Josh McDaniels: Bill Belichick Disciple Rejoins Patriots as Assistant Coach

What perfect timing by the New England Patriots.

On the same day that the Denver Broncos advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs to face the Patriots, the team announced that Josh McDaniels has joined the team as an offensive assistant effective immediately. He has left his position as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams after a disappointing 2-14 season.

Before the Rams, McDaniels was fired as head coach of the Broncos in December 2010 after going 11-17 in just under two seasons with the Broncos. He was the guy that traded up to select Tim Tebow in the 2010 draft at No. 25 overall.

McDaniels was a member of the New England staff from 2001 to 2008 as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He was at the helm during the legendary 2007 season when New England set the all-time record for points scored (589) and touchdowns (75) while finishing the regular season undefeated.

His first task will be coming up with a game plan to stop two of his former first-round picks. In addition to Tebow, McDaniels will be giving insider information on how to contain receiver Demaryius Thomas, the 22nd overall pick in the ’10 draft and recipient of the 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass on Sunday. He can potentially give the 31^st ranked Patriots defense nightmares.

But that’s not McDaniels’ most important job. He is in charge of finding holes in a Broncos secondary that has gravely missed safety Brian Dawkins, who is dealing with a neck injury. His status for Saturday’s game is up in the air.

Not many coaches are able to go from a season where its offense was ranked dead last in the NFL to one that is second in passing yards (317.8) and third in points (32.1).

It will be a great storyline to talk up during the week and yet another reason why experts will expect a Patriots blowout.

Can McDaniels destroy the season of the team he helped construct?