FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts. – Quick thoughts and notes about the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. The Challenge of Change: One of the reasons Bill Belichick has traditionally been promoted from within his coaching staff is to value continuity, and players not having to learn a new system with every change.
Offensively, this led to Charlie Weiss (2000-04) passing the torch to Josh McDaniels (2005-08), who then handed it to Bill O’Brien (2009-11), before McDaniels (2012-21) recovered it.
That fostered healthy player development, and that many (including this reporter) assumed was at the heart of Belichick’s decision to turn to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as the leading offensive coaches in 2022. They’ll step into a familiar culture and try to run the same system, with minor tweaks.
But arguably the biggest surprise since the Patriots reported to training camp on July 26 is that the system isn’t anywhere close to what many had thought. Quarterback Mack Jones and receiver Kendrick Bourne are among those who noted the “new offense”, with Jones adding: “I think we’ll figure it out. It takes time and patience.”
The result was some shaky practice, which led the David Andrews Center to address the entire unit in an extended conversation on the ground last Monday. The next day after a better practice, veteran player Brian Hoyer said no one wants to “come in here and be embarrassed,” before adding, “When you do some new stuff, there’s going to be some growing pains.”
Watching the tough transition raised obvious questions: Why rip an offense that Jones thrived on as a rookie? And what exactly are the changes that players are struggling to adapt to?
The primary motivation for the change, according to those familiar with Belichick’s thought, was to make it easier for the players. The old system has grown a lot in size over the course of more than 20 years — with a large part of it coming from Tom Brady, and then Cam Newton-based Specific Wrinkles in 2020 adding another layer of mobility — so the time seemed right to simplify and return more to the original roots.
Arguably the most important part of this change is the speech change. Many things no longer have the same meaning, so offensive players learn a new language and the rules/responsibilities that come with it.
As for the struggles of players on the field, the streak didn’t always open up holes in the running game (zone runs were a notable problem) or sheltered Jones, who said, “It’s just the disconnect. It’s different than we’ve done in the past.”
Jones, who acknowledged there were things he could do better to help with the transition, expressed confidence that the Patriots will find the answers. “There is,” Hoyer said [still] Elements of what we’ve always done here.”
“It’s a time when you figure out what works, what doesn’t, and try to evolve through that process,” Hoyer said.
2. Mac Locker: For the first time in three seasons, reporters had access to the Patriots locker room after a game. One thing stood out – Jones now has an old Brady locker.
3. Zappe’s TD throw: Rookie quarterback Billy Zabe (19 of 32 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) earned the respect of his teammates and coaches for his play in the second half of the season opener, specifically on his touchdown pass to receiver Lil’Jordan Humprhey. The Giants were making all-out pressure calls—relatively uncommon in a preseason game—and Zabe won the TD blitz despite not being practiced. “I thought he was quiet all night,” Belichick said.
4. Recycled Assets: It looks like the top of the 2019 Patriots draft will be a loser (second-round pick Guijuan Williams struggled Thursday night, and was tough to hold on to), but linebacker Mack Wilson might soften the blow. The speedy Wilson, who was acquired from the Browns in a trade for a 2019 third-round pick Chase Winovich, was all over the field in his preseason opener (5 tackles, 1 QB hit). Wilson’s approach off the field mirrors the way he plays. He said, “Don’t be satisfied.”
5. What’s in a name: The Patriots picked Cole Strange in the first round. His first name is Devin, but he was always referred to as Cole, which is his middle name. The Tennessee native had never been to New England before being drafted by the Patriots and says he enjoyed the stability, even if most of his time was devoted to football. Asked how he has developed as a player since training camp began, he said: “I think in every possible way.”
6. Kagusti Camp: Belichick has noted in the past how important high-quality offensive tackle depth is, and 2019 third-round draft pick Yodny Kagusti (West Virginia) is making the charge to bolster the team in that area. He’s only played in seven NFL games, but he climbed to the top unit at some point last week. “This is his best camp,” Belichick said. “It was very competitive.”
7. Uche’s Reading List: Third-year linebacker Josh Uche attacks more of the playbook in hopes of hitting the potential that led to the Patriots’ 2020 second-round selection. He also reads “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. He said “It’s a philosophical book; there are different quotes throughout the book that I can apply to my life. It gives you a new perspective”. Ochi’s speed and passing were among the defensive highlights in the season opener.
8. Eyes Jones LBs: Rookie cornerback Jack Jones, a fourth-round pick from Arizona State, on why he wanted to add weight to his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame: “There are grown men running all over the field.” Jones has yet to be pushed to land a title role, as he is played opposite Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Terrence Mitchell and Malcolm Butler. But he was running around the football a lot, as evidenced by his pass breakup in the season opener.
9. Stueber Mode: Belichick hinted that he doesn’t expect offensive rookie Andrew Stoeber to return to the field anytime soon when he said the team cleared last week’s PUP/NFI rosters as evidence of the Patriots’ overall health. She told Stoiber, who remains on the non-football injury list, that he suffered an undisclosed injury during post-draft practice that could delay his return to the field until next season.
10. Did you know? James White, who announced his retirement Thursday, is second in Patriots history in catches (381). Only Kevin Faulk (431) has more.