We’re down to the last quarter of the season, when NFL playoff races tighten up, individual player awards are won and lost and coaches could be…
We’re down to the last quarter of the season, when NFL playoff races tighten up, individual player awards are won and lost and coaches could be on notice. In particular, there are two NFC matchups this week with massive playoff implications.
Here are six questions for Week 14:
Will the Packers offense be better without Mike McCarthy?
In atypical move for the franchise, the Packers fired coach Mike McCarthy and have turned to offensive coordinator Joe Philbin to take over. Depth at receiver is still a problem for the offense, and running back Aaron Jones needs more touches. But against the Falcons, Philbin will have his first chance to call plays in a non-exhibition game since 1996, so a learning curve is to be expected. Look for him to rely heavily on Aaron Rodgers – one of the smartest quarterbacks in the NFL – and give his star the kind of plays he’s most comfortable executing.
How will James Conner’s absence affect the Steelers?
Pittsburgh lost a key weapon when Conner was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Raiders with a sprained ankle. When the Steelers haven’t abandoned the run, Conner had been effective. But now it will rely on rookie Jaylen Samuels. The fifth-round pick caught a 10-yard touchdown pass late in the loss against the Chargers after Conner left the game, but he’s not used to a heavy workload.
