Josh McDaniels is back with the Patriots as offensive coordinator, and his return comes with anticipation, especially with how he will help quarterback like Drake Maye develop. McDaniels is known for adapting his scheme to personnel and using a game plan specific approach. He gets a lot of his players, especially his quarterback. Just look at what he did with Matt Cassel in 2008, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett in 2016 and Mac Jones in 2021. McDaniels can do the same for Maye.

Here are five things we can expect from a Josh McDaniels-led Patriots offense in 2025.

1. A strong emphasis on the run game and play-action: McDaniels’ offenses have consistently featured a downhill, gap-scheme run game. We’ll likely see a lot of lead ISO, power, counter, and crack toss plays. We will also see the influence of new tight ends coach Thomas Brown and more midzone and outside done as well. This commitment to the running sets up effective play-action passes, which are a staple of his system and designed to create big plays. The Patriots running game will once again be more diverse than we have seen in recent years.

2. Strategic use of option routes and pre-snap reads: A hallmark of McDaniels’ offense, particularly with quarterbacks like Tom Brady, has been giving receivers and the quarterback options in the passing game based on how the defense plays coverage. This means receivers will need a high football IQ to read coverages and adjust their routes accordingly. Maye will have a lot of control at the line of scrimmage to make audibles and protection adjustments. Getting the quarterback and receiver on the same page in training camp will be vitally important to the success of this offense. The process began in OTA’s and mini camp and look for more growth and development in this area during fall camp.

3. Tailored approach to the quarterback’s strengths: While McDaniels has a core philosophy, he’s also shown a willingness to adapt to his quarterback’s skillset. With Maye, who possesses dual-threat abilities and a strong arm, we might see more designed QB runs, RPOs, SPO’s and zone reads. We will also see more opportunities for downfield passing than we have in recent years. McDaniels has repeatedly stated that he will build an offense that fits the current personnel. He will be able to do a lot with Maye.

4. Sophisticated play sequencing and complementary designs: McDaniels is highly regarded for his ability to sequence plays and build complementary designs. This means plays often build off each other, aiming to confuse defenses and create favorable matchups. He’s not just running a collection of plays, but a schematically sound system. He is a terrific play caller who has a good feel of when to call what based on down and distance and situation.

5. Targeted use of tight ends and running backs: Historically, McDaniels has found ways to utilize tight ends and running back effectively in his passing game, often creating mismatches. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper will be utilized a lot in 12 personnel and get a lot of targets. Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and rookie Treyveon Henderson will also be a focal point in the passing game. Expect McDaniels to be creative as he tries to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers in a variety of ways.