Musket Fire
FanSided

New Year’s Resolutions for the New England Patriots

By Dan Kelley

Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) checks with head coach Bill Belichick, left, and senior football advisor Matt Patricia, second from left, during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) checks with head coach Bill Belichick, left, and senior football advisor Matt Patricia, second from left, during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 08: Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien converses with Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during pregame warmups before facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 08: Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien converses with Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during pregame warmups before facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

New Year’s Resolutions for the Patriots

2. Play to Win – I can’t believe this even needs to be said, especially for a team coached by Bill Belichick, but here we are. Obviously, New England’s defense has easily outplayed their offense this season, but both have been guilty when it comes to this resolution. For example, the defense looked excellent against the Raiders, matching up surprisingly well with star receiver Davante Adams (4 receptions, 28 yards) despite missing cornerbacks Jack Jones and Jalen Mills. It wasn’t until the Pats’ defense began playing “not to lose” late in the 4th quarter that Las Vegas started to move the ball, setting up their improbable walk-off win. The offense, meanwhile, has been extremely conservative all season (more on that below), making neither fans nor quarterback Mac Jones very happy.

3. Hire an Offensive Coordinator – Many questioned whether Bill Belichick’s trust in former assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, neither with much experience on the offensive side of the ball, to replace Josh McDaniels was well-placed. Those folks received their answer in 2022, a resounding no. Technically, Belichick never named an offensive coordinator, though Patricia has been the Pats’ play caller. For many reasons, Mac Jones has been visibly upset with New England’s offensive brain trust multiple times this season.

Whether needing to get plays and/or personnel to the field faster or the conservative play-calling itself (“the quick game sucks!”), items as though Mac’s frustration with Matty P. has spoken for much of the Pats Nation. There needs to be a new offensive regime in place for the Patriots in 2023. Bringing back Josh McDaniels (and many of his staff) could be an easy solution and immediate upgrade if the Raiders relieve McDaniels of his duties in Vegas. There are also strong indications that Bill O’Brien (former Patriots OC and current OC with Alabama) would like to get back into the NFL.

Based on his prior relationship with the Patriots, BOB coming back to New England from Nick Saban’s staff would seem ideal. Although O’Brien is obviously looking to land an NFL head coaching position of his own, it is not clear if that is a realistic option for him this offseason. Would turning around the Patriots’ offense improve his odds of landing an NFL HC position more than staying at Bama? It would certainly seem so.

There will also be other offensive minds looking for jobs; Adam Gase, Frank Reich, and possibly Kliff Kingsbury, to name three. There are also offensive coaches who may want to add “play caller” to boost their resume for a future NFL head coaching gig (Duce Staley, Eric Bienemy) who would be worth inquiring about. But, regardless of what the solution ultimately is, the Patriots should have a clear OC in place next season, and that person should not be Matt Patricia or Joe Judge.

Home/Patriots News