The Broncos hiring Nathaniel Hackett comes with one gigantic catch
Feb 1, 2022, 6:35 AM
It’s hard not to like, and root for, Nathaniel Hackett. These coaches. Man, the journey they take to get to a position like this. What a testament to perseverance and genuine love of the game.
I love the energy and enthusiasm. Who doesn’t? Hackett spoke to that in his introductory press conference. He said it’s a different kind of NFL. Players want to know why instead of just, “Yes Sir!” I’m not really surprised at this based on my own parenting experience with two teenagers!
My man Stink has shared this on air many times. In his words, “There are guys who energize the room by entering it and those who energize it by leaving.” Guess what a Vic Fangio room was like? These days, you’re looking for a Pete Carroll type. A Mike Tomlin. A Sean McVay. Yes, even a Bill Belichick.
Hackett passes that eye, and ear, test. This was something that was important to me when it came to the next coach. Though it was mocked by some, I do believe in the idea of culture building. I do believe in the idea of a head coach who is a leader of men. It’s just done differently than it used to.
Hackett is here so I’m more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But, I do have concerns. Well, in the spirit of being optimistic, let’s call them curiosities. The biggest is what kind of offense is he going to have. Let’s be real here. Hackett is coming here with the idea he’ll be an offensive genius. He’ll be for the moribund Broncos’ offense what McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Zac Taylor, Matt Lafleur and Kliff Kingsbury have been for their respective teams.
Now, I tend to think the whole “offensive genius” label is an overexaggeration. I don’t believe offensive football has changed THAT much. Yes, some of the bright young minds have moved it ahead. A bit. Not a ton. I’d argue Mike Shanahan advanced it more during his time than say, Kyle has during his. It still comes down to the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s more than the X’s and O’s. Specifically, it comes down to your quarterback.
Ah, and now we’re back to the crux of the matter. The Broncos QB problem. What to do?
If you think Hackett is going to come in here and by his sheer presence and energy and playbook take the Keenums, Flaccos, Siemians, Bridgewaters and Locks of the world and turn them into playoff winning QBs, then you are going to be sorely disappointed.
The Hackett hiring comes with a catch. For it to be a home run, he needs to deliver Aaron Rodgers. I’ll admit, I’ve bought in. I saw the comments made by Rodgers back in 2020. There’s no doubt he loves himself some Hackett. So get him here.
I don’t believe Rodgers plays for the Packers ever again. I don’t believe he’s going to retire. I believe George Paton was prepared to trade a haul for Rodgers last spring and I believe he’s prepared to do it again. But there will be competition for Rodgers. Other teams will pursue him.
So what gives the Broncos the advantage? Hackett. What did we see when Peyton Manning came here? We saw a guy who was comfortable with John Fox because Foxy said, “Peyton, do whatever you want; I’m good.” What did we see with Tom Brady? A guy who went to Tampa and got to run his offense, and also play GM.
If Rodgers wants out of Green Bay, then he wants some of that. He wants more say. He wants to run his offense. He’s got enough of a prickly personality that he wants to be around people he knows and likes rather than have to forge new relationships. Of course, he wants good talent to play with and throw to, but I believe the Broncos have enough of that. But, so will other teams who go after him.
Ultimately, what do the Broncos have that no one else does? Hackett. Tamales aren’t for closers. Landing the type of QB who gives you a chance to compete with the new guard of AFC quarterbacks? That’s what closers do.
Let’s see what you got, Coach.
