Raising Zona
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Sam Bradford could be primed to surprise in Arizona

By Thomas Clark

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 9: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans on October 9, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 9: Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans on October 9, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Mike McCoy, Offensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos, walks out of the tunnel for warmups prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 5, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: Mike McCoy, Offensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos, walks out of the tunnel for warmups prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 5, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy

Once viewed as one of the most dynamic quarterback prospects in recent memory, Bradford has battled consistent durability issues and dwindling mobility. That said, his best years have come with offensive gurus, none more notable than newly hired New York Giants Head Coach Pat Shurmur. In all three of his NFL stops, Bradford’s most dynamic years have come under Shurmur’s tutelage.

In Bradford’s rookie season Shurmur designed a quick release offense that enabled him to set NFL rookie records in total completions and consecutive completions without an interception. In both Philadelphia and Minnesota, Shurmur designed offensive game plans that allowed Bradford to stand in the pocket and quickly get the ball out of his hands. The passing offense was made up of a unique mixture of short and intermediate throws that allowed dynamic receivers to create after the catch.

While Shurmur was rumored as a potential candidate for the Cardinals head coaching vacancy, he ultimately elected to go to New York. What gives me hope is the fact that the Cardinals ended up with an equally impressive offensive mind to run their offense: Mike McCoy.

In four years as the San Diego Chargers Head Coach, McCoy designed explosive offensives, and helped guide quarterback Philip Rivers through some of the most impressive seasons in his storied professional career. Through four seasons with McCoy, Rivers averaged over 31 touchdown passes a season, and well over four thousand yards.

That said, McCoy’s most impressive quarterback work came in his time in Denver designing an offense around the skill set of the supremely pedestrian Kyle Orton. In Orton’s first season in Denver he posted career statistics in a quick release simplified offense, artfully crafted by McCoy. The following year Orton led the Broncos to a top-ten finish in passing offense, while finishing fourth in passing yards per game.

What makes me the most excited about the marriage of McCoy and Bradford is the work that McCoy did in Denver. Orton, much like Bradford, was a statuesque passer that excelled in short and intermediate passing. Look for McCoy to deploy an offense that caters to Bradford’s strengths, and look for the two to have immediate success in a loaded NFC West.

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