The New England Patriots, America’s most hated football dynasty, have continued to make post-Super Bowl news. Prior to the opening kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis last Sunday, news broke out that Tom Brady’s go-to coach not named Bill Belichick, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, would leave New England after the Super Bowl to take the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts. He wouldn’t be the only coaching assistant to Belichick to leave this offseason: Matt Patricia, the defensive coordinator, accepted the head coaching opening for the Detroit Lions. McDaniels, no matter what the result of the game, win or lose, would be leaving his star quarterback high and dry.
The Patriots did lose that game, 41-33. And, as anticipated, McDaniels would fly out to Indianapolis for the introductory press conference. However, the story took a major twist: McDaniels turned down the Indy job, changed his mind, and decided to stay with Brady and Belichick and the New England organization. Colts fans were horrified. But this isn’t the first time a Patriots coach stepped down from a head coaching job way before his first game with them. Back in 2000, Bill Belichick resigned as head coach of the New York Jets during his introductory press conference, and the rest is history.
Perhaps McDaniels’ decision to stay with the Pats was because of his recent failed head coaching experiment in Denver, as well as his horrid performance as the offensive coordinator for the then St. Louis Rams. Who would be his starting quarterback had he gone to Indy? Andrew Luck is recovering from all his injuries, and Jacoby Brissett is a rental from New England. Plus, McDaniels must work with a nightmare of a defense. AND the offensive line has been a massive problem as well. The Patriots don’t have inconsistent quarterback play. And for the most part of this season, their defense played exceptionally well. The offensive line has given Tom Brady time to get off his passes. That was extremely bad luck for the Colts, no puns intended.
New England is favored, as always, to get to the Super Bowl and win it. McDaniels coming back definitely helps the cause. Yes, Belichick and owner Robert Kraft will have to address the defense in the draft and free agency, as well as find a replacement for Patricia, but, never fear Pats nation: Tom Brady will always come to your rescue (much to the dismay of the rest of the NFL)! All he does is win, in part because of the plays called by his offensive coordinator.
