Andrew Callahan: Patriots coaching staff faces frustrations over front office decisions
Wednesday morning on the Toucher and Rich radio program, Boston Herald Patriots writer Andrew Callahan joined the show. The segment covered several topics related to the New England Patriots, including the Patriots’ lack of activity during the NFL trade deadline and whether they should have made moves.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots look on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Fred and Rich asked Callahan about Bill O’Brien’s comments regarding his involvement in roster decisions. Callahan mentioned that Bill O’Brien was brought in with input from Robert Kraft and that they expected him to have some influence. O’Brien has been candid about certain decisions being out of his hands.
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On whether O’Brien was passing the buck or genuinely lacking input in roster decisions, Callahan explained that there have been frustrations within the coaching staff due to what they’ve been given by the front office, which has resulted in on-field issues. He mentioned the ongoing problem with the offensive line, particularly at the right tackle position, as an example of where the coaching staff has faced challenges without the ability to make decisions.
“There have been frustrations, not necessarily directed at Bill O’Brien, but within the coaching staff due to the challenges they’ve faced with decisions made by the front office at various points throughout the season. I believe this issue is evident on the field, and I understand it may come as a surprise to some listeners. The recurring problem we’ve observed involves the offensive line, which resembled a turnstile at the right tackle position last year. Unfortunately, we’re witnessing the same issue this season. This situation has been particularly challenging for many individuals, especially those closely involved in the day-to-day operations, given their limited influence over these matters.”
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Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
Greg Bedard: '3 Up & 3 Down' after Pats embarrassed by Dolphins
3 UP
Keion White
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) reaches for the pass of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Felger: Who’s your number one star for the Patriots, Greg?
Greg Bedard: Keion White. I thought he was tremendous in his opportunities against the run. He did have one hurry. You know, I thought he was really good in this game against the Dolphins.
Christian Barmore
L-R: Patriots DT Christian Barmore, Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (USA Today)
Felger: Alright. Number two?
Greg Bedard: Christian Barmore. He’s been impactful on both sides. He did. He completely lost his mind after that last play, you know, the JuJu Smith-Schuster hit. He was still in the locker room half an hour after the game and was still hot about the play. But he’s played really well the last three or four weeks.
Kyle Dugger
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Felger: Your third star, Greg?
Greg Bedard: I’ll go with Kyle Dugger. He was impactful even though he had issues in coverage. I think on that final Waddle touchdown, he could have been better. I do think Dugger is supposed to be there in the middle of the field to at least give the illusion of help.
3 DOWN
Mac Jones
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) leads the team to the field prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Felger: Now, three down. Who are your duds?
Greg Bedard: Mac Jones wasn’t good enough and had a chance to make some plays. Plus, there was the interception. **3 More Minutes of Anti-Mac Jones Ranting**
J.C. Jackson
Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) runs after intercepting a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Felger: Number two, Greg?
Greg Bedard: J.C. Jackson. I gave him one and a half touchdowns against. You don’t know what you’ll get with him down to down. Will he be in the right place? Is he going to bite on a play fake? He’s just very undisciplined on the field. I would say it’s been hurting more than helping in his return so far.
Trent Brown*
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: Trent Brown of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Felger: Alright, Greg. Number three?
Greg Bedard: Trent Brown with an asterisk. I saw him in the locker room after the game. He’s barely walking on his right ankle. He gave up four total quarterback pressures and three hits. I’ve got to give the big guy credit, though, because we’ve been all over him. We’ve questioned him at times. He toughed it out on Sunday. He probably shouldn’t have been out there. He was, though, and I think he did as well as he could, but still not good enough.
