Give Todd Downing a share, too.
If you were to divvy up the credit pie and award percentages to those who get the most for New England’s turnaround, a handful of names would surface before the Patriots wide receivers coach. Rightfully so, of course. Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye, in one order or the other, sit atop the list. Josh McDaniels likely is third in line. Perhaps the improved offensive line is up there, too.
Where does Downing sit? Well, we’re not going to go down the line one by one. But he should sit somewhere.
“The way he’s got these receivers playing right now is great,” co-host David Andrews said on The Quick Snap podcast.
The Patriots brought in veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and parted with Kendrick Bourne and a pair of 2024 draft picks in Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Those moves revamped the depth chart. Third-year receiver Kayshon Boutte has exceeded all expectations while forming a real connection with Maye. That’s been another obvious benefit.
Their collective on-field production isn’t the only reason for the rise, though.
Downing, who previously worked three seasons as an offensive coordinator, looks to be a major upgrade as a position coach. Last year’s wide receivers coach, Tyler Hughes, was in his first NFL season and was unable to get much of anything out of the room.
“Todd Downing, a guy whose called plays in the league, who understands the wide receiver position,” co-host Brian Hoyer added.
One specific coaching point Andrews and Hoyer discussed was New England’s receivers playing with more physicality. There’s a narrow line between playing physical and getting whistled for offensive pass interference penalties, though, and the Patriots have done a good job walking it.
It’s a product of good coaching and Downing deserves credit for it, Andrews said.
“I watched Boutte ran a comeback on the Patriots sideline, I think Drake was rolling out, and he was physical at the top of the route,” Andrews said. “(DeMario Douglas’) big play, I was looking at it, and I was like, ‘How the heck did he get so open?’ And watching the film on Monday, he goes to the top of the route, and gives the guy a little something and the guy completely falls down. There’s no one in the same area code as him.”
Hoyer referred to Douglas’ “little something” as a “chicken wing,” which went without detection from officials.
While New England’s receivers are most responsible for their production, as Vrabel and others have stressed, there’s no denying New England is a well-coached team.
The noticeable improvement in Downing’s wide receiver room is another example.
Also in this episode of The Quick Snap podcast:
