A couple of tangential comments.
I'm a fan of Mcd. easily the best, most exciting HC since Shula and someone who understands modern football.
Let's go back to the 3 games where Miami's QB didn't finish the game. Most here (including me) noted the difficulty of changing scheme because of a new QB. Yet, Shanahan hardly blinked when Gar went down. Changed the scheme to quick, safe, effective passes - getting the ball to playmakers. That is what a top HC does - change to match circumstances. I'll defend Mcd all year - he's a rookie HC and still learning just as Crossen and KK.
Now, how was Mcd outcoached? I don't agree with "schemed guys open" as being an effective HC. You are right - they were open and, though not Mcd's fault, there were a number of bad throws and drops. But he didn't adjust to that. I've beaten the 'no strategy changes' and absence of football 101 plays too many time so I won't list them here. But given a struggling QB, he continued with the type passes that were making TT struggle - unlike Shanahan and Purdy. As others have said, if he has 3rd and 2 and KNOWS he has two downs, his play calls were 'interesting.' Shanahan called plays getting his playmakers the ball and letting them break tackles. Mcd, not so much. Mostert getting way more touches than Wilson? Clock management, while better, still had some 'huh?' moments. Yes, he was outcoached.
Again, I agree, he's still learning and I'm comparing him to Shanahan, maybe not completely fair, but posts post-game are full of questions of coaching decisions - some being repeated after multiple games. I just want him to learn faster.
