The high point of Josh McDaniels’ dismal head coaching career came when the Broncos bested the Patriots in overtime early in his first season. The game went so well, Broncos players even lifted McDaniels up on their shoulders in celebration.
Less than a year later, those same players were part of a mutiny. The Broncos started McDaniels’ rookie campaign 5-0 and finished 8-8. He was fired midway through the following season.
It looks his stint in Las Vegas may not last any longer. The Raiders are 5-8 and coming up with new ways to embarrass themselves each week. First, it was losing to Jeff Saturday in his first game as head coach. Then, it was falling to Baker Mayfield, who led a game-winning touchdown drive against the Raiders just two days after joining the Rams. The Raiders are the first team in NFL history to lose four games in a season in which they led by at least 10 points at halftime.
But McDaniels appears to sense an opportunity Sunday with the Patriots coming to town. Belichick’s recent track record against his former assistants and players is abysmal. Overall, Belichick is 14-13 in those matchups. But since 2018, he’s 4-9 against his disciples, and 2-5 since 2020.
The Patriots, for all of their defensive successes, have beaten an underwhelming group of offenses this year. This week, the Raiders set plans in motion to bring back two of their big weapons, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
Both pass-catchers were designated to return from injured reserve. Waller has missed the Raiders’ last five games, and Renfrow has only played in six games this season. Davante Adams, Waller and Renfrow have only played together four times in 2022. They could all take the field Sunday.
Derek Carr, who cried during a post-game presser this season, is probably very thankful.
It’s been a rough ride for McDaniels. But facing off against Belichick may be the perfect short-term panacea for his woes.
And he appears to recognize it.
