Sources: Hufnagel to guide Pats QBs

[Undertaker #59]

http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats01292003.htm


After going two straight years without one, Tom Brady is about to get a quarterback coach.

John Hufnagel, who most recently served in that capacity in Jacksonville, is expected to be formally named to the Patriots staff shortly, according to sources.

Hufnagel, a former standout quarterback for Penn State (1969-72), has also served as quarterback coach for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis (2001) and Tim Couch in Cleveland (1999-2000).

Hufnagel has been the victim of head coaching changes in all three of his NFL stops, as he was let go after Chris Palmer was replaced by Butch Davis in Cleveland and after Jim Mora was replaced by Tony Dungy in Indianapolis. He's available now after Tom Coughlin was fired by the Jaguars.

[Spirit of 76]

This is really good news for Tom Brady and it will let BB and CW use a little more time on other details. A positive move for all involved. TB seems like an amiable soul so, I hope that a great relationship can develope here with Tom gaining a confidant and a guy that will lay it on the line when the need arises.

(From the Boston Herald)
John Hufnagel, who most recently served in that capacity in Jacksonville, is expected to be formally named to the Patriots staff shortly, according to sources.

This is a move that is long overdue in my opinion. I don't know too much about Hufnagel but it should help to have some more experience at QB on the sidelines. In 2001 with the death of Rehbein they were right to leave the position vacant. However, I really thought they would bring someone in last season. Bledsoe had served as an informal coach for Brady. To make matters worse Weis missed most of the pre-season. In order for guys like Rohan to develop they need someone coaching full time.

I'm glad to hear that Brady wants to work on leg strength and his ability to shed tacklers in the pocket but I am concerned that they might be focusing too much on the play of McNabb and McNair in the post-season and not on what Brady does well. Brady is never going to be McNair. I am also concerned that Brady does not see the deep ball as a problem. He has the strength and accuracy to throw it but the touch is not there. Developing more touch and finesse in his passing should be the priority in my opinion. Some patterns simply do not require the velocity that he throws.

[pookie]

Originally posted by FallingAlice
At the same time, how good is Hufnagel?

Not to sound picky, but I think Peyton Manning is a bust. And he really seems to choke when things are on the line.

And Couch? Is he even starting anymore? To me, neither of the Q-backs has really "Developed."

Somehow, this concerns me.

I don't know Alice... I've gotta believe that even a halfway decent QB coach is better than none at all. At some of Brady's lowest points last season, he would jog to the sideline, plop down on the bench and just look dejected and awe stricken. I think it'll be good to have at least a presence to grab him by the arm and say "Listen kid here's what you did right, here's what you did wrong. Let's look at some Polaroids".... you know instead of sulking and absquatulating, you're able to make some good of a bad situation. As much as I hate to say it, having Bledsoe around for the SB season was the best thing that happened to Brady, in my opinion and he may have missed some of that guidance this last season.

Originally posted by pookie
I don't know Alice... I've gotta believe that even a halfway decent QB coach is better than none at all. ...I think it'll be good to have at least a presence to grab him by the arm and say "Listen kid here's what you did right, here's what you did wrong. Let's look at some Polaroids".... you know instead of sulking and absquatulating, you're able to make some good of a bad situation.


Excellent points one and all Pookie. By the way, you look great! Did you get a haircut? Keep in mind, many of us are simply not accustomed to a man with such a prodigious vocabulary so talk more s l o w l y. :D I have created a monster....

Alice I have to admit I have some of the same concerns regarding the Hufnagel pedigree. Hopefully his experience at Penn State will help Brady get ready for the big game against Boston College this year.