Jets hiring Adam Gase as next head coach

Photo Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

One more domino has fallen in the head coaching search of 2019. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington report that the Jets are hiring former Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. 

Gase began his NFL career in 2003 as a scouting assistant with the Detroit Lions. He was offensive assistant in 2005 and became offensive quality control in 2006. In 2007 he became the Lions quarterbacks coach. In 2008 Gase became offensive assistant coach under Mike Martz in San Francisco. He became the offensive coordinator under John Fox in Denver in 2013 working with Peyton Manning during his record breaking passing season. After Fox parted ways with the Broncos he brought Gase on as his offensive coordinator with the Bears. The Dolphins would hire Gase as their head coach in 2016 where he would amass a 23-25 record over his three seasons leading the team.

With the hiring of Gase only the Bengals and Dolphins remain without a head coach.

Former Cardinals safety Kwamie Lassiter dies

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Cardinals announced on Sunday the death of former safety Kwamie Lassiter.

Lassiter suffered a heart attack while working out. He was 49 years old.

Lassiter played 10 years in the NFL, eight with the Cardinals. In 1998 he made eight interceptions to help propel the Cardinals into the playoffs for the first time since moving to Arizona in 1987. In 1999 he made nine interceptions and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate.

Lassiter finished his career with 416 solo tackles, four sacks, six forced fumbles and 25 interceptions including two pick sixes.

Domestic violence charges dropped against Reuben Foster

Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

Washington Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster has once against had charges against him dropped.

Florida States Attorney's office dropped a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against Foster on Thursday.

Charges stemmed from a November 24 incident involving Foster's ex-girlfriend in a Tampa area hotel the night before his then team, the 49ers, played the Buccaneers.

Prosecutors concluded their was insufficient evidence to file charges against Foster.

Foster remains on the Commissioner's Exempt list. The case is still under investigation by the NFL with a potential suspension still looming. 

Wild Card Weekend Predictions

Indianapolis Colts (10-6) vs.  Houston Texans (11-5)

Colts come in off a win last week over the Titans. Andrew Luck completed 24/35 for 285 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Marlon Mack rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. Dontrelle Inman made five receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two interceptions and finished the regular season ranked No. 11.

Texans come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Deshaun Watson completed 25/35 for 234 yards and one rushing touchdown. Lamar Miller rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown
DeAndre Hopkins made 12 receptions for 147 yards. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and finished the regular season ranked No. 12.

Colts lead the series 26-8 but Texans have been on an impressive roll this season under a healthy Watson and will get the win at home.

Prediction: Texans


Seattle Seahawks (10-6) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)

Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Russell Wilson completed 12/21 for 152 yards one touchdown and one interception. Chris Carson rushed for 122 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. Tyler Lockett made two receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and finished the regular season ranked No. 16.

Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Giants. Dak Prescott completed 27/44 for 387 yards and four touchdowns. Blake Jarwin made seven receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. Cole Beasley made six receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and one interception and completed the regular season ranked No. 7. Ezekiel Elliott was out for the final game but will return for the Wild Card game on Saturday.

Cowboys lead the series 10-9 but Seahawks have shown a resilience and no quit attitude especially on their defense this season and will get the win on Saturday.

Prediction: Seahawks


Los Angeles Chargers (12-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

Chargers come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Philip Rivers completed 14/24 for 176 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Mike Williams made five receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown. Austin Ekeler rushed for 58 yards on eight carries and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and one interception and finished the regular season No. 9. Melvin Gordon left last week's game early with an injury but is expected to play on Sunday.

Ravens come in off a win last week over the Browns.  Lamar Jackson completed 14/24 for 179 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Kenneth Dixon rushed for 117 yards on 12 carries. The defense scored three sacks and finished the regular season ranked No. 1.

Ravens lead the series 7-5 and with the speed and elusiveness of Jackson combined with the most crushing defense in the league will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Ravens


Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) vs. Chicago Bears (12-4)

Eagles come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Nick Foles completed 28/33 for 221 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Nelson Agholor made five receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns. Alshon Jeffery mde five receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and finished the regular season ranked No. 23.

