AFC & NFC Championship Recap: Sam Darnold’s Legacy, McVay’s Costly Decisions, McCarthy to Steelers

Hosts Brad Fowler and Alex Higdon open the show reacting to the shocking news that Mike McCarthy is the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivering a full debate on one of the most polarizing hires in recent NFL history. Brad explains why he hates the move, believes it lowers Pittsburgh’s ceiling. Alex counters with why he likes the hire, pointing to McCarthy’s structure and experience.

From there, we break down an unforgettable AFC & NFC Championship Weekend filled with legacy moments, coaching gambles, and defensive dominance.

We start in the NFC, where Sam Darnold delivered the best game of his career, officially rewriting his NFL narrative on the biggest stage. We discuss how this became a true heavyweight duel, with both teams trading touchdowns and neither holding more than a one-score lead for long stretches. Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated, and we explain why he may already be the most versatile wide receiver in the NFL. Plus, why Kenneth Walker was far better than his stat line shows and how Seattle consistently won the hidden moments.

We dive into the pivotal coaching and officiating controversies:

• Sean Payton going for it on 4th-and-1 with a backup QB
• Sean McVay going for it on 4th-and-4
• The controversial Cooper Kupp 3rd-down play, where McVay called a timeout instead of challenging a spot and a catch that appeared incomplete
• Why the Rams’ special teams failed them again
• How Mike MacDonald and his coaching staff outcoached McVay and the Rams staff

On the AFC side, defense ruled the day in a snowy, weather-affected battle in Denver. The New England Patriots’ defense delivered another statement performance, forcing key turnovers and shutting down Denver late in a low-scoring championship showdown.

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