to play at the Jaguars, while the Bills have a winnable game against a Dolphins team that was eliminated by losing to the Chiefs. Sean McDermott's team still has everything to play for.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7 | DIV: 2-3 | AFC: 5-6)

Remaining games: vs. Raiders

The Chargers will think about last week's loss to the Chiefs for a long time. Had they won that game, they'd have taken control of the AFC West, but the loss puts Los Angeles behind the 8 ball. Because the Chargers have such a bad AFC record, the Chargers need to beat the Raiders and have Titans lose next week, but San Diego does have the edge over the Bills by crushing them when Nathan Peterman started at QB.

9. Oakland Raiders (6-8 | DIV: 2-3 | AFC: 5-6)

Remaining games: at Eagles, at Chargers

The Raiders need to win out and have the Titans and Bills lose in Week 17. Not impossible, but not likely given that Oakland's final two games come in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Mathematically eliminated

10. Miami Dolphins (6-9) | 12. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) | 11. New York Jets (5-9) | 13. Denver Broncos (5-10) | 14. Houston Texans (4-10) | 15. Indianapolis Colts (3-12) | 16. Cleveland Browns (0-15)

NFC

Current Wild Card Round matchups

6. Falcons at 3. Rams, 5. Panthers at 4. Saints.

1. Eagles, 2. Vikings have byes, will host Divisional Round games.

Seeding breakdown

1. xyz-Philadelphia Eagles (12-2 | DIV: 5-0 | NFC: 10-1 | first place in NFC East)

Remaining games: vs. Raiders, vs. Cowboys

In his first game as Carson Wentz's replacement Nick Foles went 24-for-38 for 237 yards and four touchdowns as the Eagles became the first team in the NFL to lock up a first-round bye. The Vikings are still right on their heels, but Philadelphia now needs only one win or one Minnesota loss to clinch the top seed in the NFC. The defense looked a little shaky giving up 29 points to the Giants, but a late stand in the red zone showed that the unit can step up at the most important times to help secure a victory.

2. xy-Minnesota Vikings (12-3 | DIV: 4-1 | NFC: 9-2 | first place in NFC North)

Remaining games: at Packers, vs. Bears

Minnesota got a victory at frigid Lambeau Field—never an easy feat—to get within one win of securing a first-round bye. The Vikings are now huge fans of the Raiders and Cowboys, because if Minnesota beats the Bears and either of those two teams beat the Nick Foles-led Eagles, Minnesota will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That'd put them just two home wins away from becoming the first team in NFL history to play a home Super Bowl—all with Case Keenum at quarterback. Who'd have thunk.

3. xy-Los Angeles Rams (11-4 | DIV: 4-1 | NFC: 7-4 | first place in NFC West)

Remaining games: at Titans, vs. 49ers

Thanks to another other worldly performance from Todd Gurley, the Rams clinched their first NFC West title since 2003. First-year head coach Sean McVay has to be the favorite for coach of the year, as he's turned around a moribund offense into one of the league's most dynamic units. Los Angeles cannot pass the Vikings and get a first-round bye because they lost to Minnesota this year, so even if the Vikings lose and the Rams win (and both teams finish with four losses), Minnesota would get the edge.

4. x-New Orleans Saints (11-4 | DIV: 4-1 | NFC: 8-3 | first place in NFC South)

Remaining games: at Buccaneers

New Orleans avenged a Week 15 loss to the Falcons on Sunday by controlling the game from start to finish. Carolina's victory means the Saints still probably need to win next week in order to clinch the NFC South,

5. x-Carolina Panthers (11-4 | DIV: 3-2 | NFC: 7-4 | second place in NFC South)

Remaining schedule: at Falcons

Carolina sputtered for three-and-a-half quarters, but the defense got a stop when it needed it most and Cam Newton led his first game-winning drive in two seasons to clinch a playoff berth. Carolina still has a chance to win the division with a win in Atlanta and a New Orleans loss at the Bucs, but the Panthers are facing a Falcons team that needs a victory to get into the playoffs. That game should be one of Week 17's best matchups. Carolina can finish no worse than fifth in the NFC.

