Cardinals’ DC Vance Joseph calls out Patriots’ Matt Patricia

At this point in the regular season, the Patriots’ offense has been discussed nonstop by anyone and everyone who can share an opinion. There are several issues the team must deal with, most notably the play-calling and play-design situation. The productive offense seen last year is seemingly dead and gone, and it’s not just those in New England that are noticing the significant difference with their performance this season.

As the Cardinals and Patriots prepare to face off on Monday night football, Arizona’s defensive coordinator Vance Joseph spoke to the media about what he sees in New England’s offense. In a more untraditional way of talking about your opponent, Joseph’s assessment of the Patriots’ offense was rather blunt, even if most would agree with what he said.

"“I see an offense that’s running the football well. It’s a very conservative pass game, lots of screens. It’s like a defensive guy’s calling offense. It’s how a defensive guy would call offensive plays, right? Let’s not turn the ball over, let’s get four yards a play, try to burn clock and that’s what they’re doing. That’s what he’s going to do Monday night. Be patient, maybe take a shot here from time to time, but for the most part, it’s running game, it’s quick game and it’s screens.”"

Technically, Joseph isn’t wrong. A defensive-minded coach with little experience on the other side of the ball is running the offense. The offense is simple and predictable. There has been a significant focus on the run game, especially utilizing Rhamondre Stevenson in multiple roles. There has been an emphasis on the short game, and we saw how Mac Jones feels about that. And there have been multiple instances of opposing defenses calling out plays before they even happen.

It’s not unusual for an opponent’s coaching staff to comment on what they see in the team they’re playing, but it doesn’t seem like a good sign when their assessment of your team sounds anything like what Joseph said. He’s another person added to the list of those who have voiced the issues the offense has displayed, but it hits a little bit harder coming from the team staff of your next matchup.

Joesph further commented on the potential of the offense exploding, as seen in the week 12 game against the Vikings. He heavily commented on Mac Jones and the talent surrounding him but doubled down on what he’s expecting to see from them on Monday night.

"“It’s scary when you watch the group because they have so much talent around Mac, and Mac’s a good, young quarterback. He can process information quickly, the ball’s out of his hands quickly. He’s very, very smart. So you’re kind of waiting for it explode, because they have so much talent on offense. But it’s been run, quick game and it’s been more screens. Hopefully they don’t change that much Monday for us.”"

Hoping the Patriots continue their predictable game-planning won’t be lost on anyone. Hearing an opponent’s defensive coach simplify what you’re doing offensively is undoubtedly a sign that what you’re doing is not good. In fact, it shows that your opponents don’t fear you. Although New England didn’t need to actually hear anyone say it out loud to know that, it’s still not the most positive sound bite to hear leading up to the game.

What offense we will see from the Patriots on Monday is anyone’s guess. Their last few games have been a roller coaster, and it’s almost guaranteed to expect the unexpected heading into this matchup. Hopefully, they can get a big win during this long west coast road trip, especially against an entirely beatable opponent.

But can they be on the same page? Can the offense get itself together enough to pull one off on the road again? We shall see Monday at 8pm.