Bears come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Mitch Trubisky completed 18/26 for 163 yards.
Jordan Howard rushed for 109 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. Tarik Cohen rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and finished the regular season ranked No. 3.

Bears lead the series 29-14-1 and under one of the toughest most dominating defenses will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Bears

Remembering Darrent Williams

photo courtesy: Associated Press

The Broncos have been my first football love since I was a little girl. I have been through the highest highs and the lowest lows with them. While Super Bowl losses have been heartbreaking, no loss has been more tragic as the loss of Darrent Williams.

After Elway's retirement, the team went through some serious peaks and valleys for many years and finally seemed to have found their way under Jake Plummer. During this time the team's biggest defensive asset was cornerback Champ Bailey. Bailey was a true shutdown corner who was a consistent threat in the passing game. Teams however figured out that they just needed to throw away from Bailey to keep plays going. All that changed in 2005.

In 2005 the Broncos drafted Darrent Williams in the second round. Williams was a stand out star at Oklahoma State. He finished his college career with 11 career interceptions and nine touchdowns on return.  His presence was welcome in a secondary in need of help on the other side of Bailey. Williams would not disappoint. In Week 10 of just his first season in the league, Williams scored his first pick six. He finished the season with 58 tackles and two interceptions and was named first team All-Rookie by Pro Football Weekly. The kid was a dynamo with immense capability and huge potential.

In his second season with the Broncos, Williams picked up where he left off. In 15 games he racked up 86 tackles and four interceptions as well as serving as the team's primary punt and kick returner. The future looked very promising for Williams and for the Broncos.

Sadly, all that promise would disappear in an instant. On January 1, 2007, Williams was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting just a mere 12 hours after playing in the team's final game of the season. The loss had a deep and profound impact on his teammates, the city and the fans. I cried as though I had lost a close family member when I learned of his death.

Williams was notable for his great smile and his amazing braided mohawk. He was short in stature but big on ability, drive and determination. He was competitive as hell on the field but a likable guy off the field. He was beloved by his teammates, the media and the fans near and far. Williams had that same spark that made me love Elway back when he first stepped on the field. He had enormous flair but moreover he had tremendous heart. With Williams on the other side of Bailey, there's no telling how far this team could have gotten. Sadly we'll never know. It would take years for the team to overcome the loss of such a colossal young talent.

Darrent Williams is remembered fondly now in Denver. An annual award is given to a Broncos player who best exemplifies Williams' "enthusiasm, cooperation and honesty when dealing with the press." Chris Harris won the award this past season. His infectious smile is not that different than Williams' was back in 2005. Williams time may have been short, but his love of the game and his sweet, kind, personable nature will never be forgotten.

Raiders hire draft analyst Mike Mayock as general manager

photo courtesy Associated Press

Raiders have finally filled their vacant general manager position.

The team hired NFL Network's draft analyst Mike Mayock as their new general manager on Monday. 

Mayock has no previous front office experience but his thorough knowledge of college players has kept teams interested for years. He will replace Reggie McKenzie who the team fired on December 10.

Raiders finished the season with a 4-12 record with the 23rd ranked defense and the 26th ranked offense. They traded their top pass rusher Khalil Mack prior to the start of the season and their top wide receiver Amari Cooper before the trade deadline and are in full rebuild mode while searching for a place to play in 2019. The addition of Mayock will help some uncertainty in the direction of the team going forward.

Week 17 Predictions

Miami Dolphins (7-8) vs. Buffalo Bills (5-10)

Dolphins come in off a loss last week to the Jaguars. Ryan Tannehill completed 15/22 for 146 yards one touchdown and one interception. The defense scored five sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 30 on both offense and defense. The team is moving on from Ryan Tannehill and searching for a new QB this offseason.

Bills come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Josh Allen completed 20/41 for 217 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Zay Jones made five receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions and is ranked No. 2 in total defense. This team has some great potential to build on for next season.

