The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny Houston, We Have Liftoff: Previewing Wild Card Weekend
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Jan 7, 2026 Ben Solak, a football reporter and analyst, joins to dissect the thrilling Wild Card matchups. They dive into the Ravens' surprising firing of John Harbaugh and who might replace him in Baltimore. Expect predictions on games like Rams vs. Panthers, and how Carolina could pull off an upset. They also examine the icy rivalry between the Packers and Bears, and the clash of titans with the 49ers and Eagles. Finally, they discuss the challenges facing the Chargers against the Patriots and share insights on the Steelers and Texans matchup.
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Harbaugh Firing Reflects Internal Fracture
- The Ravens firing of John Harbaugh is defensible but not obvious; internal fractures with staff and QB played a role.
- Mina and Ben think the move reflects prioritizing Lamar Jackson and organizational fit over tenure.
Prioritize A Defensive Head Coach
- Baltimore should prioritize a defensive head coach to rebuild identity and cover defensive weaknesses.
- Candidates Mina and Ben favored include Brian Flores, Jesse Minter, and Robert Saleh.
Upset Roadmap: Turnovers + Time Of Possession
- Panthers beat the Rams earlier by forcing turnovers and dominating time of possession.
- Repeating that plan requires creating variance: force Stafford turnovers and control the clock with the run.