Tuesday’s Morning Links

Broncos Fire Josh McDaniels: This move was only unexpected given the timing and the money owed to McDaniels (as well as Shanahan and whatever new coach they get), as Josh McDaniels hasn’t done much since his 6-0 start last season to warrant being an NFL coach. While the video taping scandal played a role, I think a bigger issue was just how inept McDaniels was with personnel decisions. McDaniels had WAY too much influence over signings/trades/draft picks these past two seasons. It would have been a lot of influence for any head coach, but in particular a first time head coach. He was obviously in over his head, as the team let a number of talented players walk away or traded them. Despite having additional 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks these last couple of years (some were packaged together for other trades), the Broncos have little to show for it. In fact, it is easily one of the worst two year drafting periods over the last 10 years. McDaniels is a great offensive mind, but has no idea how to shape a team, and it cost him his job.

Pats Dismantle the Jets: One night after watching one of the best division rivalry games, we got to see one of the worst in last night’s thrashing of the Jets. This game was basically over before it began, as Tom Brady was nearly perfect. Brady torched the Jets secondary all game, and New York just didn’t have an answer for him. On the flip side the Jets and Mark Sanchez couldn’t find much success against the Patriots D. New York showed an ability to run the ball, but it was too little too late. Sanchez had one of his worst games as a professional, and he just couldn’t handle the pressure of the game, and couldn’t crack the Patriots 32nd worst pass defense. The win firmly puts New England in control of first place in the AFC, and forces the Jets into the Wild Card spot.