New England Patriots: Josh McDaniels under pressure in 2020

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Hurts (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Belichick’s, McDaniel’s and the New England Patriots’ big risk and opportunity

Whatever option the Patriots select, Josh McDaniels will be on the front lines. If the Patriots select option 1 and the offense fails with a traditional quarterback, McDaniels (and Belichick) will be tagged with the “can’t win without Brady” label.

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This tarnishes Belichick’s reputation and legacy. In addition, McDaniels will also be stuck with that label having failed in his first head-coaching position in Denver without Brady, and now having failed in the place of his great previous success in New England, again, without Brady.

While this tarnishes Belichick’s reputation, it could put an end to any future opportunities whether inside or outside New England for McDaniels to secure a head-coaching position. That’s the big risk for McDaniels.

However, If the Patriots select Option 2, I think they have to be given a bit more slack and time to totally incorporate a new offensive system sans Brady into the team. Time is gold.

Whether a Newton-type veteran or a rookie like Jalen Hurts, it is logical to expect the incorporation of a totally new and completely different system with many new players especially those with diverse and multi-faceted skill sets will take time. Time is gold for Belichick and McDaniels.

It is thus clear, the best and most logical option for the Patriots is to choose option 2. Both for Belichick’s, McDaniels’ and the team’s benefit.

The Brady-type offense only worked because of Brady. Trying to fit another quarterback into that system is a classic square peg, round hole analogy. It won’t work.

Implementing a new mobile, multi-faceted offense with new more versatile skill players makes all the sense in the world.

First, it gives you more time. Then, it provides an opportunity to put opposing defenses on their back heels with an offense that now becomes totally unpredictable and immeasurably more athletic (if they draft correctly).

And three, it allows the coaching abilities of Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels to develop a new system more in-tune with the new NFL based on speed and deception and emerge once again with dynamic, exciting and successful team for the next generation of greatness.