Quote:Okay...well arguing we need an offensive coach is different from classifying a Smith hire as "boneheaded" or even "average."

 

I understand the argument for an offensive coach, though I submit the presence of a defensive coach does not preclude the development of a Super Bowl winning QB.

 

As for Smith, I do have concerns about him.

 

I recall the loss in the playoffs to New England in 2007.  Brady had ungodly numbers in that game, something like 26-28. 

 

It seems as if we stayed in a soft zone the entire game and he picked it apart the entire game.  I don't recall any sort of wrinkle thrown in that had any impact on Brady.  My concern is that a similar approach would be employed here.  I would consider that particularly wasteful given Ramsey's man and press cover abilities.  I would hope Smith would be flexible enough to throw in more man and bump and run coverages, which would make him more apt to blitz.  I would also have concerns about Smith hiring a strong offensive coordinator.

My main concerns with Smith are pretty straight forward. When he was here, it was widely suggested that he was pretty laid back, and more of a players coach. With this team, we need someone who is going to be more disciplined and less buddy buddy with the players. Did he fit that more structured, disciplined mold in Atlanta?


The other concern is who he brings in as his offensive coordinator. He isn't the sexy hire because he's a defensive guy. He's going to need to nail it with the OC hire to get fans excited.


Regarding Shanahan, it sounds like he covets the Denver gig. I'm not sure I would want another coordinator on the rise in his first head coaching gig, so I'm hoping Denver does us a favor and takes him out of the equation.


I'm not a fan of McDaniels either. Same with Patricia. Both are products of the system their boss has in place. McDaniels benefits greatly from coaching one of the best to ever play QB. Patricia is basically calling the plays Belichick has drawn up. I don't trust that either would be successful away from Belichick.


I see Mike Smith as the safe pick. I'd be okay if we somehow landed Shanahan. I'd be disappointed if the team went with any Patriot coordinator.

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