Dolphins lead series 61-47-1 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Dolphins


Detroit Lions (5-10) vs. Green Bay Packers (6-8-1)

Lions come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. Matthew Stafford completed 18/32 for 116 yards. The defense scored two sacks and is ranked No. 12. Their No. 24 ranked offense cost them their season and will likely cost them their offensive coordinator and quarterback

Packers come in off a win last week over the Jets. Aaron Rodgers completed 37/55 for 442 yards two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Davante Adams made 11 receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Jamaal Williams rushed for 95 yards on 15 carries an one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 14 while the offense is ranked No. 9. This team will be searching for a new head coach this offseason.

Packers lead series 100-71-7 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers


Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) vs. Houston Texans (10-5)

Jaguars come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Blake Bortles will get the start on Sunday over Cody Kessler. Leonard Fournette rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and will finish the season ranked No. 5. This team will likely move on from Blake Bortles and make sweeping changes in their coaching staff.

Texans come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Deshaun Watson completed 29/40 for 339 yards two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins made nine receptions for 104 yards
The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 18. This team has the potential to make a good playoff run.

Texans lead series 20-13 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Texans


New York Jets (4-11) vs. New England Patriots (10-5)

Jets come in off a loss last week to the Packers. Sam Darnold completed 24/35 for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Robby Anderson made nine receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Christoper Henderson made six receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 26. This team will need to make some coaching changes this offseason.

Patriots come in off a win last week over the Bills. Tom Brady completed 13/24 for 126 yards one touchdown an two interceptions. Julian Edelman made six receptions for 70 yards and one touchown.
Sony Michel rushed for 116 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 21. The team will make their 10th straight playoffs and have a great potential to return to the Super Bowl.

Patriots lead series 64-54-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Patriots


Carolina Panthers (6-9) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-2)

Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. Taylor Heinicke completed 33/53 for 274 yards one touchdown and three interceptions with the lone touchdown going to Ian Thomas. Christian McCaffrey had 178 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17. This season has been a major disappointment for the team and may have cost several coaches their jobs.

Saints come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Drew Brees completed 27/39 for 326 yards an one touchdown. Alvin Kamara had 105 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Michael Thomas made 11 receptions for 109 yards an one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 13 but their No. 6 ranked offense is why they'll make a great playoff run.

The series us tied 24-24 but Saints will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Saints


Dallas Cowboys (9-6) vs. New York Giants (5-10)

Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Dak Prescott completed 20/25 for 161 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Michael Gallup made three receptions for 53 yards and one touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked in the top 10. This team may not make a far playoff run, but is vastly improved over the early half of the season.

Giants come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Eli Manning completed 25/33 for 309 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Saquon Barkley had 77 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Sterling Shepard made six receptions for 113 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 22. This team will need to draft or trade for a QB this offseason.

Cowboys lead series 65-46-2 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Cowboys


Atlanta Falcons (6-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-10)

Falcons come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Matt Ryan completed 15/26 for 239 yards and three touchdowns. Calvin Ridley made three receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. Mohamed Sanu made five receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Brian Hill rushed for 115 yards on eight carries. The defense scored two sacks and three interceptions and is ranked No. 27. The top 10 offense may be the only saving Dan Quinn's job.

Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Jameis Winston completed 34/48 for 336 yards and one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 24. This team is likely to make massive changes this offseason.

Falcons lead series 26-24 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Falcons


Cleveland Browns (7-7-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

Browns come in off a win last week over the Bengals.Baker Mayfield completed 27/37 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku made three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. Nick Chubb rushed for 112 yards on 19 carries. The defense scored three sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 29. The team has some major coaching decisions to make this offseason.

Ravens come in off a win last week over the Chargers. Lamar Jackson completed 12/22 for 204 yards and one touchdown. Mark Andrews made two receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown. Gus Edwards rushed for 92 yards on 14 carries. The defense scored four sacks and two interceptions and is the No. 1 defense in the league.

Ravens lead series 29-10 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Ravens


Oakland Raiders (4-11) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)

Raiders come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Derek Carr completed 19/26 for 167 yards. Jordy Nelson made seven receptions for 75 yards. Doug Martin rushed for 107 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions and will finish the season ranked No. 25. This team will get better through the enormous amount of draft picks they accumulated this season but will also need to find a place to play next season.