6. Atlanta Falcons (9-6 | DIV: 3-2 | NFC: 8-3 | third place in NFC South)

Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers

Whether it was a Super Bowl hangover or just plain old mediocre football, the Falcons stumbled to a 4-4 start before getting themselves back into playoff contention. It's been an up-and-down season for Dan Quinn's squad, but entering Week 17 their situation is clear as day: Win and in. If the Falcons beats the Panthers, they'll be the third NFC South team to reach the playoffs, but should they lose, they'll need the Lions and Seahawks to follow suit to avoid missing the playoffs the season after reaching the Super Bowl.

Outside looking in

7. Seattle Seahawks (8-6 | DIV: 4-1 | NFC: 6-4 | second place in NFC West)

Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals

Seattle became the first team since 1966 to win with more penalty yards than total offensive yards. But a win is a win, and it kept Seattle in playoff contention while knocking Dallas out. Now Seattle needs to beat the Cardinals at home and hope the Falcons lose at home to the Panthers. If both those scenarios play out, Seattle will get to the postseason for the sixth consecutive season.

Mathematically eliminated

8. Dallas Cowboys (8-7) | 9. Detroit Lions (8-7) | 10. Green Bay Packers (7-8) | 11. Washington Redskins (7-8) | 12. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) | 13. San Francisco 49ers (5-10) | 14. Chicago Bears (5-10) | 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) | 16. New York Giants (2-13)

Can somebody explain to me why Donald's FF did not go down as a sack or TFL? Are they suggesting Mariotta just dropped the football???

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all our Rams brothers & sisters ...


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That called TG a cheetah?

Great nickname. So all you SoCal Rams fans.

Get your Cheetos ready. Bring em by the bag full and let it rain!

Cooper Kupp LA WR 62 869 14.0 57.9 64 5

I said I'd wear a Brady jersey and post the pic if Kupp didn't get 50 catches for 800 yards and a couple of TDs.

He's at 62 catches for 869 (I think those are updated numbers) and 5 TDs so I won't have to stock up on the Epipens due to the sure anaphylactic shock I'd get after putting on a Brady jersey.

We have ourselves a stud young receiver and while I'm glad I put my faith in him having huge numbers, I'm even more glad he came through!!!

Great win today and here's to Kupp being a stud WR for the Rams for a long time!!!

Rams LG Rodger Saffold exited the game early with a rib injury, but Sean McVay said, "I think he's OK." Saffold was in good spirits and seemed fine postgame. ILB Mark Barron, a surprising inactive, has some soreness in his Achilles and has had a multitude of other ailments this season. "We'll have some updates on that moving forward," McVay said. Doesn't sound good.

Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer

Even though he has been our enemy- I have to give this guy so much credit. I don't think you can name a better all around pro in last 20 years besides him. It is so refreshing to watch him make a big play and hand the ball the to ref instead of some forced pre planned dance. He is a pros pro. Always worked hard, always produced even with bad teams= and a great player off field. Sometimes you have to give credit where it is due. I truly respect that guy.

or do they panic and bring a couple more in next week and take a look

He has a real shot and if it wouldn't be for all the Brady lovers he would be a sure thing.

The moment we've all been waiting for.

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With the division locked up what do you do with the starters. I’m a big believer of going into the playoff Strong but you always have to be worried about injuries in a meaningless game. So what to do??

Just a little under 2100 yards from scrimmage, 19 TD's, close to a yard and a half more per carry, and 4 YPC over last year. And oh yeah he's a threat to go all the way from anywhere on the field via the pass or the run.

What a difference a year makes!!! It's like a different player is emerging.

Such a contrast from 2016. Last year when he called the offense "middle school" he nailed it. Now with a play designer/caller like McVay and Gurley's VERY much expanded role in the passing game he is almost in a Faulk type role.

McVay has lined him up in the slot and out wide like Martz used to do with Faulk.

Different players, different styles, and Faulk has a complete career and resume and the Gold Jacket under his belt while this is just Gurley's third year.

But WOW he has turned into that kind of a weapon to deploy.

He is the team's MVP this year for sure too. If I was TG13 I'd give McVay a new Mercedes for Christmas. And would expect him to give me one in return HAHAHAHAHA!!!

This is delicious.

Detroit lost - eliminated
Atlanta - lost if they won out then we lost out they would be 10-6 and us 10-6... I think we have a better record against common opponents (they lost to the Saints twice)

Just curious to confirm... because curious...

Meet the new NFC West Champion Los Angeles Rams!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rockon::banana::rockon::banana: