Many had similar sentiments after the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins were steamrolled out of the NFL playoffs during wild-card weekend.
The way of thinking was obvious because it’s clear the Cowboys and Dolphins are stuck as playoff pretenders and probably won’t be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the foreseeable future until they make drastic changes.
For Dallas, that could mean a change at head coach, especially with Bill Belichick available after parting ways with the New England Patriots after six Super Bowls titles in 24 seasons. Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys were crushed by the Green Bay Packers for another quick postseason exit, giving team owner Jerry Jones plenty to contemplate.
Over in Miami, the Dolphins might need an upgrade at quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa delivered his latest disappointing performance during the 26–7 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But the Detroit Lions and Packers proved that patience with quarterbacks occasionally pays off with postseason success. Green Bay made Jordan Love wait his turn behind Aaron Rodgers, and the Lions didn’t give up on Jared Goff after the Los Angeles Rams did.
After an eventful wild-card round, there were many narratives to examine for this week’s “Fact or Fiction.”
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Cowboys should go all-in for Bill Belichick
Manzano’s view: Fact
First of all, McCarthy should receive plenty of credit for turning the Cowboys into a perennial contender in the NFC East, and he improved the offense during his first season as the offensive play-caller. But as my colleague Conor Orr pointed out, Jones has made it virtually impossible for coaches to live up to the high expectations in Dallas unless it ends with a Super Bowl title. There is, however, one available coach who doesn’t mind lofty goals and constant pressure. Jones needs to at least make a run at Belichick, who could help the Cowboys win postseason games and at least advance to an NFC title game for the first time in three decades.
Dak Prescott made a strong statement in support of McCarthy after the Cowboys’ ugly wild-card loss to the Packers. But he might change his tune if Jones lands the future Hall of Famer. Also, if Jones whiffs on Belichick, he can turn to Mike Vrabel or maybe join the Jim Harbaugh sweepstakes. Also, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin might be available via trade.
Again, McCarthy has done a fine job, but the Jones family isn’t searching solely for NFC East titles, and there are too many excellent coaches available to not at least explore options.
Dolphins should consider moving on from Tua Tagovailoa
Manzano’s view: Fact
Dolphins fans weren’t happy with me when I mentioned this could be a make-or-break season for Tagovailoa after the team traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. It reminded me of how the Rams went all-in on the trade market and realized that Goff wasn’t going to lead them to a Super Bowl, making Matthew Stafford the final trade piece en route to a title. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel helped turn Tagovailoa into a borderline top-10 quarterback—depending on who you ask—after a few injury-riddled seasons with inconsistent performances. But it seems McDaniel might have maxed out Tagovailoa’s potential after the 2020 No. 5 pick failed to step up down the stretch, as the team dealt with several injuries to key players.
The elite quarterbacks are able to elevate their teammates (look at rookie C.J. Stroud as an example) despite the surroundings. Even when the Dolphins are healthy, it seems Tagovailoa only excels when the team is playing with the lead and ideal game scripts, which is also a red flag on McDaniel’s part. But this team spent too much to acquire Ramsey, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb to wait and see if Tagovailoa will finally become an elite quarterback. It doesn’t hurt to at least explore options to potentially improve at quarterback.
The NFL shouldn’t broadcast playoff games exclusively on streaming services
Manzano’s view: Fiction
This dilemma reminds me of boxing fans who swear they won’t spend money on a boxing card that has no business being on pay-per-view, but then fight night arrives and they cave by either paying the $75 or telling a buddy to throw a watch party. (Yes, I’m one of those boxing fans.) I’m sure many signed up for the free trial on Peacock and ended up liking the Chiefs-Dolphins broadcast and went on to watch many reruns of The Office. But I’m not here to give Peacock a plug. The point is, the world is changing and eventually everything will be exclusively on streaming platforms.
We already have Thursday Night Football exclusively on Amazon Prime—and don’t get me started on the terrible delay and buffering from that specific streaming provider. But hey, Red Zone was great on YouTube TV. So get with the times or find alternatives, and there are many to cut down the fees. Trust me, I know as a combat sports fan, but I won’t list them here. Wink, wink.
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Jordan Love will win the MVP in the foreseeable future
Manzano’s view: Fact
Love put on a show during the 48–32 rout against the Cowboys to advance to the NFC’s divisional round. Packers coach Matt LaFleur told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that Love is playing at an MVP level. It’s hard to disagree, especially after every sensational throw that was reminiscent of Rodgers. Love definitely picked up Rodgers-like tendencies during his three seasons as the backup, and the Packers’ patient developmental plan with the 2020 first-round pick is now paying off in a big way. Love was outstanding away from the pocket, with off-platform throws that displayed his rocket arm for big chunk plays to Romeo Doubs, Luke Musgrave and Dontayvion Wicks.
After a rough start to the season, Love is seeing the field clearly and guiding his young playmakers for yards after the catch. With Love pairing his physical and mental strengths on the field, I can confidently predict that the Utah State product will win at least one MVP, as he embarks on a similar path as his predecessor in Green Bay. Love is playing so well in the past two months that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Packers upset the mighty San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.
The Lions will advance to Las Vegas for their first Super Bowl
Manzano’s view: Fiction
The Lions made the doubters look silly by beating the Rams, who were a trendy upset pick during wild-card weekend. But it’s tough to assume Detroit will advance to its first Super Bowl in franchise history—the only team in the NFC to never play in the big game. The Lions should be favorites at home against the TK Philadelphia Eagles/Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but blank team has plenty of playoff experience and recently played in a Super Bowl. If the Lions win another playoff game to continue one of the best stories in the NFL, they’ll face either the 49ers on the road or the Packers, who beat the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
But this is not meant to knock the Lions. They were impressive with how they outmuscled and outcoached Sean McVay’s Rams. Lions coach Dan Campbell also stayed true to his identity by allowing Goff to win the game with an 11-yard completion to Amon-Ra St. Brown to kill the clock and seal the franchise’s first playoff victory in 32 years. The Lions will be tough to beat against any team from here on out.
