Josh McDaniels seems to be the new Mike Tice (1 Viewer)

[texasbirdfan]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11999033?source=rss

One of the most difficult positions to play in this league anymore is the third-down back because of all the crazy looks you get from the defense and the blitzing that goes on," McDaniels said at the NFL owners meetings. "That's how you protect your quarterback against all these crazy looks that are going on, and they're just going to get crazier."

I guess he will say anything that isn't Cutler. It seems to me after years of football watching the 3rd down back is pretty much the easiest position. Either your number is called by the OC or you better block someone. period. Not trying to dump on him but wtf

 

[gman8343]

I guess he will say anything that isn't Cutler. It seems to me after years of football watching the 3rd down back is pretty much the easiest position. Either your number is called by the OC or you better block someone. period. Not trying to dump on him but wtf

Yeah but those looks are crazy and just getting crazier.

 

[bcr8f]

I think he has just one oar in the water.

 

[Boston]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

 

[the branded hand]

I think he has just one oar in the water.

Too bad he forgot the boat...

 

[texasbirdfan]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

No. It is MOST difficult. lolThe joke in my opinion is call the right play, put the right back in there and it is all the same

 

[Burning Sensation]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

 

[texasbirdfan]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

dudeit's a quotehit the link

 

[Boston]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

 

[bryan215]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11999033?source=rss

One of the most difficult positions to play in this league anymore is the third-down back because of all the crazy looks you get from the defense and the blitzing that goes on," McDaniels said at the NFL owners meetings. "That's how you protect your quarterback against all these crazy looks that are going on, and they're just going to get crazier."

I guess he will say anything that isn't Cutler. It seems to me after years of football watching the 3rd down back is pretty much the easiest position. Either your number is called by the OC or you better block someone. period. Not trying to dump on him but wtf

you must have not watched much football or you are really dumb.If you are a good/great 3rd down back...you can make an career out of it...where as backup RBs often just vanish from the league after a year or two.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

One of the most difficult things in the Shark Pool, is reading threads like this.

 

[texasbirdfan]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

No. let's give JJ Arington with his torn up knee 4 years and $10 million along with the other 6 backs McDaniels has assembled. Josh thinks he is the 3rd down genius and has to find the right back for his system. The fact that it is a hard job or an easy job is a moot point. Blocking on third down and medium or long has been the same for decades- pick up your block.....

 

[texasbirdfan]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11999033?source=rss

One of the most difficult positions to play in this league anymore is the third-down back because of all the crazy looks you get from the defense and the blitzing that goes on," McDaniels said at the NFL owners meetings. "That's how you protect your quarterback against all these crazy looks that are going on, and they're just going to get crazier."

I guess he will say anything that isn't Cutler. It seems to me after years of football watching the 3rd down back is pretty much the easiest position. Either your number is called by the OC or you better block someone. period. Not trying to dump on him but wtf

you must have not watched much football or you are really dumb.If you are a good/great 3rd down back...you can make an career out of it...where as backup RBs often just vanish from the league after a year or two.

So that makes it difficult? (The 3rd down back is usually the retread)

 

[Boston]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

No. let's give JJ Arington with his torn up knee 4 years and $10 million along with the other 6 backs McDaniels has assembled. Josh thinks he is the 3rd down genius and has to find the right back for his system. The fact that it is a hard job or an easy job is a moot point. Blocking on third down and medium or long has been the same for decades- pick up your block.....

...and running and catching has been the same too...but it doesn't mean everyone has the talent to do it. Also, I believe he's saying that the complexity of today's defenses means there's even more pressure on the third down back to be mentally aware of what's going on (i.e. there's a chance he could have to block any of the 11 defenders on the field). You can be the best blocker in the world but if you're not understanding what the defense is doing you may never be in place to execute.Now, your point about JJ Arrington is a different story. Whether he's worth that money or not is a seperate topic.

 

[texasbirdfan]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

No. let's give JJ Arington with his torn up knee 4 years and $10 million along with the other 6 backs McDaniels has assembled. Josh thinks he is the 3rd down genius and has to find the right back for his system. The fact that it is a hard job or an easy job is a moot point. Blocking on third down and medium or long has been the same for decades- pick up your block.....

