The core concept of the Patriots’ offense may be the biggest talking point surrounding the team as Minicamp gets underway. Not just who will be calling the plays, but what plays they’ll be calling.
Over the weekend, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne made headlines when he told NESN’s Zack Cox that the Patriots’ offense is undergoing a shift heading into the 2022 season. “We do have a new system,” Bourne told Cox, “New words, new terminology. That’s the biggest thing.” This comes after suggestions that the Patriots may be shifting to a more Shanahan-style of offense based on initial observations at OTAs.
Speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Minicamp practice, Bill Belichick was asked about Bourne’s comments. Belichick seems to have taken a more hands-on role with the offense this year following the departure of long-time offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Early on in spring practices, Belichick has spend most of his time with the offensive players.
“We’ve had a lot of changes offensively in the last couple of years,” Belichick began. “Good time to streamline things – we did that defensively a couple years ago [later clarified 2019 and 2020], feel like this is a good time to do it offensively. So, there’s an element of that every year.”
Asked if he specifically meant streamlining the offensive language, Belichick replied that is “part of it.”
Later in the press conference, Belichick was pressed on if the change means a whole new offensive system for the Patriots, and ‘how big’ the changes are that are coming. “I don’t know,” Belichick replied. “We make changes every year. I wouldn’t be able to rank them.”
As such, the overarching philosophy of the Patriots’ offense to start the post-McDaniels era remains shrouded in mystery. However, Belichick did give one definitive answer, when asked if the team will rewrite its playbook this season.
“I mean, if you’re asking if we’re going run the Veer offense, no. Not really sure what we’re talking about here.”
Veer aside, it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer to get a clearer picture of the 2022 Patriots’ offense. From scheme to play caller, the answers to those questions may still be a few months away.
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Patriots Minicamp Day 1 notebook: Increasing the intensity
Mac Jones’ big day
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) with the ball during the Patriots OTA’s at Gillette stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
In his first practice against somewhat significant coverage, Mac Jones put on an accuracy clinic. He was tabbed with just one incompletion on 26 pass attempts, and had some real thread-the-needle moments.
His first came early in practice in 7-on-7s. Tre Nixon was running a slot fade deep up the sideline, and gained a bit of separation from Jonathan Jones, with Devin McCourty in position over the top. Jones placed a rainbow throw just between the two, giving Nixon enough room to lay out and make the grab.
That catch was part of an impressive day for Nixon too. The 2021 seventh-round pick saw an increase in reps and made the most of his chances. Last year, Nixon flashed in camp due to both his speed and quickness. Those traits were back on display on Tuesday, but his growth as a route-runner was also apparent. If the Patriots choose to keep six receivers, Nixon should be in contention for one of the final spots on the roster – especially if he builds on what he did on Tuesday.
Jones’ other highlight throw was to one of his newest targets, DeVante Parker. During 11-on-11’s, Parker worked his way up the sideline from an outside alignment, and was able to get positioning working against Jalen Mills. Jones lofted the ball up where only Parker could get it, and Parker high-pointed the ball for what was probably about a 15-20 yard completion.
Adjustments coming of the offensive line?
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Isaiah Wynn #76 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
After not taking part in the first two weeks of OTAs, Isaiah Wynn made his return to Foxborough on Tuesday for Minicamp. However, he didn’t return to the left tackle spot he’s played for the last three seasons.
Instead, Wynn played most of his snaps at right tackle – a position he hasn’t played before in an NFL game. Trent Brown saw some reps on the left side, although he seemed to be limited overall.
Of course, this was just one practice and the Patriots preach being ready for any and all situations – especially when it comes to roster depth. Still, Wynn’s usage is now something to monitor moving forwards.
Tide rolling on the defensive line
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
As a rule of thumb, I generally stay away from evaluating line play – good or bad – before the pads come on. Anytime before that, the positions just can’t be played completely.
That being said, a pair of Alabama defensive linemen did stand out on Tuesday. Christian Barmore got into the backfield a couple of times during 11-on-11 drills, and given the nature of the drills showed off his explosive first step.
Perhaps more interesting though was UDFA defensive end LaBryan Ray. Even standing around other defensive linemen, Ray’s length (listed 6-foot-4, 290 pounds) really stands out. Watching him both in individual and team drills, his hand technique also seems to be ahead of the curve for a player who played just 36 games over five years in college.
When it comes to continuing the Patriots’ streak of at least one UDFA making the initial roster, Ray should be considered a frontrunner in that conversation. There are spots to fill along the defensive line, and he should be in contention for a rotational role.
Hangtimes are back
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey (7) punts the ball during the second half of a game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
In addition to the offense and defense working against each other, the Patriots also did 11-on-11 punt drills for the first time this spring. That means it’s time to bring back a fan-favorite features – punter hang times!
Both Jake Bailey and UDFA Jake Julien got two periods each. Of course, these numbers don’t mean everything, as the coaches may have asked each player to kick the ball a certain way on certain kicks.
Bailey’s hang times were 5.06, 5.19, 5.10, and 5.71 second on his first turn, and 4.60, 4.38, 4.65, and 4.74 on his second. Julien had kicks of 4.05 and 4.45 seconds is first time up, and 4.36, 4.38, 4.32, and 4.49 seconds the second time.
Tempers flare
Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon (9) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
There was a bit of a scrum to close out practice on Tuesday. During an 11-on-11 drill, Nelson Agholor had a pass knocked out of his hands by Terrance Mitchell. Matthew Judon fell on the ball as if it was a fumble, and was then tackled from the ground by rookie Cole Strange. Judon seemed to take exception to the play, and the two had to be seperated.
Taking attendance
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) works with a training aid at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike the first two open practices of the spring – which were optional – Tuesday’s session and every session this week in mandatory. Players can be fined by the team for not attending.
Given that, a number of key players who were away the last two weeks took part in practice on Tuesday. That included Judon and Wynn. Wide receiver N’Keal Harry was also back in Foxborough after spending the prior stages of the offseason away from the team.
There were six players not spotted at Tuesday’s practice, although that doesn’t necessarily mean those players didn’t take part in the session all together – they may have just been elsewhere in the facility. Belichick declined to say if any of them were unexcused absences. Those not seen were wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive linemen Andrew Stueber and Chasen Hines, defensive lineman Byron Cowart, and kickers Nick Folk and Quinn Nordin.
There was one new player spotted at practice, kicker Tristan Vizcaino. Vizcaino is with the Patriots on a workout basis, and at as of Tuesday’s practice had not been officially signed to the roster.
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