McDaniels' Patriots Impact: 9 Winners, Losers

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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McDaniels' Patriots Impact: 9 Winners and Losers

Josh McDaniels' return to the New England Patriots after a brief but tumultuous stint as the Denver Broncos head coach has undeniably reshaped the team's landscape. While some players thrived under his renewed leadership and offensive scheme, others found themselves relegated to the sidelines or even released. Let's analyze the winners and losers of McDaniels' second Patriots tenure.

The Winners: Flourishing Under McDaniels' System

Several players experienced a significant boost in their performance and prominence thanks to McDaniels' strategic choices and coaching style.

1. Mac Jones: The Quarterback's Renaissance?

While his 2022 season was somewhat underwhelming, Mac Jones' performance under McDaniels in 2023 showed potential. McDaniels' offensive scheme, tailored to Jones' strengths, aimed to maximize his accuracy and decision-making. Whether this translates to long-term success remains to be seen, but Jones definitely benefited from the refined approach.

2. Rhamondre Stevenson: The Undisputed Lead Back

Stevenson's rise to becoming the Patriots' unquestioned lead running back is a direct result of McDaniels' offensive philosophy. The increased emphasis on the running game, coupled with Stevenson's powerful running style, made him a crucial element of the offense.

3. Hunter Henry & Jonnu Smith (Initially): Tight End Tandem

Initially, both Henry and Smith benefited from McDaniels' utilization of the tight end position. While Smith's later performance dipped, initially, the scheme offered increased opportunities for both players.

4. Offensive Line Improvements: A Collective Win

The Patriots offensive line, while still a work in progress, showed improved consistency under McDaniels' tutelage. This improvement directly translates to better protection for the quarterback and more effective running lanes. This improvement benefited the entire offensive unit.

The Losers: Struggling to Adapt or Falling Out of Favor

Several players haven't fared as well under McDaniels' regime, either due to a mismatch in playing style or a simple lack of opportunity.

5. N'Keal Harry: The Unfulfilled Potential

Harry's disappointing career in New England ultimately led to his departure. He couldn't find a consistent role in McDaniels' system, highlighting the coach's emphasis on specific player profiles.

6. Damien Harris: Lost in the Running Back Shuffle

Harris, once a prominent feature of the Patriots' running game, saw his role significantly diminished with Stevenson's emergence. The competition for carries proved too much, leading to his departure.

7. Jakobi Meyers: Limited Opportunities in a Shifting Offense

Meyers' departure highlights the adjustments McDaniels made to the team's offensive approach. Although a capable receiver, he may not have perfectly fit the new scheme's requirements.

8. Sony Michel: A Forgotten Element

Michel's release underscores the swift changes McDaniels implemented to the team's running back group. His departure showcases the new emphasis placed on certain player profiles over others.

9. Bill Belichick's (Partial) Loss of Control?

While not a player, Bill Belichick’s complete trust in McDaniels' offensive schemes might be seen as a win or a loss depending on the final results. Giving up some degree of offensive control could be seen as a risk, particularly if the offensive strategy doesn't pan out as hoped.

Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape

McDaniels' return has undeniably reshaped the New England Patriots. While some players have flourished under his guidance, others have fallen by the wayside. Time will tell whether this restructuring will translate into long-term success for the team. The long-term implications of McDaniels' decisions and the future performance of both the winners and losers will be key indicators of the overall success of this approach.