2010 will mark the first season in Peyton Manning’s going-on 13-year career that he’s played under an offensive coordinator not named Tom Moore. Moore, 71, is transitioning into an offensive consultant role.
Former wide receivers coach Clyde Christensen replaces Moore. And Manning has confidence that Christensen can get the job done.
“Clyde for the past number of years has been an integral part of our offense,” said Manning. “Basically, he’s been in charge of our third-down and red-zone packages, and we’re tops in the league in those packages. . . . Clyde had a lot of responsibility when it came to the passing game. I certainly feel confident in him and what he’ll bring to the table.”
Christensen last served as offensive coordinator in 2001 with the Buccaneers.
It didn’t go so well.
The 2001 Bucs finished 26th in total offense. They tied for 28th in the league in touchdown passes (13). Just one team had a worse rushing attack.
“It’s a big change,” admitted tight end Dallas Clark. “Tom addressed the offense twice a week. The offensive coordinator does that, and now that’s Clyde’s job. How is he going to break down our goals? How is he going to communicate our weaknesses?
“It will be different. This time of year, I know exactly what Tom’s going to say. I know exactly the things he’s going to correct. You just know. You know, ‘I did this wrong -- he’s going to tell me about it.’
“So now, with Clyde, it’s all new.”