McDaniels' Patriots Impact: 9 Winners & 9 Losers After His Return
The return of Josh McDaniels to the New England Patriots in 2023 has sent ripples throughout the team. While some players have thrived under his renewed leadership, others have struggled to adapt. Let's analyze the clear winners and losers from McDaniels' second stint as offensive coordinator.
9 Winners from McDaniels' Return:
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Mac Jones: While his 2022 season was marred by inconsistency, McDaniels' return has seemingly revitalized Jones. His improved pocket presence and decision-making suggest a stronger working relationship with his offensive coordinator. The emphasis on short, quick passes seems tailored to his skillset, maximizing his strengths.
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Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson's emergence as a versatile back is directly linked to McDaniels' offensive scheme. His ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield fits perfectly into the play-calling. Expect him to have a breakout season.
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Hunter Henry: McDaniels has a history of utilizing tight ends effectively. Henry benefits greatly from this, becoming a consistent target in the red zone and a key component of the passing game. His receiving numbers are poised to increase substantially.
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Jakobi Meyers (Pre-Departure): Before his departure to Las Vegas, Meyers benefited from McDaniels' understanding of his skillset, seeing a consistent volume of targets in short and intermediate routes.
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Offensive Line (Selectively): While not universally a win, certain linemen have found success within McDaniels' run-heavy schemes. Those who excel in run blocking are experiencing a boost in their performance metrics.
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Special Teams: While indirectly linked, a successful offense takes pressure off special teams. The improved offensive efficiency can translate to more favorable field position for the specialists.
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Bill Belichick (Potentially): McDaniels’ return offers Belichick a familiar offensive mind, easing communication and streamlining strategy. Their shared understanding of football philosophy can lead to a more cohesive overall game plan.
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Patriots Fans (Potentially): A more potent offense could translate into more wins and a more exciting season for the long-suffering Patriots faithful.
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Draft Capital (Potentially): Success in the future may depend on the team's ability to develop players and secure draft capital. A winning record could positively impact the team's draft position.
9 Losers from McDaniels' Return:
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Bailey Zappe: With Mac Jones' resurgence, Zappe's opportunities for playing time have diminished. His development may be hampered by a lack of on-field experience.
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Tyquan Thornton: Thornton's explosive speed isn't fully utilized in a short-passing game. He needs more opportunities to showcase his deep-threat capabilities.
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Receivers Beyond the Top Targets: McDaniels’ system might not be optimal for receivers who aren’t high-volume targets, leading to fewer opportunities for lesser-known players.
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Offensive Line (Selectively): Players who primarily excel in pass blocking might find their roles diminished in a more run-focused system.
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Offensive Creativity (Potentially): Some may argue McDaniels' system lacks the creative flair seen under other offensive coordinators, limiting the potential for innovative play calls.
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Fantasy Football Owners (Potentially): The success of a few key players might come at the expense of others, leading to disappointment for fantasy owners relying on less consistent performers.
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Defensive Players (Potentially): A less productive offense means more time on the field for the defense, potentially leading to fatigue and increased risk of injury.
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The "New England Way" Skeptics: Those who believed the Patriots' success lay in a different offensive approach may be disheartened by McDaniels' return to a seemingly traditional system.
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Fans of High-Flying Offenses: Fans expecting a high-scoring, aerial attack may be disappointed by McDaniels’ emphasis on the running game and short, efficient passes.
The impact of McDaniels’ return will continue to unfold throughout the season. Only time will tell the ultimate winners and losers within this evolving dynamic. The Patriots' success this year hinges heavily on the effectiveness of his offensive scheme and the players' ability to adapt to his coaching style.
