Give Todd Downing a share, too.
When you have been to divvy up the credit score pie and award percentages to those that get probably the most for New England’s turnaround, a handful of names would floor earlier than the Patriots broad receivers coach. Rightfully so, after all. Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye, in a single order or the opposite, sit atop the checklist. Josh McDaniels seemingly is third in line. Maybe the improved offensive line is up there, too.
The place does Downing sit? Properly, we’re not going to go down the road one after the other. However he ought to sit someplace.
“The best way he is acquired these receivers taking part in proper now could be nice,” co-host David Andrews mentioned on The Fast Snap podcast.
The Patriots introduced in veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and parted with Kendrick Bourne and a pair of 2024 draft picks in Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. These strikes revamped the depth chart. Third-year receiver Kayshon Boutte has exceeded all expectations whereas forming a real connection with Maye. That is been one other apparent profit.
Their collective on-field manufacturing is not the one purpose for the rise, although.
Downing, who beforehand labored three seasons as an offensive coordinator, appears to be like to be a serious improve as a place coach. Final yr’s broad receivers coach, Tyler Hughes, was in his first NFL season and was unable to get a lot of something out of the room.
“Todd Downing, a man whose referred to as performs within the league, who understands the broad receiver place,” co-host Brian Hoyer added.
One particular teaching level Andrews and Hoyer mentioned was New England’s receivers taking part in with extra physicality. There is a slender line between taking part in bodily and getting whistled for offensive move interference penalties, although, and the Patriots have achieved job strolling it.
It is a product of fine teaching and Downing deserves credit score for it, Andrews mentioned.
“I watched Boutte ran a comeback on the Patriots sideline, I feel Drake was rolling out, and he was bodily on the prime of the route,” Andrews mentioned. “(DeMario Douglas’) large play, I used to be it, and I used to be like, ‘How on earth did he get so open?’ And watching the movie on Monday, he goes to the highest of the route, and offers the man a little bit one thing and the man utterly falls down. There is not any one in the identical space code as him.”
Hoyer referred to Douglas’ “little one thing” as a “hen wing,” which went with out detection from officers.
Whereas New England’s receivers are most answerable for their manufacturing, as Vrabel and others have careworn, there isn’t any denying New England is a well-coached group.
The noticeable enchancment in Downing’s broad receiver room is one other instance.
Additionally on this episode of The Fast Snap podcast:
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