...and running and catching has been the same too...but it doesn't mean everyone has the talent to do it. Also, I believe he's saying that the complexity of today's defenses means there's even more pressure on the third down back to be mentally aware of what's going on (i.e. there's a chance he could have to block any of the 11 defenders on the field). You can be the best blocker in the world but if you're not understanding what the defense is doing you may never be in place to execute.Now, your point about JJ Arrington is a different story. Whether he's worth that money or not is a seperate topic.

Your points are well taken. However every position has taken on new complexity over the years. I think if you took a poll of head coaches, scouts and GM's to rate the degree of difficulty of all the positions in football, the 3rd down back would be down there near the bottom with placekick holder and punter.

 

[HellToupee]

One of the most difficult things in the Shark Pool, is reading threads like this.

best post in the pool today

 

[loose circuits]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

Jim Johnson. Spags, Rex Ryan. Cannot leave those guys out. They bring blitzes from everywhere. Eventhough the latter 2 are now HC's. Still expect them to have their hands on the D

 

[stevegamer]

Right now, I think I'd be insulting Mike Tice by comparing him to McDaniels. We'll see, however.

 

[Burning Sensation]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

dudeit's a quotehit the link

huh?

 

[Donnybrook]

McDaniels obviously thinks there is only one offense in football that is the New England offense.

In the Patriots' near-dynastic run, they have gone through a few No. 1 tailbacks. Antoine Smith, Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney. The only constant in the Patriots' run was their swing guy, third-down specialist Kevin Faulk.

The main running backs have proven to be interchangeable and third down back is the unsung hero in that offense.

 

[Burning Sensation]

I don't see what's so odd saying a 200lb RB blocking against a LB that goes about 250 and can run a 4.5/40 is difficult.

I think he said a bit more than that, actually, he didnt say anything that you wrote.He said "one of the most difficult positions to play in the league", which is odd, since the only job that might be easier is the backup QB position.

Yeah, it's real easy. Just throw any old RB out there and he'll know exactly how to handle a blitz from a #### Lebeau, Bill Belichick or Monte Kiffin defense and if he doesn't get it right the only ramification is the possibility of losing your QB for the season.

Who said it was real easy? What i want to know is what makes it one of the most difficult positions in football? How is pass blocking 6 times a game, and getting 5-6 touches a game more difficult than playing QB, or anywhere on the Oline, or TE, or a WR? Ask Anquan Boldin what he thinks is easier, catching a pass over the middle or pass blocking. At least when you are pass blocking the blitzers are mostly trying to go around you, and not trying to knock you head of your body. While i would prefer to do neither, i would much rather try to block a LB i know is coming as opposed to trying to catch a pass over the middle and not really knowing who is waiting to bury me as i am trying to catch the ball.

 

[Adebisi]

Hey, I have an idea - let's take every opportunity we possibly can to pile onto Josh McDaniels, even if it means looking for things that we ordinarily would just read and never think twice about. Since we all play fantasy football and since he got into a clash with his temperamental quarterback, we probably know much more about NFL offenses than he does anyway.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Who said it was real easy? What i want to know is what makes it one of the most difficult positions in football? How is pass blocking 6 times a game, and getting 5-6 touches a game more difficult than playing QB, or anywhere on the Oline, or TE, or a WR? Ask Anquan Boldin what he thinks is easier, catching a pass over the middle or pass blocking. At least when you are pass blocking the blitzers are mostly trying to go around you, and not trying to knock you head of your body. While i would prefer to do neither, i would much rather try to block a LB i know is coming as opposed to trying to catch a pass over the middle and not really knowing who is waiting to bury me as i am trying to catch the ball.

Well, as you said... the 3rd down back essentially gets let's say 10-12 opportunities in a game. Not to mention it's 3rd down, more often than not, leading to a punt situation if they don't do their job. Also it's often a pass, meaning a blitz is almost a 90% certainty.It's a high pressure job that requires a thorough understanding of the defense and the ability to be multi-faceted. Do you think it's a coincidence that one of the keys to starting quickly in the NFL at RB is the ability to read blitzes and block?I think you're simplifying the role a little bit by saying it's just pass blocking 6 times a game and getting 5-6 touches. Many QBs get injured or hammered because the RB missed the block completely or misread the defense and wasn't in position. If I'm a QB, I want to know that I don't have to be thinking on a 3rd and 7... "Is Player X gonna be able to read the defense and make the block?"

