Tag: Ed McCaffrey

Bill Belichick breaks down Mike Shanahan’s offense seen in the NFL today

Bill Belichick breaks down the Mike Shanahan coaching tree and key elements of Shanahan’s offense that are still seen across the NFL today.

Mike Shanahan has not coached in the NFL since 2013, but elements of his offense are still seen across the league today.

That’s thanks to Shanahan’s impressive coaching tree which features his son, Kyle, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur and Mike McDaniel, among others.

During an episode of “Inside the NFL” last week, former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick broke down the Shanahan tree and two famous plays that are still used today.

Belichick started by showing a picture of Shanahan on the sideline with then-offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak at his side. Belichick then showed a stretch play with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis.

“The idea is to get the ball to the outside of the defense — they get the defense to run, and if they don’t get there, then take it. And if they overpursue, then cut it back.”

Off of that stretch run, Shanahan had a famous boot play that featured a quarterback rollout.

Belichick then showed a photo of Gary Kubiak in Denver’s locker room with his son, Klint, who is now an offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints.

After that, Belichick showed a photo of Mike Shanahan, his son Kyle, Kubiak and former quarterback John Elway on the sideline. Belichick then showed the San Francisco 49ers — now coached by Kyle — running a stretch play (with running back Christian McCaffrey, the son of former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey who played under Shanahan). Then he showed a boot.

Check it out:

“You get a good back into the secondary — Terrell Davis, Christian McCaffrey, guys like that — it’s all over.”

Shanahan should be a top candidate for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class in the coach category this fall. As Belichick’s breakdown demonstrated, Shanahan has a lasting legacy in the NFL with key elements of his offense still seen across the league more than a decade after he stopped coaching.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Ed McCaffrey wants former Broncos coach in the Hall of Fame

“It’s Time for a Call from the Hall!” Ed McCaffrey wants to see Mike Shanahan reach the Hall of Fame.

Ed McCaffrey has spoken.

McCaffrey, a former wide receiver who won three Super Bowls with Mike Shanahan during his 13-year career in the NFL, wants to see his former coach reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“It’s Time for a Call from the Hall!” McCaffrey tweeted on Saturday in response to a story about Shanahan from the team’s official Twitter/X page.

The Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers for a joint practice on Friday. Before that practice, Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke to Denver media members about his connection to Shanahan.

“Coach Shanahan has had a tremendous impact,” LaFleur said, via the team’s official website. “He gave me really my first position job with Washington in 2010 as a quarterbacks coach. I learned so much from him, not only Xs and Os wise but how to manage a staff. 
 When you look back at it, we had a lot of guys who have gone on to be head coaches. I think it’s because we learned the right way from Coach Shanahan.”

Shanahan was a semifinalist for the 2024 Hall of Fame class but was not elected. He was an offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers when they won Super Bowl XXIX. After that, Shanahan became head coach of the Broncos and he quickly signed McCaffrey, a fellow ex-Niner. Shanahan went on to win two more Super Bowls in Denver.

Elements of Shanahan’s offense are still seen across the NFL today and his coaching tree continues to bear fruit years after the coach’s retirement. Sean Payton, the Broncos’ current coach, has said Shanahan should already be in the Hall of Fame. Perhaps he’ll reach Canton as a member of the 2025 class.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Behind the head: Ed McCaffrey plays Miles in homage to Broncos Country

Who is behind the mask of Miles the mascot?

In the third episode of Hall of Famer Terrell Davis and NFL writer James Palmer’s “Salute to Broncos Country” series, the duo try to find Miles the Mascot in the belly of Empower Field at Mile High.

In order to help them find Miles, Davis and Palmer enlist the help of Denver Broncos’ mascot coordinator Brad Post. Together, all three of them go over some of Miles’ likely haunts: the Children’s hospital, on the field or the ski slopes. Post suggests the pair visit the mascot’s locker room.

On their way there, Palmer and Davis get a “whiff” of Miles, and upon spotting the elusive horse, they try to catch him. Miles eludes them, escaping and barricading himself in the locker room. While Davis and Palmer pound on the door to try and get him to come out, the mascot takes off the hoof hands and his head, revealing Davis’ old teammate and Broncos icon, wide receiver Ed McCaffrey.

McCaffrey gives a wink to the camera at the end of the video.

In previous episodes “Salute to Broncos Country,” Davis and Palmer examined the origins of the Mile High Salute and mixed-and-matched uniform combinations from the Mile High Collection. In the uniform episode, Davis put on the full uniform and he looks like he could still play today. Fans can watch more of the series on the team’s YouTube page.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Ed McCaffrey shares perfect video reminding Broncos fans why preseason matters

Preseason win-loss records don’t matter in the NFL, but preseason is not meaningless for the players attempting to make the team.

In terms of win-loss results, NFL preseason games are meaningless. For players and teams preparing for the 2024 season, though, preseason games are anything but meaningless.

Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey posted a great video on Twitter/X on Sunday reminding fans why preseason is important.

