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Published: Thursday, March 26, 2009
McDaniels looks like he's in over his head

Josh McDaniels is a rising star in the National Football League. Then again, so was Lane Kiffin. Everyone knows how that turned out.

Kiffin, at 33 years old, was in over his head as one of the NFL's youngest coaches with the Oakland Raiders. McDaniels, the fifth-youngest NFL head coach ever at 32, seems to be following a similar path as Denver Broncos head coach.

The former New England Patriots offensive coordinator seems to be enjoying his current stardom. Perhaps a little too much.

Currently stuck in a back-and-forth squabble with his 25-year-old star quarterback, it appears McDaniels hasn't taken away as much from Bill Belichick as was previously thought.

It's not even the botched trade attempt for Matt Cassel that is the problem in Denver. It's how the head coach has handled it since.

Jay Cutler is just another overpriced baby with a cannon for an arm. The 25-year-old QB had his feelings hurt and demanded a trade. It's understandable, but Cutler has to realize there is a business side to the game he plays. A business side that has given Cutler about $6,497,500 reasons to just get over it.

It's no lie, reporters love a coach or player who is willing to talk about anything. The problem here is that McDaniels seems to be relishing the chance to drag out what Belichick would consider an in-house battle. Early thoughts of McDaniels being a Belichick clone were dead wrong.

Yes, McDaniels is using a hard-line approach in the Cutler confrontation, but Belichick would have kept it internal, not flaunting it for the world to see.

Maybe McDaniels thinks the media will defend him. After all, Cutler's temper tantrum after three-way trade talks with Tampa Bay, Detroit and New England never really materialized is enough to sour anyone against him.

Maybe McDaniels should take a look in the mirror. A clear picture of immaturity will be staring right back at him.

McDaniels talked to the media Monday, a day prior to breaking bread with reporters during Tuesday morning's AFC coaches breakfast at the NFL owner's meetings in Dana Point, Calif. After saying Cutler was the team's quarterback, McDaniels added: "Conversations were had and we've never denied that, but at the same time it's our job to look at every opportunity that we can to see if it's something that could improve our football team, and that's what we were doing."

This was McDaniels' answer when the relationship with his quarterback broke down earlier this month. It should have ended publicly there. Instead, McDaniels seems excited to be in the spotlight.

Just look at the images from Tuesday's breakfast. As representatives got in line to show off throwback jerseys for the 50th anniversary of the American Football League, McDaniels expression was priceless.

A small smirk turned to a devilish smile as he spun the jersey to show off Cutler's name. Not sure if McDaniels picked the jersey, but some might consider it more than a coincidence.

McDaniels just doesn't seem to understand that the longer he drags on this public display of deception involving his quarterback, the longer it might take for Cutler and the rest of his players to give him the respect he seems to be demanding.

Maybe the idea of getting a young motivated coach, a few years older than those he's expected to direct isn't the best plan.

If Kiffin didn't prove that point, McDaniels may be hammering it home.
George Scione can be reached at 594-5887 or gscione@nashuatelegraph.com.

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Who the fuck hijacked my login!!!!

McDaniels successfully pissed off half the Mile High city. I am waiting to see how things play out before I make a decision on the guy. He ticked off my QB so I am mad about that but we'll see what he can do first.

Unfortunately,in all probability,we already have Simms......

McDaniels probably is in over his head.....IF he has any success,he'll be the first of Belichicks deciples to do so......


He absolutely got off on the wrong foot with the Cutler mess,alienating in the process a massive number of fans,including myself.....While the defense needed blown up,the offense pretty much was in top shape......Shouldn't have fucked with it at all......

I'm really not sure.....Going off sheer memory,which at my age is often faulty,I wanna say he hasn't played since Tampon Bay......

You could be right though....

First of all it is great to have you in here. I think Ronald Mcdaniels is Kiffin clown, a major disaster.

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Who the fuck hijacked my login!!!!

Thanks for the welcome.....

I agree that Mcdaniels,at least for now,is a douche bag......

I'm hopeful he can play well,in light of the Cutler mess....I'd rather see Cutler pull his head out of his ass and be our guy,but that aint lookin' good right now....

Welcome... and yes, I agree, the offense should have been largely left alone... but, as a Raider fan, I am liking McDaniels right now.

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I'm not totally convinced he's on the way out....I think money is the underlying issue.....McD signed Simms,to ride the pine,for something like 3 times the $$$ Cutler gets to be "the man"....I'd be mega pissed too....

I think,read hope,that the bitch fits were a convoluted,albeit juvenile,ploy to get the team to ante up.....And they SHOULD......But that's another discussion......

If I'm right,I'm still disappointed in the way Cutler handled it....