How the Panthers' HC Candidates Performed in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs

So far this offseason, the Carolina Panthers have interviewed eleven candidates for the team's head coaching position. Three of them remain in the playoffs heading into conference championship weekend - Ravens OC Todd Monken, Ravens DC Mike Macdonald, and Lions OC Ben Johnson.

Candidates that were eliminated from the playoffs over the weekend include Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Buccaneeers OC Dave Canales. With their respective seasons now complete, it will make it a lot easier to schedule a second interview this week. However, the three remaining in the playoffs will be heavily in the mix as well.

So, let's take a look at how each candidate's unit performed this past week.

Ravens offense (Todd Monken)

Lamar Jackson had without question the best playoff performance of his career, totaling 252 yards of offense and four touchdowns - two throwing, two rushing. Justice Hill finished with 66 yards rushing while Gus Edwards and Dalvin Cook combined for another 63 on the ground. Due to the success on the ground, Baltimore was able to control the clock, winning time of possession by over 15 minutes - a full quarter!

Ravens defense (Mike Macdonald)

Macdonald's unit didn't record a single sack on the day which was surprising, but they kept the passing game in check. Stroud threw for only 175 yards and with no run game to work with, Houston's offense never stood much of a chance.

Texans offense (Bobby Slowik)

After putting up a near fifty burger on Cleveland in the Wild Card round, the Texans were limited to just ten points. C.J. Stroud did what he could but didn't receive much help from his running game, which totaled 38 yards on 14 carries. It was a 17-10 game heading into the fourth, but it spiraled out of control quickly.

Buccaneers offense (Dave Canales)

It wasn't a perfect game from the Bucs offense by any means, but they continued to overcome adversity and hang in until the very end. Baker Mayfield completed 26-of-41 pass attempts for 349 yards and three touchdowns, but threw two interceptions - the second resulting in the final nail in Tampa's coffin.

Lions offense (Ben Johnson)

Johnson called a really good game in Detroit's win over Tampa. They had a healthy balance of run/pass as Jared Goff threw for 287 yards while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 107 on the ground. Detroit went 6/14 on 3rd downs, 1/1 on 4th down, and 3/4 in the red zone.

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