Seahawks' Path to NFC’s No. 1 Seed THREATENED by Shocking Sauce Gardner Injury News
The Seattle Seahawks' quest for the NFC's top seed has just become even more complicated, as injury news surrounding the Indianapolis Colts' star cornerback Sauce Gardner threatens to disrupt their playoff push. The dramatic turn of events has left Seahawks fans reeling, with the path ahead now clouded by uncertainty and added pressure.
A Game-Changing Injury
In a season already full of twists and turns, this latest development could prove to be a game-changer. Sauce Gardner, who was traded to the Colts from the New York Jets just weeks ago, was sidelined after suffering a calf injury in Week 13’s loss to the Houston Texans. Though initial reports suggest that his Achilles is fine, the calf injury is enough to keep Gardner from playing in upcoming games, potentially affecting the Colts' defensive capabilities in the critical weeks leading up to the postseason.
For the Seahawks, the news couldn't have come at a worse time. With the NFC playoff race heating up and only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, Seattle was hoping to capitalize on their momentum. But with Gardner’s absence now casting doubt over the Colts’ defensive plans, the Seahawks’ hopes of securing the No. 1 seed have been thrown into jeopardy. As the Colts are expected to rely on other cornerbacks to fill the void, the Seahawks’ path to the top spot in the NFC is now clouded with uncertainty.
Seattle's Strategy in Question
Seattle was already facing stiff competition in the NFC, and now they must navigate this new challenge. With Gardner out, the Colts’ defense could become more vulnerable, which might shift the balance in Seattle's favor. However, the Seahawks also need to make sure they remain focused on their own game — including crucial matchups against tough NFC opponents in the coming weeks.
The pressure is mounting as Seattle faces the possibility of having to adjust their strategy. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the team will need to perform at their absolute best if they want to clinch the NFC’s top spot. The absence of a major defensive weapon like Gardner could open up opportunities, but it also increases the stakes for the Seahawks to push harder in their upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
As the injury news continues to reverberate throughout the league, all eyes will be on Seattle. Can they rise to the occasion and push through the murky waters of this sudden change? The road to the NFC’s No. 1 seed just got rockier, but Seattle has the talent and resilience to overcome any obstacle. With everything on the line, the Seahawks’ journey to the top is far from over.
A pair of unexpected coaching candidates arise out of nowhere - The Titans may have found fresh voices to reshape their sideline
The Tennessee Titans remain in the early stages of their head coaching search. Interim Mike McCoy will wrap up a lifeless season after replacing Brian Callahan in Week 7. McCoy stands zero chance to inherit the full-time gig, so Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will be tasked with beginning to interview prospective candidates in January.
Borgonzi and Brinker are currently working on putting together a shortlist. The initial belief was that the Titans will prioritize both play-calling and previous head coaching experience. A recent report indicates they're keeping their options open, however.
Albert Breer writes a weekly Monday morning column for Sports Illustrated. This week, the Titans' coaching search was among the covered topics. Breer claims the Titans are looking at a wide array of candidates, including Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Report: Titans head coaching search could include Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Rams DC Chris Shula
Claiming the Titans initially focused on an experienced candidate who could help develop rookie quarterback Cam Ward, Breer quickly adds, "
Shula, the grandson of the legendary Don Shula, is in his first year as the Rams' DC and defensive play caller. He first joined Sean McVay's coaching staff in 2017 as an assistant linebackers coach and has consistently worked his way up the ladder. Notably, he spent time on staff with current Titans special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel, who the next Titans coach should possess interest in retaining. The Rams defense is thriving under his tutelage, allowing the second-fewest points per game (17.5).
Minter is in his second campaign as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. He joined L.A. in unison with Jim Harbaugh in 2024 after serving as his DC at Michigan in 2022-23. Minter brings more than 10 years of coordinating experience to the table, but only the recent two years at the NFL level.
Both Minter and Shula figure to be popular coaching candidates this offseason. At initial glance, they don't meet the Titans' experience requirements. Borgonzi and Brinker should keep an open mind as they place both Minter and Shula on their list of prospective candidates.
