The New England Patriots’ offense in 2022 was one of the worst we’ve seen in New England since before the Tom Brady era. With Matt Patricia in charge of play-calling and Joe Judge as QB coach, they were doomed for failure from the beginning. This year, familiar face Bill O’Brien has taken over the offense. And according to reports, it’s going very well.
What they’re saying
Mac Jones was reportedly very frustrated at many points last year. The offense seemed very bland and lacked any creativity. A lack of playmakers contributed to that as well. Mac Jones certainly isn’t complaining this year, at least not yet.
“He’s done a great job at controlling the room, and I feel like everybody is on the same page. Just got to continue to do it. It’s a marathon and not a sprint. We know that. He’s obviously had great experience in the NFL and at Alabama, where I was at. So there’s a lot of good stuff that we talk about. Just looking forward to working with him.”
Mac Jones
Jones was very complementary of O’Brien, as the two had previously developed a short relationship when O’Brien was hired at Alabama. Jones was on his way out of school, but assisted in teaching the Crimson Tide playbook to the new play caller. Now they finally get to actually work together. Jones mentioned that he will “run his own race”, hinting that he’s focused on himself this offseason. He’s not going to let the stuff he can’t control affect him this year, but rather worry about his own play.
Tyquan Thornton and Ty Montgomery are two players who have shined early on. Thornton is a second year receiver who dealt with injury issues last year, and never made a major impact. He was second-round pick in 2022 with high upside and a chance to fill a similar role that Jameson Williams did for Alabama in 2021. His pure speed fits the mold perfectly as Thornton was third fastest in the 40-time as his combine. Montgomery figures to be a third-down running back for this new Patriots’ offense.
Other key takeaways
Reports also suggest that Bailey Zappe has received some first team reps. This would appear to just be to boost competition, but Zappe shined in his few chances last season. The Patriots don’t have much high end talent on offense, but they have a plethora of good (not great) players. Adding tight end Mike Gesicki will boost the production at that position. Using tight ends efficiently is a major part of O’Brien’s offense. Rhamondre Stevenson projects to have a stellar year, so they’ll rely on the workhorse running back heavily.
“We’re working different combinations of groups together, different guys, different rotations, it’s not necessarily coordinated”
Bill Belichick
Belichick has made it clear that OTAs are all about teaching instead of competition. Right now, the energy is high, and everything looks much improved early on for the Patriots’ offense.
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports and also like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up.
Pingback:Top 2023 NFL Free Agents Still Available