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Coaches of
the Week
Dean Pees, defensive coordinator, Tennessee. In two straight weeks, the forgotten Tennessee
defensive boss has shut down two former employees. Against the third-seeded
Pats last week, the Pees D held New England to 13 points, had a memorable
goal-line stand, and consistently thwarted the Brady passing game. Against the
top-seeded Ravens on Saturday night, Tennessee held the most explosive offense
in football to 12 points and stymied Lamar Jackson on all four fourth-down
attempts. For the first time in forever, Lamar Jackson was totally frustrated.
Said future coach Logan Ryan: “We wanted to give him loaded boxes all night to
get him out of the run game. . . . Once we had the lead, they had to go to the
pass game, and that’s our strength.” Smart plan.
Arthur
Smith, offensive coordinator, Tennessee. Anyone who
play-designs a Derrick Henry touchdown pass from the 3-yard line will win this
august award. And again next week, if Smith calls something so outrageously
imaginative in the AFC Championship Game.
