#brian-flores

#brian-flores

Even without the Brian Flores implications, hiring Mike McCarthy is still a fascinating decision. McCarthy, 62, joins a Pittsburgh franchise that has missed the postseason just three times since 2014. So it's not as if McCarthy is walking into a place with no expectations. Plus, McCarthy's hire will certainly lead to folks making the connection regarding a possible return to the Steelers for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The New England Patriots have had several assistants go on to become head coaches over the last decade. While none are head coaches anymore, they are all having success in their new homes. McDaniels is leading New England's No. 2 offense on a tough playoff path; Patricia was No. 2 at Ohio State's defensive coordinator, and Flores did an excellent job with the Vikings defense this season, as they finished top-12 for the third year in a row.

"Honestly, just the zero looks and things like that," Prescott said. "Simple as that, anytime we were in a passing situation or passing downs and they were giving us that look, we tried to throw him just a quick smoke - not early, well late honestly - and maybe we should have done it earlier. Maybe we should have just thrown him a slant. A lot of 'maybes.' I'm frustrated. This was one of the toughest ones I've been a part of."

McCarthy was taken two spots after Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr, whom Atlanta sensationally selected despite signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative free agent contract earlier that offseason. Penix was taken eighth overall, and after replacing Cousins and impressing late last season, is now the full-time starter, though Week 1 ended in disappointment for Atlanta as the Falcons lost a thriller to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite a Penix touchdown run putting them ahead with just over two minutes to play.