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“Ready to go.”  That’s how Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes describes his status for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Bengals. Mahomes was listed as a “full participant” in Wednesday’s practice, despite the high ankle sprain he suffered in K.C.’s divisional playoff victory over the Jaguars.

We won’t know—and neither will Cincinnati’s defense—how much mobility Mahomes has until the game starts. That means Bengal D.C. Lou Anarumo will have to prepare two separate game plans—one for a Mahomes who can get outside of the pocket, and another for a stationary Mahomes.

That’s a tall order, both in scheme and preparation. But under Anarumo’s direction, the Bengals defense has proved to be the most versatile and adaptable D in the league. Like a great jazz combo, they can “play it in any key.” It would not surprise me in the least if the Bengal defense proves to be the best unit on the field Sunday at Arrowhead.

Cincinnati’s offensive line—missing three starters to injury—did a remarkable job last Sunday in Buffalo, Joe Burrow was sacked only once, and the Bengals’ running game looked as good as it has all year. But now that patchwork O-line may be even more banged up. Good luck in dealing with Chiefs Al-Pro DT Chris Jones, who has 15.5 sacks, most of them coming right up the middle.

The ’Niners say they will “let the legal process play out” in dealing with D-lineman Charles Omenihu, who was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence follow an alleged altercation with his girlfriend Monday afternoon. Bottom line? Omenihu will play Sunday against the Eagles.

SF’s top two running backs did not practice Wednesday. Christian McCaffrey is nursing a bruised calf while Elijah Mitchell is batting a groin strain. Hell, yes, they’ll play, as will Deebo Samuel, who dinged an ankle in that win over the Cowboys.

There had been some speculation that Jimmy G. might be available to back up Brock Purdy against the Eagles. But Garoppolo’s recovery from a broken foot suffered two months ago will take at least another week. He’ll likely be “probable” for the Super Bowl, if the ‘Niners make it that far.

Cowboys linebackers coach George Edwards won’t be back next season. Nor will running backs coach Skip Peete. The fallout from Sunday in Santa Clara has begun.

NFL MVP? You can’t go wrong with Mahomes, but I’ll ride with Jalen Hurts.

Steph Curry doesn’t always get ejected from NBA games. But when he does it’s for throwing his mouthpiece. That’s three times in his career. That’s a sanitation problem, man.

Damian Lillard with 60 last night in a Blazers’ win over the Jazz.  And did it with only 29 field goal attempts and just ten attempted free throws. No wasted motion or effort there.

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Paul's Bio

I clearly have the attention span of your median fruit fly.Look! Airplane!

Sorry. I’m back.

It’s both a curse and a blessing. I’ve never bought this stuff about, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But I do think that a wide range of life experiences helps us grow as people, and helps us better relate to other people. I’ve been fortunate. And I am beyond grateful.

I show up on time. I go like hell. I’m a good listener. I hold myself accountable. I own my mistakes. And I have a natural and an insatiable curiosity. I’m never afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t. But then I try to find out.

The flip side is I’m a lousy ballroom dancer and my clothes sometimes fit me funny.

Stuff matters to me. I care. But while I take that stuff seriously, I try hard to never take myself seriously. As a result, I have sometimes been told, “Paul, it’s hard to tell when you’re serious and when you’re just having some fun. Which is it? Serious or fun?”

My answer is “yes.” But I think that is a legitimate criticism. I promise I’m going to work on that.

This has been the quickest and strangest half-century I’ve ever experienced. During that period, I’ve been afforded amazing opportunities in news and sports journalism across all platforms. I have taught wonderful students at the high school and collegiate level. Always, I learned more from them than they did from me. I’ve been a high school administrator. I spent ten seasons as a high school varsity football coach. I’ve been an advertising executive. I’ve hosted nationally syndicated television entertainment shows. In maybe the biggest honor I ever received, I was selected by NASA to be “Chet The Astronaut” for the “Land The Shuttle” simulator at Space Center Houston. (All I can say there, is “Do as I say, not as I do.” I put that thing in the Everglades more often than not.) Most recently, I just wrapped up a decade as a television news director, during which time our teams distinguished themselves in holding the powerful accountable, achieving both critical and ratings success.

What does all that mean? It means I am profoundly grateful. It also means I’m ready for “next.” So here we are. Radically Rational. It’s an idea I woke up with in 2017. I scribbled “Radically Rational” on a piece of notebook paper and used a magnet to stick it on our refrigerator. I saw it every day, and it just would not leave me alone.

I am second in charge at Radically Rational, LLC. My wife, Jo (also known as BB), is the president. Clearly, I have failed in my attempt to sleep my way to the top of this organization.

I hope you will learn that I’m loyal as a Labrador. But I will admit that this doggie can bite every now and then. My promise to you? I will show up on time. I will go like hell. I will listen to you earnestly and attentively. I will hold myself accountable. I will never be the least bit hesitant to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t.

But then I’ll try to find out. Let’s do it.