Patriots Expected To Hire McDaniels As OC

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Post on Jan 26, 2025

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Patriots Expected to Hire McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator: A New Era in New England?

The New England Patriots' offensive struggles in 2022 were undeniable. The team, historically known for its potent and innovative attack, sputtered throughout the season, leaving many questioning the future direction of the offense. Now, whispers are turning into shouts: Bill Belichick and the Patriots are reportedly poised to hire Bill O'Brien's former assistant, Josh McDaniels, as their offensive coordinator. This move carries significant weight, potentially signaling a return to a more familiar, and hopefully more successful, offensive philosophy.

The McDaniels Return: A Calculated Risk or a Stroke of Genius?

Josh McDaniels' history with the Patriots is long and complex. He served as the offensive coordinator under Belichick from 2006 to 2008, playing a crucial role in the team's three Super Bowl victories during that span. His departure in 2009 to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos proved disastrous, followed by a less-than-stellar stint as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his return to the Patriots in 2012, albeit in a different capacity, marked a period of continued offensive success, albeit with inconsistencies in recent years.

This time around, however, the circumstances are different. The team's offensive struggles last season were glaring, highlighting a need for a significant change in approach. Bringing McDaniels back isn't just about familiarity; it's about leveraging his extensive experience and, arguably, his redemption arc. The question remains: Will this calculated risk pay off, or will it be another chapter in a story filled with both triumph and disappointment?

Analyzing McDaniels' Offensive Philosophy

McDaniels is known for his versatile and adaptable offensive schemes. He’s not bound to a single system; instead, he tailors his approach to the strengths of his personnel. This flexibility is crucial in the NFL, where roster turnover is constant.

Key characteristics of a McDaniels-led offense:

• West Coast Offense Influence: While not strictly adhering to a West Coast system, McDaniels incorporates many of its principles, emphasizing short, quick passes to keep the chains moving and control the clock.
• Play-Action Passing: McDaniels utilizes play-action effectively, leveraging the run game to set up deep throws and create mismatches.
• Pre-Snap Motion: Expect to see a significant increase in pre-snap motion and shifts to confuse defenses and create advantageous matchups.
• Adaptability Based on Personnel: Depending on the quarterback’s strengths and the skillset of the receivers and running backs, the offense can be adjusted accordingly. This season, we'll likely see a lot of emphasis on utilizing Mac Jones' strengths and developing his abilities further.

Impact on Mac Jones and the Patriots' Offense

The hiring of McDaniels has significant implications for Mac Jones, the Patriots' young quarterback. After a disappointing 2022 season, Jones needs a strong offensive coordinator who can help him develop and rediscover his potential. McDaniels' experience in working with quarterbacks of various skill sets makes him uniquely positioned to guide Jones' growth. The success of this pairing will be crucial for the team's overall success.

A Fresh Start for Mac Jones?

McDaniels' ability to tailor his offense to a quarterback's strengths is a significant factor in Mac Jones' potential resurgence. In 2022, the offensive scheme did not seem to maximize Jones' abilities. McDaniels might introduce new plays and formations that better suit Jones' pocket presence and accuracy. The hope is that this collaboration will lead to improved decision-making, increased efficiency, and ultimately, a significant improvement in the team's overall offensive output.

Addressing the Offensive Line and Run Game

The Patriots' offensive line struggled mightily in 2022, hindering both the running game and pass protection. McDaniels will need to work closely with the offensive line coach to improve both areas. A stronger running game is essential for setting up play-action passes, a cornerstone of McDaniels' offensive philosophy. The focus will be on improving the line's pass protection and creating running lanes for the team's running backs.

The Role of the Running Backs

The success of the run game will also depend heavily on the performance of the running backs. McDaniels' offenses often feature a blend of inside and outside runs, designed to exploit weaknesses in the defense. Finding a balance between power runs and quick-hitting plays that keep the chains moving will be key.

The Broader Impact on the Patriots' Future

The decision to hire McDaniels is more than just an offensive coaching change; it represents a broader shift in the Patriots' approach. It signals a renewed commitment to a more traditional, yet highly adaptable offensive system. It suggests that the front office believes in the potential of its current players, particularly Mac Jones, and it indicates a willingness to invest in rebuilding the offense from the ground up. The future success of the Patriots will heavily depend on the success of this new offensive direction.

Challenges and Expectations

Despite the optimism surrounding McDaniels' return, there are significant challenges ahead. He must rebuild the team's offensive line and create a strong run game to set up the passing attack. He needs to develop a strong rapport with Jones and maximize his potential. Success won't be immediate; it will take time and effort to implement his system effectively.

Realistic Expectations: While a Super Bowl run in the immediate future is unlikely, a significant improvement in the team's offensive performance is a reasonable expectation. If McDaniels can help develop Mac Jones into a consistent, high-performing quarterback, and if the offensive line shows substantial progress, then the Patriots can expect to be a more competitive team in 2023.

Conclusion: A Gamble Worth Taking?

The Patriots' decision to bring back Josh McDaniels is undoubtedly a gamble. His past failures cast a shadow over his return, but his experience and understanding of the Patriots' system give him a clear advantage. The success of this move will hinge on multiple factors, from improving the offensive line to developing Mac Jones' potential. However, if all goes according to plan, the return of McDaniels could mark the beginning of a new era of offensive success in New England. The coming season will be crucial in determining whether this risk truly pays off and revitalizes the Patriots' offense. The football world watches with bated breath.