For the first time since the 2012 season, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will not have the chance to work with Tom Brady. The last time he and Brady were not on a team together, he was the head coach of the St. Louis Rams in 2011. With the addition of Cam Newton to the roster, McDaniels will be tested.
Up until the very end, McDaniels and Brady always seemed to know what the other one was thinking. Whether it was schematically, or in terms of an overall game plan, McDaniels certainly worked to Brady’s strengths. Whether it be quick passes in the slot, a game plan centered around the tight end, or a (rare) game that focused on the run, everything McDaniels did seemed like it centered around Brady. Furthermore, Brady often audibled at the line of scrimmage, and was able to read defenses with ease. For McDaniels, it was almost like having a second coach on the field. Both parties were very familiar with each other.
Newton will test Josh McDaniels. Newton does not have that same knowledge of the Patriots playbook that Brady did. As a result, McDaniels may have to be extra attentive to the playcalling. This certainly is not a knock on Newton. McDaniels and Brady worked together for almost two decades. Now, McDaniels may have to do things a bit differently, and change is hard for anybody.
The addition of Newton may also test McDaniels ability to maximize the talents of a quarterback with different skill sets. Newton can roll out and make throws on the run. He can be accurate throwing the ball down the field. He has more tools to keep plays alive then Brady does. The playcalling during the Brady era was very structured. Brady was almost always under center, and most of the plays involved him staying in the pocket.
Newton will test McDaniels because he is a quarterback of that likes to run with the ball. He has the ability to do that. He has the ability to move around in the pocket and make a deep throw. He is the complete opposite of Brady in terms of mobility and arm strength. McDaniels will have to figure out how to maximize those two skills in a way that he never had to with Brady.
McDaniels may be able to try out different formations under Newton. Run-pass options may be more prevalent in the New England playbook. There are a bunch of directions that McDaniels can go in with a more athletic quarterback. He will be tested in regards to how he uses formations and how often he uses them. Particularly down in the red zone, Newton’s agility and athleticism could be a major asset.
This will be an interesting year for McDaniels and the New England Patriots. A different offensive game plan may be more prevalent than in years’ past. This will truly be a season in which McDaniels is put to the test.
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