NFL roundup: Deshaun Watson improving, P!nk performing at SB 52
By Brad Weiss
The Houston Texans struck gold in Deshaun Watson, and after ending his 2017 NFL season with an injury, he looks to be on track to return in 2018.
During his small stint as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson showed why the team moved up in the first round to grab him. Unfortunately, a non-contact injury to his knee ended his season, but things are looking up for Texans fans now. Watson is rehabbing nicely from his injury, and based on the small return we got in 2017, if he is back to 100 percent next season, the Texans have to be considered a favorite to win the AFC South.
The Minnesota Vikings played so well this season that they ended up as the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs. While they had to deal with injuries early on, especially at quarterback and running back, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur kept the team rolling. Case Keenum stepped up in Sam Bradford’s absence to have a career-year, and as a free agent, he may decide to leave the Vikings after this season. Shurmur could be in line to get a head coaching job after the season as well, and may take Keenum with him.
Performing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl is quite an honor, and it has been done by some of the best performers in the history of music. In 2018, pop star P!nk will be the one to sing the anthem, joining a long list of legendary singers who have belted out that incredible tune in front of tens of millions of people worldwide. P!nk will already be in Minnesota due to her tour, so it will not affect her travel at all, and as one of the best entertainers in the world, it should be quite a show.
The Carolina Panthers lost in the Wild Card round this past weekend to division rival New Orleans, ending their run at a possible spot in their second Super Bowl in the last three years. On Tuesday, the team started cleaning house, as they got rid of offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey. In addition, the team may lose their defensive coordinator as well, as Steve Wilks is slated to interview with a number of teams in the next few weeks.
Next: Chiefs choke, Falcons rise and Gruden gets paid
Staying with defensive coordinators, the Cincinnati Bengals have a new one heading into next season. Teryl Austin will replace Paul Guenther, as he joined Marvin Lewis’ staff. Guenther is likely head to Oakland, where he will join newly minted Raiders head coach Jon Gruden in the Bay Area. Austin leaves his job with the Detroit Lions, where he was the defensive coordinator since 2014, and could be a head coaching candidate before long.