“The ⁊@Broncos Preseason is meaningless, right?!?” McCaffrey wrote sarcastically on Twitter. “Tune in #BroncosCountry! Let’s look for another Gold Jacket in the rough!”

McCaffrey’s tweet shows a video of then-rookie running back Terrell Davis making a big hit in a 1995 preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. That play on special teams earned Davis a spot on the 53-man roster.

Davis went on to become the best player in the NFL, winning the league’s MVP award following the 1998 season. Davis helped the Broncos win two Super Bowls, claiming a Super Bowl MVP award along the way. He is one of just eight players in NFL history who have rushed for 2,000 yards in a single season.

Davis ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the end of his career. It all started by impressing the team’s coaches in a preseason game. We’ll see if any Denver’s rookies can make a similar big-play impact in the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts today.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Watch Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere video

Luke McCaffrey’s video from the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

It’s an exciting time to be a fan of the Washington Commanders. There’s a new owner, a new general manager, a new coaching staff and a new quarterback.

The Commanders are coming off a strong free-agency period, during which they signed over 20 players and added nine through the 2024 NFL draft, including rookie passer Jayden Daniels. Washington’s draft class drew rave reviews from around the NFL, particularly its six selections in the draft’s first three rounds.

The Commanders selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the final pick in the third round. The former college quarterback is the son of former NFL star Ed McCaffrey and the younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey. He has only been playing wide receiver for two years and was among FBS leaders in touchdown receptions last season.

Along with Daniels, McCaffrey represented Washington at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere earlier this month. Overall, there were 40 rookies in attendance. The Premiere was also the first time the 2024 rookie class had the opportunity to put on their entire uniform for the first time.

Also, each rookie has their own video. We saw the one from Daniels.

Now, the NFLPA has released McCaffrey’s video. Give it a look.

 

Chris Cooley film review of Commanders’ WR Luke McCaffrey

Cooley on McCaffrey: “He’s going to be a good player.”

“He is super fast.”

That’s how former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley began his film review of Commanders third-round selection (100) Luke McCaffrey.

A guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast this week, Cooley mocked those who have already stereotyped McCaffrey as a receiver who won’t be able to work downfield. Cooley asked, “Why? Because he is a white receiver?”

Cooley continued, “He tracks the ball incredibly well, and he is able to go up and get it. He has great ball skills.” He then alluded to McCaffrey’s one-handed, all-hands catches.

The former Washington tight end and broadcaster likes McCaffrey’s measurables as well: 4.46 (40 yards), 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, 36 inches (vertical). At the NFL Combine, McCaffey’s other measurables were broad jump (121), shuttle (4.02), and 3-cone (6.70).

For quick descriptions, Cooley offered: “Fearless, tough, great run after the catch ability, good at finding open spots, a good, all-around player.”

“He can play in the slot; he can play outside. He will go over the middle and make a catch anywhere.”

“He is in and out of his breaks pretty well. He does need to do a better job setting up those breaks/setting up those routes. But as of now, he is able to create separation.”

“He attacks the ball at its highest point; he makes body adjustments.”

“He is a fearless blocker; he will get after it when he is in the run game. He is a play-every-snap kind of guy.”

“He is going to be a good (NFL) player.”

Remember, Luke only played receiver his last two years at Rice, after first playing quarterback at both Rice and Nebraska. Thus, he is still learning and developing at his “new” position.

Also, Luke’s dad, Ed McCaffrey accumulated 185 NFL games in his career, McCaffrey had 565 receptions for 7,422 yards, including 55 touchdowns. McCaffrey also averaged 13.1 yards per reception.

Luke’s older brother, Christian, followed in Ed’s footsteps, playing in the Pac-12 conference for Stanford. He has enjoyed an illustrious NFL career, already rushing for 6,185 yards and scoring 81 touchdowns in his 91 NFL games.

Why one Commanders rookie might surprise in a few years

Don’t sleep on wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, who could prove to be a steal.

It’s only minicamp, but one Commanders rookie is a real prospect.

Yes, the vast majority of the attention will go to quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, one other first-year player might gain more attention in time.

Former Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is not your typical receiver coming out of college.

McCaffrey’s dad, Ed, was an NFL wide receiver from 1991-2003 with the Giants, 49ers and Broncos. His older brother Christian is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL.

McCaffrey learned to pass a lot at a young age to his older brother and loved being a high school quarterback. He signed to play at Nebraska, where he would play for former Cornhuskers quarterback Scott Frost.

However, McCaffrey saw action in only 11 games as quarterback at Nebraska for two seasons, passing for three touchdowns and six interceptions. He did rush for 530 yards, averaging 6.0 per carry.

So he transferred to Rice, which he thought might be a better opportunity. Completing only 31 of his 62 attempts with two touchdowns and four interceptions led to another major change — not the transfer portal, but changing positions in the Rice offense.

