NFC Roundup: RG3’s Knee, Coaching Carousel and Upcoming Games
While the Washington Redskins’ season ended on Sunday, the team continued grabbing headlines thanks to its injured rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. The player entered Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks wearing a knee brace and assuming the risk that he’d be able to play. After gimping  through the game, in the fourth quarter RG3’s knee buckled on him and he collapsed to the ground.
It wasn’t pretty.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III
The player defended his decision as well as his coach Mike Shanahan in allowing him to stay in Sunday’s game for so long. But now they may be questioning this after RG3 underwent an MRI on Monday. It came out inconclusive but some reports have said a partially torn ACL and LCL were found.
The player will now visit Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday for further examination.
It was a great season for RG3 but for in the short term, he’ll be remembered for his disappointing first playoff game.
But there’s still the possibility he’ll grab the AP NFL Offensive Rookie Player of the Year honor. He sits at the top with 5-6 odds.
NFC Coaching Carousel
Meanwhile, the NFL coaching carousel continues and for the NFC, there’s still three help wanted signs: the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals.
NFL offensive coordinators appear to be hot commodities to make the jump to the top spot.
The Bears have conducted a wide search with the CFL’s Marc Trestman and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. ESPN has reported the team has recently received permission to interview Houston Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
And the newest addition to the list is the Minnesota Vikings assistant and beloved former Bears player Mike Singletary.
It’s been quieter on the Arizona front after Andy Reid was supposedly a top contender but he appears happy with his new Kansas City Chiefs gig.
McCoy supposedly interviewed with the Cardinals and the Eagles after Oregon coach Chip Kelly decided to stay put in the college ranks, leaving the team to continue their search.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has been pursued and he’s set to also interview with the Eagles.
It’s a fast market to fill the open positions so look for some news this week.
NFC Playoff Games
On Saturday, the Green Bay Packers will travel to play the San Francisco 49ers at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Last week’s game against division foe Minnesota Vikings was less exciting with the late scratch of starting quarterback Christian Ponder. Backup quarterback Joe Webb pinch hit and entered the game with a lot of swagger. He kept the first quarter interesting but after that, things started to fall apart.
The Packers won 24-10.
This week against the 49ers, the Packers will need to have a short memory from their season-opening 30-22 loss against them. Both teams have grown a lot since then and for the 49ers, Saturday’s game will represent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s first playoff start.
Will he keep his poise or will experience win out with “veteran” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers? The nod goes to the rookie (-3, 45 o/u).
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson
In the second NFC game, the Atlanta Falcons will host the Seahawks on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
As the NFC’s top team, the Falcons will carry high expectations on their back in the playoffs after a great season and past postseasons that haven’t gotten them to the Super Bowl.
Is this the year to finally get it done?
For the Seahawks, they’ve been a surprise this season and keep improving every week. They have a rookie quarterback who has shown great maturity and decision making.
Can he continue for a second straight week? Not this time with the winning nod going to the Falcons (-2.5, 46 o/u).
