GLENDALE, Ariz. — Through the boyish face of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Broncos have hope.
McDaniels is 31, and with his buzz-cut hair and no-need-to-shave-but-once-a-week face, he looks considerably younger.
Through this kid comes the play calls for the best offense in NFL history. The Patriots scored a record 589 points during the regular season and they will bring an 18-0 record into their Super Bowl XLII meeting Sunday with the New York Giants.
All McDaniels has to do is call the right play, at the right time, for Tom Brady and the Patriots to cap their perfect season. What were you doing when you were 31?
“First of all, I don’t think about my age,” McDaniels said. “I don’t think about what I’m doing. I feel I’m very qualified to do what I’m doing, and I’m confident in my ability to do the right thing and prepare hard and to really give them some structure and some guidance offensively as far what we want to try and do each week. And that’s all we ever try to do.”
It may be because of McDaniels’ success that Broncos coach Mike Shana-han, whose 28-year-old son, Kyle, was recently promoted to offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, has decided to promote Jeremy Bates to offensive coordinator. Bates also is 31. Technically, Bates will be in charge of the passing game and Rick Dennison the running game. But it will be Bates who works with quarterback Jay Cutler, game-plans the offense with Shanahan and shares the play-calling responsibilities with the head coach.
McDaniels endorses the idea.
“I know Jeremy,” McDaniels said. “I met him at the scouting combine a couple years ago and we’ve kept a cordial relationship. I think he’s very bright. I know some guys who have worked with him and I’m sure he’s going to do a good job.”
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
