This week’s news that Sean Payton would be stepping down as head coach of the Saints came with a fair amount of shockwaves. Conor (the man who predicted it) and Gary break down what it all means for the Saints, for Payton, and for a handful of coaches who will likely enter 2023 on the hot seat (sorry Mike McCarthy, but we’re looking in your direction).

Then, a preview of Conference Championship Sunday. Can Ja’Marr Chase go off again—and do the Bengals need him to if they’re going to pull off the upset? Does it matter that the Chiefs can’t protect Joe Burrow? And how many snaps will Blake Bell take?

On the NFC side, do the 49ers continue with their magical run? Does Kyle Shanahan continue to have Sean McVay’s number? And is the Rams offense ready to fire on all cylinders again?

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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What the Sean Payton Stepping Away Means