 

[Burning Sensation]

Who said it was real easy? What i want to know is what makes it one of the most difficult positions in football? How is pass blocking 6 times a game, and getting 5-6 touches a game more difficult than playing QB, or anywhere on the Oline, or TE, or a WR? Ask Anquan Boldin what he thinks is easier, catching a pass over the middle or pass blocking. At least when you are pass blocking the blitzers are mostly trying to go around you, and not trying to knock you head of your body. While i would prefer to do neither, i would much rather try to block a LB i know is coming as opposed to trying to catch a pass over the middle and not really knowing who is waiting to bury me as i am trying to catch the ball.

Well, as you said... the 3rd down back essentially gets let's say 10-12 opportunities in a game. Not to mention it's 3rd down, more often than not, leading to a punt situation if they don't do their job. Also it's often a pass, meaning a blitz is almost a 90% certainty.It's a high pressure job that requires a thorough understanding of the defense and the ability to be multi-faceted. Do you think it's a coincidence that one of the keys to starting quickly in the NFL at RB is the ability to read blitzes and block?I think you're simplifying the role a little bit by saying it's just pass blocking 6 times a game and getting 5-6 touches. Many QBs get injured or hammered because the RB missed the block completely or misread the defense and wasn't in position. If I'm a QB, I want to know that I don't have to be thinking on a 3rd and 7... "Is Player X gonna be able to read the defense and make the block?"

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

If I'm a QB, I want to know that I don't have to be thinking on a 3rd and 7... "Is Player X gonna be able to read the defense and make the block?"

With this quote alone, you are telling me the QB's job is harder than a 3rd down back, not to mention the whole offensive line who is responsible for protecting the QB every time he passes.

Not to mention it's 3rd down, more often than not, leading to a punt situation if they don't do their job.

Which position isnt this true for? If the left tackle doesnt do his job, but the 3rd down back does, the offense is more likely to get the first down?Let me ask you this, which player has an easier job than a 3rd down back? Other than kickers and backups of course.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

Yes. Mr. Josh IS the authority on 3rd down backs. He must be the hardest working coach in football...

 

[Burning Sensation]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

Im wondering why you keep wondering that.

 

[Adebisi]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

Yes. Mr. Josh IS the authority on 3rd down backs. He must be the hardest working coach in football...

It admittedly is very, very close, but I think "Mr. Josh" might know just a touch more about NFL offenses than you do.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

Yes. Mr. Josh IS the authority on 3rd down backs. He must be the hardest working coach in football...

It admittedly is very, very close, but I think "Mr. Josh" might know just a touch more about NFL offenses than you do.

So it is safe to say that you have never disagreed with a decision made by an NFL coach?

 

[ScottyFargo]

It's called hyperbole, and a coach has license to use it every once in a while when describing what he's looking for or expects out of a position or player.

 

[Burning Sensation]

It's called hyperbole, and a coach has license to use it every once in a while when describing what he's looking for or expects out of a position or player.

I wont argue with this.

 

[Avery]

I think that McDaniels could not have mismanaged the Culter situation any worse if he gave it his best effort to screw it up. Additionally I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

Having said that, to pick apart this off-season fluff piece as further evidence that McDaniels hates/disrespects Culter or doesn't understand the game of football seems to be a very, very long reach.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I've seen D.T.'s, even nose tackles dropping into coverage. I've seen D.E. covering T.E. and Backs. I've seen L.B. asssigned to slot recievers. All so that the blitz can come from unexpected angles or stunts. These are obviously major mismatches. If the third down back can pick up the blitz and the q.B. and reciever can be on the same page on a hot rute these defenses beg getting beat and beat badly. On the other hand since the looks are so disguised, and unlikely, even as he said crazy, it takes a smart player to read them quickly enough to react. After all, the guy coming in on the Q.B. in these packages is not some lumbering D.T., it is usually a safety, C.B. or L.B. with some real quicks. and they are often coming up the middle rather than around the end. I agree with crazy Josh, the game has definately changed.Third down is much higher risk reward for both sides than it once was.

