Patriots legend has “full confidence” in Matt Patricia coaching offense

A lot of people have expressed a lot of opinions this summer when discussing almost everything concerning the Patriots. But the topic with the hottest of all takes has been when Bill Belichick’s decision to bring Matt Patricia back to New England is discussed.

The initial announcement of Patricia’s return was met with intense criticism, particularly due to the fact he had just been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Detroit Lions.

But that was just the beginning of it all. Patricia would be given the “senior football advisor” title, leaving many to question what exactly that entailed. And at the start of the 2022 offseason, he would also be named the offensive line coach.

The drama would flare up once again not long after when it was later revealed Belichick planned to have the former coach get involved with the offense. Although he wouldn’t give Patricia the official offensive coordinator title, his transition from the defensive side of the ball to offense was made obvious throughout the preseason this summer.

It was evident with Josh McDaniels’ departure that changes were looming and some were certainly needed. As the Patriots’ offense struggled throughout practices and their three preseason games, fingers began pointing towards Patricia as the reason.

Whether or not he is to blame is yet to be seen. But other than the Patriots’ players seemingly supporting their new OC, Patriots’ legendary player, Vince Wilfork recently spoke to NBC Sports Boston and expressed his opinion on the situation.

When asked if he was surprised to see Patricia’s transition from defense to offense, Wilfork said he wasn’t at all, mentioning that Patricia was an offensive assistant when he was drafted back in 2004.

"“Not at all because when I was a rookie, he was on the offensive side already. He came on the defensive side after I got there. I’ve known Matty P from being an offensive guy from day one when I was drafted. So I don’t think it’s by mistake.”"

He would go on to express his belief in Belichick’s decision of Patricia and emphasized what the coaches have stated all summer long that the offensive play-calling is a team effort.

"“I think Matty is going to do a great job over there because for one thing I know is Bill, they have a lot of communication going and everybody is always in the mix with everything. So Matt won’t be calling all the plays. It’s always a team effort. From the coaching staff to the players. So I have full confidence in Matt knowing what he’s doing on the offensive side of the ball because he’s proven himself there with me when I was a rookie and he was already over there.”"

Of course, hearing it from current coaches on the team may not be taken as genuine. But hearing it echoed from a former player who spent the majority of his career being coached by Patricia makes it a bit more credible.