The New England Patriots cannot escape drama even after a solid win. A lot has been made about this season for the team. Despite having a winning record, the Patriots have only just now started looking like their usual dominating self. Tom Brady and the offense have simply just been off which has brought about a slew of rumors touching on everything from a trade to the firing of Bill Belichick. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is making sure everyone knows the team is doing just fine.
ESPN's Adam Schefter got the ball rolling when he reported over the weekend that there was mounting tension between Brady and the Patriots' coaching staff which could result in the quarterback finishing his career elsewhere. This report came after Brady was benched in a loss for backup Jimmy Garoppolo who most assume is being groomed to one day replace the veteran quarterback. However, McDaniels is denying any idea that there is drama between everyone on the field.
"I'm not necessarily aware to what you're referring to. Whatever reports are, they are what they are. You'd have to ask the people that reported that," McDaniels said via Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal. "I know that it's exciting for us to come to work together. And I look forward to working each week with the staff and the players and trying to put together the best plan that we can. I think we have a lot of fun doing that. Things naturally, you get closer as you go and you experience more and know more about the other person, the things they do and like and a lot of things that don't even involve football as well."
Brady did his best to shut the critics up when he looked like his normal self in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The wide receivers certainly helped the effort as Tim Wright and Brandon LaFell appeared more comfortable in the offense, making plays for the quarterback.
No matter what happens to the Patriots this season, the report Schefter put out cannot be denied. The Patriots drafted Garoppolo in the second round for a reason. It might not be this season or next season, or even three years down the road, but New England is preparing to move past the Brady era. For now, they are hoping this new offensive momentum continues or else a marquee trade for another playmaker might be the next move for the team. The Boston Globe reported that the Patriots could be eyeing someone like Larry Fitzgerald at the mid-season trade deadline if it keeps Brady happy.