 

[Gopher State]

Right now, I think I'd be insulting Mike Tice by comparing him to McDaniels. We'll see, however.

VERY

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

 

[Adebisi]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game. His work with Matt Cassel last year was also noteworthy.I'm not ready to call McDaniels the next Don Shula quite yet - I've said all along that I think he should have waited at least another year or two before leaving New England - and he clearly has not gotten off to a good start in his first job as an NFL head coach. But to ask, "What are his accomplishments?" as if he hadn't proved himself in his former role as offensive coordinator is not being fair to him.

 

[DawnBTVS]

With this quote alone, you are telling me the QB's job is harder than a 3rd down back, not to mention the whole offensive line who is responsible for protecting the QB every time he passes.

McDaniels said one of... not that the 3rd down RB position is the hardest of all.

Which position isnt this true for? If the left tackle doesnt do his job, but the 3rd down back does, the offense is more likely to get the first down?

Depends and could be possible. The LT often at least has some form of help from the LG or TE who's staying in to block. The 3rd down back is essentially the last resort to the QB.

Let me ask you this, which player has an easier job than a 3rd down back? Other than kickers and backups of course.

I'd say the offensive line in that they can help each other (along with a TE on either the RT or LT side). A roaming safety like Polamalu has an easier job just in the sense that he can roam around and isn't asked to just be a one facet tool (i.e. blitzer or coverage but both).I'd argue that linebackers have an easier job in that they can read the QBs eyes and drop back into coverage, or diagnose the run and "flow" to the play as long as they can get through the guards pushing up into the second level. DEs and DTs are rarely asked to drop back into coverage except to cover the flats on RB routes. Rarely do they cover the TE unless they are superior athletes or tweeners (i.e. 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE).Wide receivers don't pick up blitzing players and generally just run routes and block similar sized cornerbacks.I can make generalized simple statements about positions too (As you are in regards to kickers and punters being comparable to a 3rd Down RB).

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Again, i didnt say it was easy. I am just saying it is not one of the hardest jobs in the NFL.

I keep wondering why you think you are more expert on this topic than Josh McDaniels.

Im wondering why you keep wondering that.

It's a pretty natural response to any of your comments in this thread. My guess is that if you had the opportunity to sit down and discuss the topic with McDaniels, you'd walk away saying "hmmm, makes sense. hadn't thought of it that way."I have no idea what "it" is that would make sense, but my instinct is to place faith in McDaniels over you, at least on the margin. Nothing personal.

 

[Balco]

I will reserve judgment for McDaniels based on the team he assembles/results on field. Who cares about a quote about the difficulty of a position?

McDaniels learned under some great minds in New England, who many consider to be very arrogant. He is just following the New England method. He is going to get the players he wants, and feels can help the football team win games, as he should. If that means he wanted Cassell over Cutler, so be it. He should be judged on that.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game.

It's easier to set a scoring record without a strong running game.I think just about any OC in the league could have done a better job in the Super Bowl than McDaniels did. He'd probably admit that, too.

 

[Adebisi]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game.

It's easier to set a scoring record without a strong running game.I think just about any OC in the league could have done a better job in the Super Bowl than McDaniels did. He'd probably admit that, too.

That is completely and utterly ridiculous. It might be easier to set a scoring record if you rarely run the ball and air it out all the time, but how would any weakness on the offensive side of the ball make it easier to set a scoring record?I agree that the Patriots were out-coached in the Super Bowl, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But no one is claiming that McDaniels is perfect, and I don't think you'll find a single coach in the history of the NFL who hasn't been out-coached at one time or another.

 

[Bankerguy]

The repuatation of the offseason posters being dramatically smarter then normal in season posters theory is taking a MAJOR hit today. SLBD is right.

 

[texasbirdfan]

The repuatation of the offseason posters being dramatically smarter then normal in season posters theory is taking a MAJOR hit today. SLBD is right.

