No More Excuses for Josh Allen! | The Craig Carton Show | January 5, 2026

NFL Playoff Debates

• 💡 The show critiques the unfair blame placed on Lamar Jackson for the Ravens' loss, highlighting missed field goals and fumbles by teammates in key games.
• 🎯 It's argued that the Philadelphia Eagles made a "stupid" decision by not prioritizing the two-seed in the playoffs, potentially leading to tougher matchups and losing home-field advantage.
• 🏈 The Pittsburgh Steelers are predicted to be "blown out" in the first round of the playoffs by the Houston Texans, who are considered the hottest team with the best defense.

Coaching Carousel: Black Monday Insights

• 🔑 The Las Vegas Raiders are rumored to target Brian Flores as head coach for defense and Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator, a move supported by Tom Brady.
• ⚠️ A critique is made about the recycling of the "same dudes" for head coach interviews each year, suggesting that coaches who failed multiple times are unlikely to succeed.
• 🔥 Craig Carton's "hot seat" list includes Aaron Glenn (Jets), Zac Taylor (Bengals), Todd Bowles (Buccaneers), Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals), Kevin O'Connell (Vikings), and Andy Reid (Chiefs), with specific reasons for each.

Josh Allen's Playoff Path & Controversies

• 🚀 With Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Tua Tagovailoa out of the AFC playoffs, the question is posed: "What's Josh Allen's excuse going to be this year?"
• 🤔 Josh Allen is criticized for his "cheesy" one-play start streak in week 17 and 18, where he played only one snap to keep his consecutive start record alive, which is deemed as cheapening the streak.
• 💬 Predicted excuses for Josh Allen include health and family distractions or the "LeBron James argument" that he doesn't have enough talent around him, despite having a 1000-yard receiver.

Indiana University Commentary

• 🎓 The host addresses the "vitriol" received for comments about Indiana fans' financial capacity to attend the Rose Bowl, acknowledging previous errors but standing by the sentiment.
• 📊 Research is presented showing Indiana University has an 80% acceptance rate, leading to the humorous conclusion that it's a "safety school" where "a pulse and four limbs gets you into Indiana."