INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien looks on prior to a game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In Bill O’Brien, the Patriots once again have an offensive coordinator with extensive experience coaching offense.
We’ll see how much of an overall impact this one simple hire will have on the 2023 team, but O’Brien does promise to restore a level of competence to the offense rarely seen in 2022. That goes down to the little details, which O’Brien puts on display in a recent news clip from 8 News Now in Las Vegas at the Shrine Bowl.
O’Brien isn’t mic’d up, but you can hear him coach up UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and others on their timing. He calls for the QBs then explains to them how to throw the ball ahead of receivers crossing the field, rather than right at them. At one point, he tells them to imagine the receiver “like he’s carrying a picture frame.” Balls thrown directly at the receiver typically end up behind them, so O’Brien is trying to improve their anticipation and accuracy. Check out the clip below.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 24: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots after Bourne’s receiving touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
