NFC Playoffs: One Spot Left
December 26th, 2025
Can he win out?
As a result of last night’s Vikings win over the Lions, Detroit was eliminated from postseason play next month. Green Bay, as a result of Detroit’s loss, clinched the 6th of 7 playoff spots in the NFC.
The only one left is the NFC South champion.
The Bucs had this division by the balls. And the rotten Bucs defense choked like dogs down the stretch, losing three straight division games, including that galling 14-point lead in the fourth quarter at home against backup Joe Montana Kirk Cousins and the Dixie Chicks.
If the Bucs blow a game on Sunday to green as grass rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers and the Dolphins, the suits in high offices at One Buc Palace need to take a very, very hard look at the future of this franchise.
Even if the Bucs make the playoffs, there needs to be an overhaul not just in the front-seven of the defense, but a change in philosophy as well. This indifference to an edge rush is killing this team.
Good grief if you have to hire Wade Phillips off his front porch rocking chair in South Texas just to be an edge rush coach, then do it! This is completely ridiculous how an edge rusher is not valued by this squad. Joe thinks YaYa Diaby is a solid player but he’s not (yet) the difference-maker you need at that position.
At the very least, YaYa needs help from the other side.
6 of the 7 NFC playoff teams are decided. All that remains is seeding and the NFC South champion, which can be determined this weekend.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) December 26, 2025