Benster and D Pick Your Games-------Bears 4th Quarter Magic Strikes Again? Edition

Well, the Packers are going to have to find a new defensive coordinator as expected. I thank Jeff Hafley for his hard work the past two years, and totally understand him wanting to run his own ship. See you back at Lambeau next year, and Miami is getting a good one. As for the next defensive coordinator, I'll have a list of potential replacements after the games are picked. 

It should be fun. I'm guessing he might find a quarterback from Green Bay, too, but I'm sure you'll have something about that anon.

 If it happens, I will report! Meanwhile, we have games to address, so... I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

New England Patriots (-4.5) vs. Denver Broncos The Broncos were able to win last week to take the next step, though it must be mentioned that their interception in overtime probably shouldn't have counted. The Bills made enough mistakes to lose on their own merit and the Broncos deserve credit for winning, but that missed call should be acknowledged. As exciting as a Bo Nix duel with Drake Maye would have been, sadly the Broncos are going to have to start Jarrett Stidham. Obviously, Stidham does know New England from his time as a backup, though that was before Mike Vrabel took over. I don't see a Rick Dockery situation happening for the Broncos, but certainly there is going to be a dropoff. The thing is, I like the Broncos because this game is in Denver and the Patriots have relied on their defense to get by, and the Broncos defense is going to have to win this game by holding the Patriots in check. Broncos 27, Patriots 13.

I have no idea who Rick Dockery is, but I would have assumed the Broncos could have called this guy:

Lotsa mountains near Denver, so you want a guy who can throw the ball over them. But enough about fictional characters. The game is real enough. Not convinced the Patriots are that good, but they are well-coached and Drake Maye looks to have a bright future. It could be the future is now. Patriots 17, Broncos 14

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+5) vs. Seattle Seachickens I can't believe that the Bears pulled some more BS magic out of their hats when Caleb hit that crazy 4th down pass to set up the Bears winning in overtime on Caleb hitting that deep pass. Soldier Field was rocking when the Bears pulled out the win. Hold on. I am being told that the Bears lost because Caleb was picked in overtime. 

Kinda like this guy?

Misinformed? But that can't be. I was told that this was their year and that I was a salty sore loser Packer fan. Welcome to the playoffs, Bears fans. The story doesn't have a happy ending. Now you know how Packers fans have felt in the past. Thank you Rams, and now we can pick the actual NFC title game. 

Los Angeles Rams (+2.5) vs. Seattle Seachickens The Rams were able to survive the Bears, and get a rubber match against the Seahawks. Sam Darnold didn't cough up a hairball last weekend, mostly because Seattle ran all over the Niners right from the jump. The Rams now have the only proven championship quarterback in Matthew Stafford, who is looking to potentially go out a champion like his buddy Clayton Kershaw did last October. But Seattle is a tough venue to play in, and if the Seahawks jump out early, then the crowd will be fully engaged. However, the Rams have enough of a mix of championship DNA and hungry guys who want a ring to block out the noise and get back to the Super Bowl. And you know that the Niners have to be frustrated that one of their hated rivals will be trying to win a Super Bowl in the Bay Area. Rams 19, Seachickens 0. 

Sneaky important thing about this game - one of the reasons that Sam Darnold has been effective on offense is the two-headed running back attack of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Well, no Charbonnet, who suffered a season-ending injury last week. Can Walker handle the load, or does Darnold need to do more? His history suggests he could cough up that hairball this week, especially against a Rams defense that offers quality edge rushers and rather a lot of exotic looks. I think this is going to be a low scoring game. Ordinarily that means Seattle has the advantage, but not this time. Rams 17, Seahawks 14.

And now, it is time to talk about who I would like the Packers to hire as their next defensive coordinator. This list isn't in any particular order, and I would be pretty happy with anyone. 

Jim Leonhard: He has NFL experience now, and I have a high degree of trust given the success he had developing NFL caliber defenders who I enjoyed watching at Wisconsin. Guys like TJ Edwards, Zack Baun, and Andy Van Ginkel can all thank him in part for how prepared they were to have success at the NFL level. He also has no ties to the current coaching staff, and would be coming back home to the state of Wisconsin. 

Al Harris: Not only does he have a ton of credit in the bank given that he played for the Packers, but has really developed into a very good young coach. Would also weaken the Bears, and would bring some toughness and enthusiasm to the defense. 

Jonathan Gannon: We saw firshand back in October how he was able to have the Cardinals play above their talent. He had a lot of success with the Eagles a couple of years ago, and would have a point to prove. 

Raheem Morris: Has experience working with LaFleur, and I thought he got Aaron Donald playing arguably the best football of his career. That would bode well for Micah, and he would be someone who I think would be a very solid pick. 

Daronte Jones: If you couldn't get Brian Flores, why not get Jones? He has been a key figure in the Vikings defensive success, and would also weaken the Vikings. 

Glenn Schumann: He is the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs. Considering that the Packers defense is basically becoming a UGA alumni chapter, getting someone who is considered one of the key reasons why Georgia went from very good to championship level would be an intriguing option. He is very young, but would be someone who could see this as a chance to get to be a head coach given that Kirby Smart has shown no signs of leaving Athens. 

 Enjoy your football this weekend. Also, if you are bored and looking for something to do on Saturday the 7th of Feburary, go to Hamline University and watch the Border Battle. It is an event matching high school basketball teams from Minnesota against Wisconsin. You will be glad that you did, and will get to see some really good matchups and good players. Ben out.