Raiders Opinion: A Patient Approach To McDaniels -

Earlier today, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels becomes the twenty-second head coach in the team history. He takes over for interim coach Rich Bisaccia, who guided the team to their first playoff spot since the 2016 season. The forty-five-year-old McDaniels heads west to helm a team that battled drama, inconsistency, yet still clinched a playoff spot.

Let It Go

Jim Harbaugh did not end up in Nevada. Your favorite coordinator du jour will not lead the Silver and Black. Instead, the man who served as Bill Belichick’s offensive mind will take over the rein of this team. Too many thinkpieces and what-ifs abound. None of that matters right now. Lamenting who should be roaming the sidelines feels rather unproductive. Josh McDaniels will take the podium as the new coach. Nothing you say or read will change that fact.

“The System”

Critics of this hire will use the tried-and-true excuse of ” the system”. They used the same rationale when discussing Tom Brady, even though he won a Super Bowl in Tampa, using a different scheme. Under those circumstances, avoid all conversations with anyone that wants to discuss this hire. If you look at the Patriots without Tom Brady, the offense ranked in the middle of the league overall. However, looking at solely the run game, McDaniels’ offense sat in the top ten. More importantly, they ranked second in rushing touchdowns in 2021. Until someone can articulate fully what the system is, let that talk be.

Unkind History

Critics also want to look at McDaniels’ tenure as a head coach and the fates of other Belichick disciples. First, let’s look at McDaniels in Denver. Granted, his record, 11-17, looks rather unsightly. However, if you look at the numbers, a semblance of magic existed. Kyle Orton, yes, Kyle Orton, threw for 7,280 yards, forty-one touchdowns, and twenty-one interceptions. While those numbers may not impress many, consider the passer and the situation. Additionally, Belichick disciples mightily struggled away from the hoodie. Matt Patricia comes to mind. Yet, the same crowd that dislikes this move, are the same ones that wanted people to ignore Jon Gruden’s emails from a decade ago. Make it make sense.

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Possible Success

During his tenure in New England, under the Erhardt-Perkins umbrella, McDaniels made full use of his offensive talent. First, he loves the idea of running back by committee. As a result, look for a rebound year from Josh Jacobs. Watch his snaps and usage become more judicious and less arbitrary. Plus, Kenyan Drake’s pass-catching skills will be featured heavily in the offense. Equally important, the double tight end set should be heavily featured. In 2021, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith combined for 120 targets. Now, imagine Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, who are arguably better than what New England featured recently. Lastly, the effect on Derek Carr should benefit all parties involved. Under McDaniels, they will enjoy better talent than he’s seen in New England, at tight end and the slot, in the last two seasons.

Possible Worry

In all honesty, no one knows what the second trip away for New England holds for McDaniels. He struggled in Denver and then returned. Meanwhile, the spectre of Bill Belichick remains. Belichick cannot coach forever. When he retires, the Kraft family reaches out to McDaniels about filling the spot. Does he leave Las Vegas high and dry? In a city of big gambles, this remains one of the larger ones. Not to mention, how will he fare in the quarterback-rich AFC as a head coach?

Analysis

If you’re honest, Josh McDaniels hasn’t done anything in Las Vegas yet. The ink is barely dry on the contract. As mentioned, no one knows what the Raiders will look like in September. Panning or effusively praising this hire feels premature. You can possess skepticism and hope simultaneously, but veering either way on January 30th? Wait and see.