Josh McDaniels' name is still mud in Denver, as Bronco fans regard him as the man who drove the franchise into the ditch.

But this week, when the Broncos look across the sideline, there will be McDaniels back on Bill Belichick's staff in New England just in time to face the team he coaches through the 2010 season.

Could McDaniels, who served as offensive coordinator for the woebegone St. Louis Rams this year, offer the Patriots a competitive advantage into how the Broncos offense and defense works, something that can be an edge in the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup?

The Denver Post raises the notion that by Belichick throwing a lifesaver toward McDaniels and bringing him on board now to eventually replace Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator, it allows the Patriots insight into the inner workings of the Broncos that they otherwise might not have.

It also is interesting to note that McDaniels also drafted both quarterback Tim Tebow and receiver Demaryius Thomas, who were first-round picks in his final draft in Denver and were the heroes of Sunday's OT win against Pittsburgh.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com