He had never played receiver, yet he made the move for his final two seasons with the Owls. He amassed 71 receptions for 992 yards, averaging 14.0 per reception in his final college season.

The point is, how many NFL rookies have played their position for only two seasons?

No question, Commanders general manager Adam Peters had this as his focus in drafting McCaffrey.

Barring injury, he could really improve as he continues to gain experience at his new position. And don’t overlook the fact that his old position was quarterback. Consequently, he will understand the position from a quarterback perspective as well.

Certainly Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are much more experienced, but McCaffrey is still learning the position. His ceiling might be higher than we are expecting for a receiver from Rice.

Who was the Commanders ‘most questionable’ pick from the NFL draft?

Which player was the Commanders “most questionable” pick from the draft?

The Washington Commanders came away from the 2024 NFL draft with nine selections, including six in the first two rounds, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The final pick of the third round — No. 100 overall — belonged to Washington, where it selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey.

As you may know by now, McCaffrey is the younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and the son of longtime NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey. So, you like your chances with McCaffrey.

However, at least one person had an issue with the Commanders selecting McCaffrey in the third round: Josh Edwards of CBS Sports named one questionable pick for all 32 teams from the 2024 NFL draft. McCaffrey was his pick for Washington:

Going against the McCaffrey family has historically been a losing proposition, but he was taken earlier than expected. He is an accountable prospect but does not move the needle significantly in the grand scheme of things.

If there is one knock on McCaffrey, it’s his experience playing wide receiver. He began his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska but moved to receiver for his final two seasons. That transition went well, as McCaffrey caught 13 touchdown passes in 2023.

Not only does McCaffrey have genes and production on his side, but he also tested well at the NFL combine. His short-area quickness was the second-best for a wide receiver since 2018, and he’s 6-foot-2.

So, maybe McCaffrey “doesn’t move the needle” for some, but he’s clearly a big part of Washington’s plans.

What type of wide receiver will the Commanders get with Luke McCaffrey?

The future is bright for new Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey.

Luke McCaffrey’s dad has a funny draft story.

McCaffrey’s dad, Ed, told his sons that he thinks all the NFL teams contracted him prior to his draft day in 1991. However, one team did not contact Ed — the New York Giants — and they were the team that ended up selecting him in the draft.

Thus, Luke McCaffrey told “Grant and Danny” that he had absolutely no idea what might, could or would occur on draft night last Thursday.

Is Luke like his dad? Ed McCaffrey had the uncanny ability to get open and catch the ball when the pass was in his vicinity. After playing his college ball at Stanford, he was drafted in the third round by the Giants (83rd overall).

Logging 185 NFL games in his career, McCaffrey had 565 receptions for 7,422 yards, including 55 touchdowns. McCaffrey also averaged 13.1 yards per reception.

His son Christian followed in his footsteps, playing in the Pac-12 conference for Stanford. He has enjoyed an illustrious NFL career, already rushing for 6,185 yards and scoring 81 touchdowns in his 91 NFL games.

So, why did Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters draft younger brother Luke? Many will ask that, given Luke did not play for an NCAA powerhouse. After some time at Nebraska, Luke moved on to Rice and made a successful transition from quarterback to wide receiver.

Luke McCaffrey is still learning the position, and Peters most likely views him as someone who has a lot more room to grow through the experiences he has already gained.

Don’t overlook the fact that he can also continue to learn from his dad about the ins and outs of being an NFL receiver.

It’s very early in the process; no need to get carried away with praise for Peters’ selection or Luke McCaffrey’s future career with the Commanders. At this point, what we can do is expect lots of hard work and a good mentality from a member of the McCaffrey family.

McCaffrey is a logical choice for Peters. Peters knows what he is getting, as Luke will not be entitled, thinking the NFL owes him anything. He is young at the position and will grow consequently through years of experience.

Who knows what type of career Luke will enjoy? For now, we wait and see, trying our best to be realistic about the draft and not so giddy.

But isn’t it fun having a real general manager again in Washington?

Who are the Commanders getting in Luke McCaffrey?

What are the Commanders getting in Luke McCaffrey?

With the final draft pick of Friday night’s round three, the Washington Commanders selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey at No. 100 overall.

If you read that name and are wondering, yes, Luke is the younger brother of San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey. By the way, both are sons of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey.

Luke certainly knows what it takes to make it in the NFL. He has seen his older brother push himself to such limits that he is able to play in the NFL.

McCaffrey stands 6-foot-2 and is 23 years of age. While playing his high school football in Colorado, Luke played receiver for his first two years, while his older brother Dylan played quarterback.

A four-star recruit, Luke committed to and signed with Nebraska. Determining to depart after two seasons with the Cornhuskers, he committed to Louisville. After being at Louisville for a brief period, he departed for Houston to attend Rice.

In his last two seasons with Rice, McCaffrey caught 58 and 68 passes, averaging 12.5 and 14.2 yards per reception, including six and 12 touchdown receptions, respectively.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, McCaffrey ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and recorded a 36-inch vertical leap.