Patriots have two coaches call offensive plays in preseason game
With no official titles given to Joe Judge or Matt Patricia, their rotation of play-calling on Thursday night furthered the confusion of who will be the OC.
As the Patriots’ first preseason game was underway, both Matt Patricia and Joe Judge could be seen wearing headsets and interacting with the offense.
From the coaching standpoint: Both senior football advisor/OL coach Matt Patricia and offensive assistant/QBs coach Joe Judge are working on the sidelines. No booth for either for the up-high view.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 11, 2022
But what stood out most was the rotation between the two, seemingly taking turns calling offensive plays throughout the game.
Matt Patricia appeared to be calling plays during Brian Hoyer's two drives. Since Bailey Zappe came in, Joe Judge has been handling those duties.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 12, 2022
The Patriots' play-calling mystery continues.
Judge huddled with Zappe. Patricia with the o-line.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 12, 2022
Seems it'll work this way the remainder of the night. Judge calling Zappe's plays. But Patricia started the game as play-caller. Felt like his show early. Summoned the entire "O" for an impromptu meeting at one point. https://t.co/ffkVgCFQa7
This of course fueled the questions surrounding the position going forward, particularly with who will be making the calls once the regular season begins.
But in typical Belichick fashion, the Patriots head coach gave little to no clarity on what the future holds for offensive play-calling.
During his post-game press conference, when asked why Judge and Patricia rotated duties, Belichick said, “I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to do that.”
In a follow-up, when asked if he knew or had decided who would be the OC for the regular season, Belichick responded saying, “Don’t worry about that. We’ll work it out.” He then continued, “We’re going through a process. Just like everything else on this team.”
Belichick’s responses did not indicate which direction they’ll be going in as the preseason continues nor who would take over as the full-time play-caller in the future.
If he chooses to go into the season without either Judge or Patricia gaining the official title, it wouldn’t be new for Belichick. In the twenty-two years, he’s spent with the Patriots, he’s gone into a season without an OC three other times; 2005, 2009, and 2010. The 2022 season may be added to that list.
It’s also possible during upcoming practices and the remaining two games that the answer will become more obvious. But as tight-lipped as Belichick is historically known to be, it’s unclear if that will come before the season begins, if ever.