You know the point of this thread was to have a little fun at McDaniels expense, but some posters take it a little personal. I find it a little humorous and a little sad over the years on football boards I have been on, when posters immediately attack another poster as not having the right to criticize or attack another coach, owner, scout or front office guy for a statement or action. I just found it a little crazy that JM would deflect any negative press away from the Cutler feud, to talk about the importance of the 3rd down back.But as I read the posts, I got to thinking that it was a fairly interesting topic. NOT attacking McDaniels directly....

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game. His work with Matt Cassel last year was also noteworthy.

Turning Cassel from a crappy QB to a pretty good QB is certainly the biggest feather in his cap to date, but that is still a minor accomplishment, at best. I'd say the Patriots setting the record had everything to do with Tom Brady and Randy Moss both playing out of their minds for most of the season. Also, their offense struggled quite a bit in the playoffs that season, so McDaniels wasn't so great then, was he? In fact, his play-calling in the playoffs was pretty unimaginative.

 

[Avery]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Ummm... I said his arrogance far surpasses his accomplishments implying that he hasn't accomplished nearly enough to justify his behavior. So you're agreeing with me, right?

 

[Adebisi]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game. His work with Matt Cassel last year was also noteworthy.

Turning Cassel from a crappy QB to a pretty good QB is certainly the biggest feather in his cap to date, but that is still a minor accomplishment, at best. I'd say the Patriots setting the record had everything to do with Tom Brady and Randy Moss both playing out of their minds for most of the season. Also, their offense struggled quite a bit in the playoffs that season, so McDaniels wasn't so great then, was he? In fact, his play-calling in the playoffs was pretty unimaginative.

Wait a minute - so the regular season success had everything to do with Brady & Moss's play, but we're pinning the playoffs on McDaniels? Do I have that right?

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm quickly developing a dislike for the arrogance that McDaniels seems to embody that by far surpasses his accomplishments.

What exactly are his accomplishments? Coordinating an offense with so much talent, that just about anyone with the slightest bit of offensive acumen could have gotten it to thrive?

Perhaps "anyone" could have gotten that offense to thrive, but there is nonetheless something to be said for establishing a new NFL scoring record, especially without a particularly strong running game.

It's easier to set a scoring record without a strong running game.I think just about any OC in the league could have done a better job in the Super Bowl than McDaniels did. He'd probably admit that, too.

That is completely and utterly ridiculous. It might be easier to set a scoring record if you rarely run the ball and air it out all the time, but how would any weakness on the offensive side of the ball make it easier to set a scoring record?

If the '07 Patriots had a strong running game, they would have been a better offensive team but they wouldn't have scored as many points. They might have won the Super Bowl, though.

 

[Adebisi]

If the '07 Patriots had a strong running game, they would have been a better offensive team but they wouldn't have scored as many points. They might have won the Super Bowl, though.

That may be true, but it's certainly not what you said originally.

 

[DawnBTVS]

The '07 Patriots offense didn't let them down in the SB... they were winning before Manning did his miracle drive and then they had to resort to deep bombs to try and get into scoring position.

I'd pin that on the Patriots defense and McDaniels did almost all he could to win the game. If the defense stopped Tyree, the Patriots would've won.

 

[Adebisi]

The '07 Patriots offense didn't let them down in the SB... they were winning before Manning did his miracle drive and then they had to resort to deep bombs to try and get into scoring position.I'd pin that on the Patriots defense and McDaniels did almost all he could to win the game. If the defense stopped Tyree, the Patriots would've won.

I have to disagree with you here. The offense put up 14 points, and that's just not good enough. They were playing around on offense instead of doing what had brought them so much success during the season - just letting Brady drop back and pick apart the opponent's secondary. It was frustrating to watch because the offense struggled for most of the game, and the Patriots failed to adjust their game plan. I pin that on McDaniels and Belichick.Of course, one particular player on defense did let them down, big time, and that player's name is Asante Samuel. He's essentially been given a free pass, but he gave up on that play to Tyree. If he had been hustling, he could have made the difference on the completion to Tyree.