NFL Postseason Megathread: Playoffs in the Post-Orton Era

[derspiess]

Not in the NFL, anyway.  Some coaches arrive in the office at 6:00am and some stay past midnight.  There's hell to pay if there isn't video support coverage that whole time.  So during the season you're working insane hours without a day off except for the bye weekend.  Can't live on 4 hours sleep, barely seeing your family for 5 months?  Tough, go find some other job.

[CountDeMoney]

That's how Belichick started, cutting and splicing film all day and all night for Ted Marchibroda's Colts.  You want into the business, you start at the bottom.

[derspiess]

Yep.  Though you can sort of fast-track it if you have the right connections.

[jimmy olsen]

Not the best news to hear when you're preparing for the AFC Championship!

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/14/colts-issue-statement-on-josh-mcnary-rape-charges/related/

Colts issue statement on Josh McNary rape charges
Posted by Darin Gantt on January 14, 2015, 5:56 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts v Tennessee Titans Getty Images

Colts linebacker Josh McNary was walking around the locker room today during a media availability, so suffice it to say the team was surprised at the reports he's been charged with rape.

So while they had to make a statement, they didn't have much to say just yet.

"We are aware that there has been a report about Josh McNary, but unfortunately that's the limit of our knowledge," the statement read, via Mike Wells of ESPN.com. "At this time we are very concerned and trying to find out what the relevant facts are, but we have insufficient information to venture any opinion. As we learn more we will make appropriate updates."

Yes, that's a statement from a team that has no idea what to say, or how to proceed in the middle of their preparations for the AFC Championship Game.

EDIT: More info

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary has been charged with rape, a Marion County, Ind., official told SI.com on Wednesday. FOX59 in Indianapolis first reported the news.

Court documents filed with the county on Wednesday show that McNary, 26, was charged with one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery. You can view the criminal complaint here. (Warning: graphic content).

The alleged incident occurred on Dec. 1. The victim told the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that after her work shift ended at 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, she went to a few different bars in Indianapolis with co-workers before ending up at an "unknown apartment" with an "unknown male."

She alleges that she and the male had a physical fight before she was sexually assaulted. She then took the man's cell phone and left the apartment and contacted the police after returning to her residence.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts were not previously aware of the investigation.

The team released the following statement on Wednesday:

    We are aware that there has been a report about Josh McNary​ but unfortunately that's the limit of our knowledge. At this time we are very concerned​ and trying to find out what the relevant facts are​ but we have insufficient information to venture any opinion​. As we learn more we will make appropriate updates​.

McNary was signed by the Colts in April 2013 after he served two years of active military service after attending Army. When he graduated Army, he was the school's all-time leader in sacks (28.0) and tackles for loss (49).

In 2014, McNary played in 15 games for Indianapolis and started four, registering 16 tackles and half a sack.

The Colts play the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

[dps]

Not the best news to hear when you're preparing for the AFC Championship!

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/14/colts-issue-statement-on-josh-mcnary-rape-charges/related/

Colts issue statement on Josh McNary rape charges
Posted by Darin Gantt on January 14, 2015, 5:56 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts v Tennessee Titans Getty Images

Colts linebacker Josh McNary was walking around the locker room today during a media availability, so suffice it to say the team was surprised at the reports he’s been charged with rape.

So while they had to make a statement, they didn’t have much to say just yet.

“We are aware that there has been a report about Josh McNary, but unfortunately that’s the limit of our knowledge,” the statement read, via Mike Wells of ESPN.com. “At this time we are very concerned and trying to find out what the relevant facts are, but we have insufficient information to venture any opinion. As we learn more we will make appropriate updates.”

Yes, that’s a statement from a team that has no idea what to say, or how to proceed in the middle of their preparations for the AFC Championship Game.

EDIT: More info

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary has been charged with rape, a Marion County, Ind., official told SI.com on Wednesday. FOX59 in Indianapolis first reported the news.

Court documents filed with the county on Wednesday show that McNary, 26, was charged with one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery. You can view the criminal complaint here. (Warning: graphic content).

The alleged incident occurred on Dec. 1. The victim told the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that after her work shift ended at 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, she went to a few different bars in Indianapolis with co-workers before ending up at an "unknown apartment" with an "unknown male."

She alleges that she and the male had a physical fight before she was sexually assaulted. She then took the man's cell phone and left the apartment and contacted the police after returning to her residence.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts were not previously aware of the investigation.

The team released the following statement on Wednesday:

    We are aware that there has been a report about Josh McNary​ but unfortunately that's the limit of our knowledge. At this time we are very concerned​ and trying to find out what the relevant facts are​ but we have insufficient information to venture any opinion​. As we learn more we will make appropriate updates​.

McNary was signed by the Colts in April 2013 after he served two years of active military service after attending Army. When he graduated Army, he was the school's all-time leader in sacks (28.0) and tackles for loss (49).

In 2014, McNary played in 15 games for Indianapolis and started four, registering 16 tackles and half a sack.

The Colts play the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

So, does Darin Gantt have an opinion on what the Colt's should say or do under the circumstances?  And does he know how clunky and unnatural the phrase "a media availability" sounds?

