The return of Josh McDaniels to the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator in 2025 has sent shockwaves through the NFL, particularly among Patriots fans and analysts. Known for his storied tenure with the team, during which he helped architect six Super Bowl victories, McDaniels’ comeback was initially met with mixed reactions due to concerns about his potentially outdated playbook. However, his recent decisions during the Patriots’ offseason practices have defied expectations, showcasing a reinvigorated approach that has left New England buzzing with excitement. From innovative playcalling to embracing collaboration with his coaching staff, McDaniels is proving he’s not the same coordinator who left Foxboro in 2022. Here’s a deep dive into the shocking decisions that are turning heads across the region, backed by data and insights from recent reports.
A New Playbook: Breaking the Mold of “Boring” Offense
When McDaniels departed for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, many Patriots fans criticized his playbook as predictable and stagnant, especially after the team’s offensive struggles in subsequent years. The Patriots ranked 26th in total offense in 2023 (314.6 yards per game) and 28th in 2024 (302.1 yards per game), a stark contrast to their 2021 season under McDaniels, where they ranked 6th in scoring offense (27.2 points per game). Critics feared his return would bring more of the same conservative schemes ill-suited for a dynamic quarterback like Drake Maye, who completed 64.7% of his passes for 2,104 yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 starts during his 2024 rookie season.
However, McDaniels has silenced skeptics by unveiling a revamped offensive approach. During one of the final spring practices of 2025, he ran a play designed by wide receivers coach Todd Downing, a move that ESPN’s Mike Reiss described as a “melding of ideas” that highlights McDaniels’ willingness to evolve. This collaborative spirit is a departure from his past reputation as a rigid playcaller. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, McDaniels spent his year away from the NFL in 2024 studying college football schemes, incorporating modern spread and RPO (run-pass option) concepts that better suit Maye’s dual-threat skill set. This shift is significant, as Maye rushed for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024, showcasing mobility that Tom Brady, McDaniels’ former quarterback, rarely displayed.
“Pretty humbling and awesome that Josh would be interested in what concepts [assistants] would want to bring to the table. He’s had a successful system and he has no reason, other than trusting us and believing in us, to want to hear what we have to say.” – Todd Downing, Patriots wide receivers coach
This openness to new ideas has sparked optimism, with analysts projecting that the Patriots’ offense could climb into the top 15 in total yards in 2025, a marked improvement from their recent struggles.
Collaborative Coaching: A Cultural Shift
Another shocking decision is McDaniels’ embrace of a collaborative coaching model, a stark contrast to his previous stints where he was known for tightly controlling the offensive scheme. In past seasons, McDaniels called plays for a Patriots offense that averaged 394.2 yards per game from 2012-2021, relying heavily on his own system. However, his time away from the NFL appears to have humbled him. During spring practices, he integrated concepts from assistants like Downing, signaling a willingness to share creative control. This approach has resonated with the coaching staff, with Downing noting it as an “honor” to contribute to McDaniels’ system.
This collaborative ethos extends to player development. McDaniels has emphasized giving every player a “clean slate,” a philosophy he reiterated in a press conference on April 3, 2025. This approach is particularly crucial for a receiving corps that struggled in 2024, ranking 29th in receiving yards (1,987 yards). The addition of veterans Stefon Diggs (1,183 yards in 2024 with Buffalo) and Mack Hollins (665 yards in 2024 with Atlanta) provides Maye with reliable targets, and McDaniels’ willingness to tailor the offense to their strengths is a departure from his past reliance on system-specific players like Julian Edelman.
Leveraging Tight Ends: A Return to Glory
McDaniels’ history of utilizing tight ends is well-documented, with Rob Gronkowski amassing 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns under his playcalling from 2012-2018. His return has sparked excitement for tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, who combined for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024. Henry, who had his best season as a Patriot in 2021 (603 yards, 9 touchdowns) under McDaniels, praised the coordinator’s “tremendous mind” and expressed excitement about growing within his system again. McDaniels’ decision to prioritize tight ends in the red zone, where the Patriots converted only 48.1% of their opportunities in 2024 (25th in the NFL), could elevate the team’s scoring efficiency.
Moreover, McDaniels’ connection to former Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, whom he drafted in 2023, has fueled speculation about a potential trade. Mayer, with 27 receptions for 304 yards in 2024, could serve as a young complement to Henry and Hooper, creating matchup nightmares reminiscent of the Gronkowski-Aaron Hernandez era. This aggressive pursuit of talent is a bold move that has fans and analysts buzzing about a revitalized passing game.
Building Around Drake Maye: A Tailored Approach
Perhaps the most stunning decision is McDaniels’ commitment to tailoring the offense to Drake Maye’s unique skill set. Unlike Tom Brady, who thrived in a pocket-passing system with a 64.2% completion rate and 5,316 yards in 2011 under McDaniels, Maye’s athleticism demands a more versatile scheme. McDaniels has reportedly incorporated college-inspired plays, such as zone-reads and play-action rollouts, to maximize Maye’s mobility. NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted that Maye was “rooting for” McDaniels’ hiring due to his success with Brady, and the quarterback’s enthusiasm is evident in his comments about studying Brady tape with McDaniels.
“I’m smitten by the young man in terms of his personality.” – Josh McDaniels on Drake Maye, April 3, 2025
Maye’s development is critical, as the Patriots’ 4-13 record in 2024 underscored the need for offensive stability. McDaniels’ focus on protecting Maye, who was sacked 38 times in 2024 (tied for 7th-most among QBs), involves bolstering the offensive line, which allowed a 9.2% sack rate (30th in the NFL). His “fresh perspective” on the unit, as stated in his April 2025 press conference, suggests a commitment to addressing this weakness, potentially through free agency or draft picks.
Fan and Player Reactions: A Surge of Optimism
The Patriots’ fanbase, long frustrated by the team’s offensive woes, has erupted with excitement over McDaniels’ unexpected decisions. Social media posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user stating, “McDaniels running new plays and vibing with Maye is giving me hope for 2025!” Players like Kendrick Bourne, who recorded 684 yards in 2021 under McDaniels, have also welcomed his return, citing his ability to maximize offensive talent. This optimism is a stark contrast to the 2024 season, where the Patriots’ offense ranked 31st in points per game (17.0).
Conclusion: A New Era for the Patriots’ Offense
Josh McDaniels’ return to New England was expected to bring familiarity, but his shocking decisions—embracing new plays, collaborating with assistants, prioritizing tight ends, and tailoring the offense to Drake Maye—have stunned fans and analysts alike. With a revamped playbook informed by his 2024 hiatus, a collaborative coaching approach, and a focus on Maye’s development, McDaniels is poised to revive a Patriots offense that has languished in recent years. If these bold moves translate to on-field success, New England could see a return to its dynastic form, with McDaniels once again at the helm of a high-powered attack. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Foxboro to see if these unexpected decisions deliver the results that have Patriots Nation buzzing.