airek wrote:
I view analyzing OC changes as a huge advantage over others as it takes a significant amount of time to analyze. But, it can be worth it. For example, as you stated, Chudzinski did a great job with Cam Newton last year (he is the guy who turned Derek Anderson into a pro bowl QB...he then left and Anderson tanked; by the way, Anderson is now a backup in Carolina).
There are so many changes this year that I will highlight a few. Keep in mind that it is common for the new HC to bring his old QB Coach along with him as his new OC, as they tend to keep consistency in their philosophy that way:
1- Mularkey/Bratkowski from ATL to JAC
Mularkey hired to develop Gabbert based on what he did with Matt Ryan. JAC demonstrated their commitment by drafting Blackmon and over-paying for Laurent Robinson, which will enable them to move Mike Thomas into the slot. Plus you have a quality TE in Marcedes Lewis who last year was troubled with child custody issues, but was a pro bowler the year before.
2- Allen/Knapp from HOU to OAK
Changing to zone blocking scheme, tend to be run heavy
3- Brian DaBoll from MIA to KC
Seems to be run-centric. Turned Reggie Bush into a stud RB last year, and Peyton Hillis into a stud the year before that. KC then went out and got Hillis as a FA. With a former DC as HC, and DaBoll, think maybe Hillis and Jamaal Charles might run some!
4- Dirk Koetter to ATL
Is expected to turn ATL into a hurry-up style, with less emphasis on running. This likely upgrades Matt Ryan, and possibly Jaquizz Rodgers.
5- Josh McDaniel from STL to NE
This one will be very interesting. McDaniel historically not TE-friendly but is returning to the most TE-centric offense in the league. He loves Brandon Lloyd, and vice versa, so Lloyd should have a good year. It would be expected for Gronk to regress a little off of last year's performance anyway, but I wonder how much "blame" will be on McDaniel?
6- Todd Haley from ARI to PIT
There is an underlying story with Arians "retiring" then going to Indy, and Haley coming to PIT - but I have no clue what it is. PIT claims to want to be more run centric, but Haley's background with Kurt Warner emphasized passing, and PIT arguably has the most prolific WR set in the game with Wallace, Brown, and Sanders.
7- Brad Childress to CLEV
Brad was a horrible HC, but he was an incredible OC in Philly (although how much of that was him vs. Andy Reid)? CLEV got him a stud RB, reached for a new QB, but did not seem to address the need at WR?
8- Bruce Arians from PIT to IND
I love that Pagano, a former DC, grabbed Arians. I'm hoping that Pagano saw the problems in BAL of all defense with little offense. Arians is credited with the development of Peyton Manning and Big Ben, and he loves the two TE set (back from his early Indy days, long before NE). IND demonstrated their commitment by drafting two TE in the first two rounds. I am also intrigued with them trading up in the 3rd to draft TY Hilton. Everyone says he will be a good slot receiver, but I'm wondering if Arians sees a little Antonio Brown in TY (can you guess who my sleeper is in dynasty)?
9- Philbin/Mike Sherman from GB/Texas A&M to MIA
Coach-wise, they should develop a great offense based on their pedigree. But I just don't see the talent at WR, and I wonder if they drafted Tannehill out of desperation. Drafting Lamar Miller confuses me, and they are talking about using Reggie Bush split out more (sounds a lot like his former role in NO). I would be scared to expect Bush to repeat last year based on the OC change/philosophy. I'm wondering if Daaniel Thomas might not be a decent late round flier?
10- Sparano from HC MIA to OC NYJ
Rex wants to get back to "ground-and-pound." I'm not a believer in Sanchez or Shonn Greene, and the Tebow effect will be interesting. Stephen Hill...probably good for some TD receptions (from Tebow off the run fake!!)
11- OC Tice/QB Coach Jeremy Bates
Tice has always had a good running game, and Bates was the QB Coach in Denver when Cutler had his pro bowl years. Management demonstrated commitment by trading for Brandon Marshall and drafting Alshon Jeffery. I think Cutler and both WRs are good values this year.
12- Shottenheimer from NYJ to STL
Jeff Fisher is defense/running game. Shottenheimer is run-heavy, and his major credit is in developing Sanchez and Shonn Greene (insert sarcasm sign here). I loved Bradford returning to form this year until they hired Shottenheimer. They did draft WRs, so we shall see.
Hope this quick summary helps...
Nice job