New England Patriots: Josh McDaniels under pressure in 2020

The quarterback change for the New England Patriots will be a big challenge for Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels no matter who it might be.

The quarterback change for the New England Patriots will be a big challenge. No matter who that is, Josh McDaniels, their long-time offensive coordinator will be on the hot seat.

Conjecture abounds about whether the Patriots will stay the course and insert former backup Jarrett Stidham into the offense created for Tom Brady, or, the Patriots will go in a new direction either with their system, their quarterback or both.

No matter which direction the New England Patriots decide to go, McDaniels will be the driver and he will be judged accordingly.

Josh McDaniels has been the key player coaching the Patriots offense for many years during the Brady era. To some extent that was easy with Brady at the helm.

Winning the AFC East was almost a given. Having a home game at least and very likely a bye in the first playoff round was also very likely. And going all the way to the AFC Championship game was likely and winning it was a good chance.

That was the good news. The bad news is, that is now over. All bets are off and the next iteration of the New England Patriots offense is about to take shape.

The architects of the new offense will be Bill Belichick, his personnel staff and McDaniels. But the builder will be McDaniels. Having the best-laid plan is nice but if the builder can’t implement it, the building could fold. Josh McDaniels is clearly on the hot seat.