The man's 28-game resume certainly wouldn't impress many people. He wasted no time in pissing off the majority of Denver's fanbase in a very public feud with franchise QB Jay Cutler, resulting in a trade with Chicago. After starting 2009 6-0 with wins over two division rivals and a thrilling overtime victory over the dynastic New England Patriots, McDaniels's Broncos slogged their way to a .500 finish, eventually missing the playoffs once again.
That offseason, McDaniels continued his hurricane-esque personnel approach, chasing off standout WR Brandon Marshall and trading RB Peyton Hillis straight-up for QB Brady Quinn. He continued to focus intently on offensive personnel, neglecting to bring in many big names to improve an aging and underachieving Bronco defense. He also brought in one of the most divisive players I have ever seen in QB Tim Tebow (taken significantly earlier than most experts predicted with the 25th overall pick). Many people were wondering why a 32-year-old first-time head coach was given absolute authority in personnel decisions, and fans and media began publicly questioning his qualifications and capabilities.
The 2010 season got ugly. Real Quick. As the losses piled up, I started hearing more and more outcry from Denver fans for Joshy's firing. Vendors were selling t-shirts outside Invesco Field with the word's "Not My Coach" plastered across the front, sporting a silhouetted picture of Coach McDaniels. After the aforementioned Raider fiasco and the embarrassing videotaping scandal, owner Pat Bowlen finally dropped the ax, appointing RB coach Eric Studesville as interim coach. The excitement that ensued was comparable to that of a Bronco playoff victory. As bad as it all looks on paper, I can't help but stick to my guns. I said it then, and I'll say it now: It happened too soon.
The coaching carousel seems to be spinning quicker and quicker as the game evolves. Fans have become more and more impatient, and we are seeing a lot of college and NFL coaches being fired before they can even finish their second year. I recognize the evidence. I realize trends when I see them, and going from 8-8 to 4-12 in two seasons doesn't amount to the kind of results we want to see as fans. That being said, good things take time.
After dismantling and reassembling Denver's offense, the final product produced some pretty impressive results. WR Brandon Lloyd led the league in receiving, something Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, and Brandon Marshall never managed to do. Kyle Orton, well known early in his career for his mediocrity, was on pace to break Dan Marino's season record for passing yards. In two seasons, McDaniels had turned a perennial rushing factory into a pass-happy offense that was, at times, a hell of a lot of fun to watch.
I'm not making an argument that our running game didn't stink, or that our last-ranked defense was even worthy of the NFL logo printed on their uniforms, but it was crystal clear that our coach/acting GM had a long term vision that was still under construction. If the Broncos spent the offseason bringing in more offensive talent and turned in another losing season in 2011, I would have been standing in the riot with my own torch and pitchfork, but we didn't give the man sufficient time to put his plan to the test.
Pro football isn't college, and you can turn things around with free agency and smart drafting faster than you can with college recruiting, but you have to give a coach at least three seasons to execute any well-thought-out plan. I raised hell when the 1-15 Miami Dolphins fired Cam Cameron after one season. I am a firm believer that Mike Singletary, Ty Willingham and Rich Rodriguez both deserved one more season before getting let go. We as fans need to be patient and allow the men we place our trust in to carry out their plans before we throw them to the wolves.
John Fox (the only coach to post a worse record than Josh McDaniels this season) has been brought in as the new face of the Denver Broncos, and John Elway has been given control of personnel decisions, and Denver fans seem cautiously optimistic. I implore everyone to exercise some patience as our beloved Broncos rebuild. It isn't going to be quick, it isn't going to be easy, and I don't foresee a playoff birth for some time. Let's give Fox a chance to carry out his plan. In the meantime, don't waste your time and money on t-shirts and angry facebook statuses calling for Fox's head. Support your team and be patient.
-Sam
No comments:
Post a Comment