[FunkMonk]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-packers-of-catan-green-bays-board-game-obsession-1421346102?autologin=y

Green Bay's Board-Game Obsession
Competitive Juices Fuel Lengthy Rounds of 'Settlers of Catan' Among Packers' Players

There may not be a more unusual bonding tradition in the NFL than the gang of Packers who get together regularly to play a board game called "Settlers of Catan." For the past two months, it's been the talk of the locker room. The number of players that have devoted a long night to the game is in the double-digits and—including most of the team's starting offensive line, among others. And don't let the words "board game" fool you, this is not Candy Land.

Any player in the locker room will readily admit that it's a nerdy endeavor. The game's object is to build settlements on the board using "resource" cards. Think of it as a fantasy version of Monopoly. "At first we're like, 'What the hell is this? Brick? Wool? What kind of game is this?'" said starting center Corey Linsley. But that quickly faded. "We are completely addicted to it, we play it whenever we can," said tight end Justin Perillo.

On any day in Green Bay's locker room, you can find starting tackle David Bakhtiari, who introduced the game to the team, rounding up players for a Settlers get-together that night—and there's no shortage of willing participants. But players may not know what they are in for. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn said he was interested in the game because it was "a nonviolent version of Risk," referring to Parker Brothers' notoriously lengthy game of world domination. But Flynn said the players take it so seriously that when he stopped by to play for the first time after a win last month, he was shocked by what happened when he attempted to turn on some celebratory music.

"I was just trying to play some music—some Pearl Jam, and [Bakhtiari] wouldn't let me. He wanted to hear the players talk and strategize. He was very serious," Flynn said. "They take it to a different level."

The competitive nature of the Green Bay's Catan tradition is now legendary in the locker room. Two weeks ago, Linsley won the game, but Bakhtiari, who typically hosts the games at his house, had briefly gone outside to cook a chicken for the group. He furiously protested Linsley's victory because of this. "He put an asterisk by it. I didn't," Linsley said. Backup quarterback Scott Tolzien is famous for slamming the board in frustration when he loses.

[CountDeMoney]

It was fun while it lasted, Gary.  You were the Ravens' most important free agent to retain.

Gary Kubiak turned down other head-coaching interviews because he said he wanted to remain the Ravens' offensive coordinator. However, the chance to be the head coach of the Denver Broncos is apparently too enticing for him to pass up.

Kubiak will interview for the Broncos' head-coaching job on Sunday, multiple sources confirmed, a discouraging development for the Ravens who soon may have to search for their fourth offensive coordinator in as many seasons.

The Broncos, who parted ways with head coach John Fox on Monday, a day after a divisional round playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, interviewed their own offensive coordinator, Adam Gase, for the opening Thursday. They reportedly will interview Cincinnati Bengals secondary coach Vance Joseph today.

Denver was also expected to interview Detroit Lions defensive coordinator and former Ravenssecondary coach Teryl Austin. However, Austin, who has interviewed twice for the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching opening, has withdrawn from consideration for the Broncos' job, a source confirmed.

It's widely believed that Kubiak, who directed an offense that set franchise records in points and yards this past season, is Denver's top choice. Kubiak spent 20 seasons in the Broncos' organization as a player and assistant coach, and he remains extremely close with Denver general manager John Elway.

The Broncos asked the Ravens for permission to interview Kubiak on Wednesday and that request was granted after coach John Harbaugh spoke to Kubiak yesterday to gauge his interest in the Denver opening.

Kubiak has not returned repeated requests for comment. On Sunday, he withdrew his name from consideration for the Chicago Bears and New York Jets' head-coaching openings. He released the following statement on the Ravens' website: "It is flattering and humbling to be invited to interview for a number of NFL head coaching positions, and I greatly appreciate these opportunities. But I have decided to stay with the Ravens. This is a special organization and we, like John says, are building something great. I want to be a part of that and contribute in whatever ways I can."

However, the Broncos' opening became available the next day. On Monday, Harbaugh said he didn't believe the situation had changed Kubiak's plans. However, this latest news certainly indicates Kubiak's interest in becoming a head coach again for a franchise with which he has a lot of history. 

Before joining Harbaugh's staff, Kubiak was the head coach of the Houston Texans for eight seasons, compiling a 61-64 record and leading them to two AFC South titles.

[derspiess]

Can't believe Tomlin forced Lebeau out.  I know they didn't like each other much, but talk about shooting yourself in the foot. It's good news for the other three teams in the division, obviously.

[CountDeMoney]

Bears just hired John Fox.  Good move.

[Admiral Yi]

John Fox reminds me too much of the commander in GI Jane.

[derspiess]

It was fun while it lasted, Gary.  You were the Ravens' most important free agent to retain.

Not so fast, my friend.  Bengals DB coach Vance Joseph is also interviewing.  And I'm sure the Broncos are soooo serious about talking to him and aren't just fulfilling a certain requirement

[jimmy olsen]

[MadBurgerMaker]

That was a really impressive choke by Green Bay.

[Liep]

Only part of this game I saw was the first two interceptions and then again from Wilsons 4th interception. Interesting.

[Caliga]

Wow.