Chiefs come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Patrick Mahomes completed 23/40 for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Damien Williams had 140 combined rushing andd receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Tyreek Hill made four receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored three sacks but is still ranked No. 31 overall. It will be their No. 1 ranked offense that will have to carry this team in the playoffs if they hope to get pass teams like the Patriots.

Chiefs lead series 64-53-2 an will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Chiefs


Chicago Bears (11-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (8-6-1)

Bears come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Mitch Trubisky completed 25/29 for 246 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Howard had 70 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Allen Robinson made six receptions for 85 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 4. This team was the surprise of the season and will do well in the playoffs.

Vikings come in off a win last week over the Lions. Kirk Cousins completed 21/28 for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Rudolph made nine receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked in the top three which will propel them into the playoffs.

Vikings lead series 60-53-2 and will get the win to carry them into the playoffs.

Prediction: Vikings


Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6-1)

Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Jeff Driskel completed 13/19 for 133 yards and two touchdowns with one going to C.J. Uzomah. The defense will finish the season in last place and the team will finish well out of the playoffs.

Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Ben Roethlisberger completed 33/50 for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Antonio Brown made 14 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster made 11 receptions for 115 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 9 while the offense is ranked No. 4. This team will need this game if they want to make the playoffs.

Steelers lead series 63-35 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Steelers


Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) vs. Washington Redskins (7-8)

Eagles come in off a win last week over the Texans. Nick Foles completed 35/49 for 471 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Nelson Agholor made five receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown
Zach Ertz made 12 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored four sacks but is ranked No. 28. This team was decimated by injuries early and never recovered.

Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Josh Johnson completed 13/23 for 153 yards one touchdown and two interceptions  with the lone touchdown going to Michael Floyd. Adrian Peterson rushed for 119 yards on 26 carries. Jamison Crowder made five receptions for 78 yards. The defense made three sacks but has dropped to No. 15 in total defense. This team has a lot to address this offseason.

Redskins lead series 86-76-5 but Eagles will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Eagles


Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) vs. Denver Broncos (6-9)

Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Philip Rivers completed 23/37 for 181 yards and two interceptions. Melvin Gordon rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks. The team is ranked in the top 10 in both offense and defense and will win the AFC west this week

Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. Case Keenum completed 23/37 for 202 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Courtland Sutton made six receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown
The defense managed one sack. This team will need to make serious changes in their coaching staff this offseason if they hope to return to being competitive in their division.

Broncos lead series 66-51-1 but Chargers will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Chargers


San Francisco 49ers (4-11) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-3)

49ers come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Nick Mullens completed 22/38 for 241 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. George Kittle made seven receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored three sacks and will finish the season ranked in the top 10. With the return of Jimmy Garoppolo next season this team will have the potential to be a playoff contender.

Rams come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Jared Goff completed 19/24 for 216 yards and one touchdown. Robert Woods made six receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. C.J. Anderson rushed for 167 yards one 20 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 16 but it is their No. 2 ranked offense that will carry them far into the playoff.

49ers lead series 69-66-3 but Rams will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Rams


Arizona Cardinals (3-12) vs. Seattle Seahawks (9-6)

Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Josh Rosen completed 12/23 for 87 yards. Larry Fitzerald made six receptions for 53 yards and one passing touchdown to David Johnson. The defense scored two sacks and finished the season ranked No. 19. The team will improve next season with Josh Rosen under the guidance of Byron Leftwich.

Seahawks come in off  a win last week over the Chiefs. Russell Wilson completed 18/29 for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Doug Baldwin made seven receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. Chris Carson rushed for 116 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 20 and will need an outstanding performance from their offense if they hope to get far in the playoffs.

The series is tied 19-19-1 but Seahawks will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Seahawks


Indianapolis Colts (9-6) vs. Tennessee Titans (9-6)

Colts come in off a win last week over the Giants. Andrew Luck completed 31/47 for 357 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines each rushed for one touchdown
T.Y. Hilton made seven receptions for 138 yards. The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 11 which will make this week's matchup very compelling.

Titans come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Marcus Mariota was injured in Week 16 and his status for Week 17 are unknown. Derrick Henry rushed for 84 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown.
The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 7 which has been their saving grace this season.

Colts lead series 32-16 and will get the win and make the playoffs.

Prediction: Colts