Overtime Heroics NFL Week 7 Coaches Hot Seat Report

Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis took the loss to Tennessee (again) on the road 19-10. As of Monday afternoon, reports are that the Colts will be making a change at quarterback and will be benching the underwhelming Matt Ryan for third-string QB Sam Ehlinger. This could be the final nail in the coffin for Reich. The only way the Reich/Ballard regime keeps their job(s) is if Ehlinger takes Indianapolis to the playoffs. If he doesn’t, the Colts will fire Reich/Ballard and get a top draft pick. Ehlinger will make the most of his opportunity, but the latter will be in place. Tennessee controls the tiebreakers, so the Colts have an absolute mountain to climb if they want to make the playoffs.

Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals

Kingsbury and staff got their "must-win" on Thursday night defeating New Orleans 42-34 on Thursday Night Football. The offense finally found some rhythm with the return of DeAndre Hopkins from suspension. Kingsbury isn’t out of the woods just yet. There seems to be some noticeable tension between Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray. A tense moment between them was seen in the first half. It was a good win on a short week for Arizona, let’s see if they can build some momentum with the return of Hopkins and new wide receiver Robbie Anderson, who was acquired from Carolina.

Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders

One of the few surprises of this NFL weekend was the Commanders" victory over the Green Bay Packers 23-21. With Carson Wentz sidelined for at least a month with a broken finger, it was Taylor Heineke getting the start. Credit to Rivera this week for having his guys prepared. With more good news about potential edge rusher Chase Young returning from the PUP list, Rivera has a chance to turn this season around and grasp at .500 this year. That is likely the best-case scenario for them as the NFC East is stacked this season with three potential playoff teams.

Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos

Denver lost to the surging New York Jets at home by the final of 16-9. Hackett gets a small reprieve this week as they were without starter Russell Wilson. However, it wouldn"t have mattered who was playing quarterback this week. We mentioned last week that Hackett looks lost, but the better term is unprepared. He can’t make up his mind with the running back committee and the offense is bland. This marks the fourth game this season with the offense accounting for 10 or fewer points. Broncos have been mentioned in some trade discussions involving their receivers so maybe Hackett has a longer leash than we all think but it"s doubtful that Russell Wilson came here for a rebuilding effort.

Dan Campbell/Detroit Lions

Campbell finally makes the list after seven weeks of avoidance. After getting some good press from the HBO Hard Knocks Show, Campbell’s team has been just downright pitiful the last two weeks specifically. They are only converting third downs at a rate of 36 percent and the once-touted defense from DC Aaron Glenn is now at the bottom of the league statistically. The offense hasn’t been terrible, but the turnovers (fumbles specifically) have been the issue. Campbell has put the team on notice about ball security. The Lions are still rebuilding, but regression is never the way to keep your job for the future.

Seats That Are Staying Warm

John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Josh McDaniels (Las Vegas Raiders), Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys), Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns), Brandon Staley (Los Angeles Chargers)

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