McDaniels New Patriots Assistant

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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McDaniels' Return: A New Chapter for the Patriots

Hey football fans! So, Bill O'Brien's gone, and who's back in the building? None other than Josh McDaniels! Yep, that Josh McDaniels. This isn't just any coaching hire; this is a major shakeup for the New England Patriots, and honestly, it's got me thinking. I mean, I remember the last time he was here... whew. Let's dive into this, shall we?

The McDaniels Rollercoaster: A Personal Perspective

Okay, full disclosure: I'm a Patriots fan since way back. I've seen the highs, the lows, the Tom Brady era… the whole shebang. And let me tell you, the McDaniels saga is one for the ages. I've got vivid memories of his first stint with the team — the offensive mastermind, the guy who seemed like he was destined for greatness. Then, bam, he bolts for Denver. I remember feeling totally betrayed, like my favorite band broke up. Seriously. The whole thing felt like a punch to the gut. I even wrote some pretty heated (and maybe a little too dramatic) blog posts about it back then. My point? This isn't just about X's and O's; it's about emotions, man.

The Denver Broncos years? Let's just say they weren't exactly a highlight reel. I won't go into too much detail, but it was a rough patch for him, a major learning experience, I'm sure. It definitely soured a lot of people on him, including myself at the time. I mean, come on, that 4-12 season? Ouch. I'd almost forgotten about that one until now. But, hey, everyone makes mistakes, right? Even brilliant offensive coordinators.

Second Chances and Second Guesses

So, why is he back? What's changed? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The Patriots seem to think he’s matured, learned from past mistakes, and is ready to contribute to a winning team, again. I'm reserving judgment. Let's not kid ourselves, there's a lot of skepticism out there. But I’m also cautiously optimistic. Perhaps he’s truly changed. His track record since his Denver debacle with the Raiders isn’t as bad as it could have been. His offensive prowess with the Patriots over the years speaks volumes and can’t be dismissed entirely.

What to Expect From McDaniels 2.0?

Okay, let's get tactical. What can we realistically expect from McDaniels this time around? Well, for starters, a more collaborative approach, maybe? I'm hoping for less of the "my way or the highway" attitude and more teamwork with the rest of the coaching staff. We need a strong offensive identity, a system that complements Mac Jones' strengths— not just force-feeding him plays that work better for someone else.

Improved play calling is a must. Remember those frustrating games where the playcalling seemed…off? Yeah, that needs to be a thing of the past. We need consistent, creative, and effective play design. I wouldn't mind seeing some creative use of RPOs, either. More trick plays could be fun. Remember that 2018 season? It was wild, to say the least. I really hope he can channel that offensive creativity this time around.

Perhaps, Bill Belichick learned from the past experience as well. This might be a different dynamic, a smoother operation this time around. I truly believe that Belichick could have learned from the whole ordeal and wants to help McDaniels succeed.

The Bottom Line: A Wait-and-See Approach

Look, I get it. Trusting McDaniels again is a leap of faith. It's a risk. But, hey, that's football, right? It’s all about embracing the uncertainty. There will be growing pains. I'm bracing myself for some potential frustration. However, I'm willing to give this another shot. I'm not gonna lie, it's gonna take time to see if it works. Only time will tell if this reunion is a genius move or a major blunder. But hey, at least it’s interesting! What are your thoughts? Let's discuss in the comments!