Here’s Why Todd Downing is an Upgrade over Bill Musgrave

Sean Harvey
Updated

Even after his first season as the Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator, many fans called for the firing of Bill Musgrave. Be that as it may, they forgot their frustration with Greg Olsen. With the Raiders ranking twenty-fourth in total yards in 2015, Musgrave’s conservative play-calling that annoyed most. Notably, dialing up bubble screens to Amari Cooper for short gains. However, after the Raiders finished sixth in that category for the 2016 season, hope for 2017 appeared. Fans couldn’t believe Musgrave’s contract would lapse without renewal. Instead, the team opted to promote current QB Coach Todd Downing.

Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Todd Downing before this. Despite his relatively young age (36), his resume shows substance. I discovered that he worked with the Detroit Lions (2011-2013) and Buffalo Bills (2014), where he helped fine tune Matt Stafford and made E.J. Manuel average. Also worth nothing, Pro Football Focus named him their Quarterbacks Coach of the Year for the 2015 season.

While the following is purely speculation, I believe that several possibilities exist as to why the Raiders decided to promote Downing and part ways with Musgrave. First, Jack Del Rio, Reggie Mackenzie and/or Mark Davis (in no particular order) grew weary of Musgrave’s conservative play-calling. While Derek Carr engineered several comeback victories in spectacular fashion, the offense began often started flat.

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Musgrave’s vanilla play-calling cost him his job. Second, it would appear that Derek Carr has a closer working relationship with Downing than Musgrave. Carr celebrated touchdowns first with Downing on the sideline. They shared a spiritual bond, even praying after games together. We all know how deeply religious Carr is. Finally, Raiders’ management may believe much of Carr’s development to Downing’s coaching rather than that of Musgrave. Another reason for Downing’s promotion could keep him in Oakland long-term, away from other teams.

Given the rapid rise of the Raiders under Jack Del Rio after a decade of failure, the coach gets the benefit of the doubt. I predict Todd Downing will be an upgrade over Bill Musgrave. Hopefully, we will all witness Derek Carr shatter more records in 2017 with Downing’s help.

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