Rams’ Donald is the only unanimous All-Pro pick
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was the only unanimous choice for the Associated Press 2018 NFL All-Pro team, which was chosen through balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league.
“That’s surreal,” Donald said Friday. “It’s a blessing. Wow! You see the hard work pay off. A lot of credit to my teammates and my coaches for pushing me and helping me.”
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City’s second-year quarterback, drew 45 votes and was joined by teammates Travis Kelce at tight end, Tyreek Hill as the flex player and Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle.
Indianapolis left guard Quenton Nelson and linebacker Darius Leonard were the first rookie teammates on the All-Pro roster since Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears in 1965. Nelson and Leonard are among four rookies on the squad, a first for the AP team. Seattle punter Michael Dickson and Chargers safety Derwin James also made it.
Coaching vacancies
John Elway met with Pittsburgh offensive line coach Mike Munchak about the Denver Broncos’ vacant head coaching position. Elway is scheduled to meet with New England de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Saturday and Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on Monday.
Cleveland took its coaching search on the road to interview Dan Campbell, the New Orleans tight ends-assistant head coach who went 5-7 after taking over Miami’s job in 2015. Campbell met with Browns officials in Louisiana while the Saints practiced during their bye week.
In Miami, Flores and Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy became the first candidates to interview for the Dolphins’ head coaching job. Meanwhile, Miami’s former coach, Adam Gase, interviewed with the New York Jets for their head coaching spot.
Ratings up
All of the NFL television partners showed increases in viewership following years of declines.
The league showed a 5% increase this season as an average of 15.8 million viewers tuned in to non-London games. It was a year largely devoid of off-field controversy after ratings decreased 9.7% last season and 8% in 2016. The most watched game was a Nov. 17 matchup between Kansas City and the Rams, which attracted 16.7 million viewers.
Etc.
Bears safety Eddie Jackson was listed as questionable for Sunday’s playoff game against Philadelphia. He hasn’t had a full practice since before the Dec. 16 game against Green Bay when he suffered an ankle injury . ... The Steelers parted ways with outside linebackers coach Joey Porter.