2012 NFL Playoffs: NE Assistant Josh McDaniels Facing a Win-Win Against Broncos QB Tim Tebow

Published: 13^th Jan 12 2:19 pm

by Bryn Swartz
brynswartz

RANT It!

Howard Smith - US PRESSWIRE

The most anticipated NFL playoff game of this weekend is probably the Denver Broncos against the New England Patriots, as Tim Tebow squares off against Tom Brady with a trip to the AFC championship game on the line.

But despite all the media attention the game has been receiving, the second biggest storyline (behind Tebow vs Brady) has not been talked about nearly enough.

Josh McDaniels, former Denver Broncos head coach and the man responsible for drafting Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, accepted a job as an offensive assistant with the New England Patriots last week.

The move, deemed to be unfair by some, including me, is highly controversial, as McDaniels JUST FINISHED the 2011 season as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. He was hired by New England for the postseason and is expected to join the team as their offensive coordinator next season, after current coordinator Bill O’Brien leaves for Penn State with the head coaching job.

Not only does McDaniels have an impressive knowledge of New England’s offense (he was the coordinator from 2006 to 2008 and helped the Patriots produce an NFL-record 589 points in 2007), but he has an uncanny knowledge of Tebow.

Will McDaniels’ knowledge be enough to give the Patriots an edge in the game? We’ll see.

But win or lose for New England, this situation is a win-win for McDaniels. No doubt about it.

His entire coaching legacy was the Tim Tebow selection. Many considered it to be a bust but Tebow emerged as a playmaking quarterback this year, leading the Broncos to an incredible five victories on the final play of the game (four in overtime). The Broncos captured the AFC West and won a road playoff game behind Tebow’s 316 passing yards.

If Tebow leads the Broncos past the Patriots into the AFC title game, McDaniels looks like a genius for selecting Tebow in the first round. Tebow still hasn’t silenced most of his doubters but if he beats New England in the playoffs after already beating Pittsburgh, his future will look a lot brighter.

But if New England wins, and especially if Tebow plays poorly, McDaniels looks like a genius for a) helping his team to a playoff victory after just signing with them, and b) helping New England defeat the man who he selected in the draft two years ago.

McDaniels knows Tebow more than just anybody. He could easily be in position to receive the credit if New England wins, and the credit if Denver wins.

It’s really a win-win for Josh McDanels. It’s so extreme that it’s almost not fair.