As a collective, Raider Nation doesn’t seem to agree on much of anything. Whether it comes to Derek Carr, Jon Gruden, Tom Telesco, or even Las Vegas Raiders acting owner Mark Davis, some fans blindly prioritize the positives in support, while others choose to fixate on the negative side of things. However, there is at least one individual who Sin City’s fanbase as a whole has little mixed feelings about: Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels was hired by Davis back in January of 2022 in an effort to bring the ‘Patriot Way,’ a mantra that led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowls, to the Silver and Black. That mission failed miserably, at that.
Despite agreeing to a six-year deal, Davis pulled the plug on the McDaniels era after only 25 contests. Las Vegas posted a record of 9-16 during this time, walking away victorious on only .360% of occasions.
That’s the experience the Raiders have with McDaniels. It isn’t the experience others have, though; specifically, those who played under the current Patriots offensive coordinator in New England.
Julian Edelman made that clear on Jon Gruden’s podcast, Gruden Goes Long.
John Gruden and Julian Edelman discuss former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels
Gruden sat down with Edelman this week to talk football with the three-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver. Interested in Edelman’s thoughts about former Patriots players and coaches, Gruden asked the 38-year-old to describe certain individuals in one word, starting with McDaniels.
“Guru,” Edelman replied, to which Gruden agreed.
“He’s a guru. I would say Josh is really good at being able to design game plans around the strengths of what his skill guys are. Or, his quarterback,” the former Patriot explained. “He’s really great with the quarterback.
“I just remember always, the night before games, when you’re leaving our walkthrough, he and Tom are going through the play sheet and finishing each other’s sentences. I think that relationship between him and the quarterback has always been really strong. He’s clearly developed a guy like Mac Jones to be a Pro Bowler. So I’m excited for his opportunity coming forward with [Vrabel].”
McDaniels knows how to run an offense…
It’s hard to deny McDaniels is a savant as far as X’s and O’s go. Unfortunately for the Raiders, being a successful head coach in the National Football League involves many more attributes than simply being well-versed in designing offensive plays. McDaniels himself has proven that true on more than one occasion over the course of his coaching career.
McDaniels and the Raiders are ancient history now, but it’s still interesting to hear the glowing endorsements former players have of him. Especially considering no particularly positive traits shined through in any way during his short stay in Sin City.
After all, in the two weeks Pete Carroll has been the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s shown more personality while giving more reasons to be optimistic than McDaniels did during the entirety of his nearly two calendar years with the Silver and Black.
*Top Photo: Jeff Bottari/Getty Images
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