Clowney hit worthy of suspension?

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F during the football season.

Steve from Wisconsin
What did your eyes tell you? Is Brady done?
If I needed a quarterback, I would have no interest in signing him.

Craig from Cedarburg, WI
Is Minnesota all of a sudden hot again?
I think we saw Dalvin Cook's value to the Vikings. That's as far as I'll go.

Sean from Aubrey, TX
What is offensive pass interference? Sure looked to me like Rudolph pushed off.
I agree. I also think the defender was guilty of illegal contact.

Dustin from Orlando, FL
I’m glad the Saints lost. Once again, they’re blaming the refs for a non-call. I am sick of the blame-the-refs mentality in both the players and the fans. It’s unbecoming and only leads to more oversight. What do you think, Vic, get it right at all costs or shut up and learn to lose with dignity?
The dignity option is no longer available. It's get it right at all costs. The league reviewed the play and ruled there was no offensive pass interference. In the league's mind, they got it right.

Matt from Green Bay, WI
"Saints will be the Packers' opponent." Good call, Vic!
Oh, so that's how it works. I'm asked to give my opinion, I provide a forthright and honest answer and then I'm mocked for getting it wrong. OK.

T.J. from Tampa, FL
What do you make of Mike Vrabel’s clock management?
What was that I said about looking stupid when you think you're smarter than everybody else?

Pat from Seneca, SC
What was your reaction when Mike Vrabel used the running clock loophole against Belichick?
I wanted to update my answer to the question "What gives you joy?"

Patrick from Indianapolis, IN
Vic, you were three out of four in the wild-card round. Can you share with us what you foresee for the divisional round games?
I'd rather not.

Lane from Orlando, FL
Vic, I hope they mic up J.J. Watt again next week so I can hear him yell “Let’s go!” 42 times. It’s really insightful. What aspect of current TV coverage gets under your skin?
Over-analysis irritates me. I did enjoy Booger's comment about Watt being wired for sound. I think J.J. likes it, Booger said, and I'm paraphrasing. Good shot, Booger.

Dustin from Seymour, WI
What are your expectations for the divisional round?
I have no expectations. I just watch.

Freddie from West Valley City (wherever that is)
I've always wanted to say thanks for your article the day after the 2014 NFC championship; it was genuinely one of the few things that made me feel better that day. That said, let's hope the football gods are backing Green Bay this time around, especially in the last four minutes.
The gods help those who help themselves, Freddie.

Ryan from Bloomer, WI
Vic, I just read Sam Wyche died. Do you have any thoughts or stories of Sam and his contribution to the NFL? Hard to believe he was the last coach to win a playoff game for the Bengals.
I think he was an outstanding coach. He was innovative and married his offensive genius with strong defenses. His Bengals team that lost to the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII is one of the best Super Bowl losing teams ever. Sam got into a handshake flap with Chuck Noll that was unfortunate for both coaches. Sam overreacted and looked silly when Chuck appeared to snub him after a game. Chuck didn't shake hands with opposing coaches and it's because Pete Rozelle was promoting a non-fraternization policy. Chuck and a lot of other coaches were merely acting as Pete requested. Be that as it may, I think Chuck could've handled the controversy more gracefully. I'm sorry to hear of Sam's passing. He provided me with memories that have helped make me rich.

Scott from Jacksonville, FL
Just a minor correction. Shad sold his $120 million yacht a few years ago. The one parked out back now is worth $200 million.
Oh, this one has a TV, huh?

Duff from Longmont, CO
Love the new fish picture. You look incredibly happy and content. I couldn't be happier for you. What kind of fish is that and did you eat it. Happy New Year.
It's a junk fish. It could be an Atlantic white fish; I didn't ask, I just threw it back in the water. I was fishing for red fish, also known as spot tail. I caught a couple but they were just under the 15-inch minimum.

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL
The finalists are out. Boselli made it again. Will this be the year?
I believe it'll happen. The Jaguars need and deserve a representative in Canton and I think Tony's the guy. A month ago we talked, and I told him I'll cover his induction.

Leroy from Jenkins, KY
Vic, in order for me to better understand the salary cap, what is the first thing I should look for?
Look at a player's annual salaries. If they spike, it's probably been pre-determined the team will restructure him at that point.

Justin from Titonka, IA
How would you rank the quarterbacks in this years' playoffs?
Based on how they were playing when the playoffs began: 1. Mahomes, 2. Brees, 3. Wilson, 4. Jackson, 5. Rodgers, 6. Watson, 7. Garoppolo, 8. Brady, 9. Wentz, 10. Cousins, 11. Allen, 12. Tannehill.

Josh from Tucson, AZ
I came across an excellent mention of you in Myron Cope's book, Double Yoi!. "One day, a kid named Vic Ketchman showed up. I thought, 'If that kid were Jewish, he'd only be a couple of years past his bar mitzvah.' " Congratulations on finishing up another decade of the column in its various forms, and I look forward to continuing to read it as long as you are willing to write it.
I learned from Myron. He was a pro. I miss him.

Mike from North Hudson, WI
What teams do you think will be playing in the championship weekend?
I like them all, Mike. I think they're all of championship character.

​Oscar from Santa Ana, CA
Vic, thoughts on wild-card weekend?
I think the league should give serious consideration to suspending Jadeveon Clowney for the next game.