Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots senior football advisor Matt Patricia walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Patricia is preparing for a major role in the Patriots offense ahead of Mac Jones’ pivotal second season. Or should we say, roles.
Though officially labeled the Patriots’ senior football advisor and offensive line coach, Patricia is ostensibly the offensive coordinator, just without the title. At the very least, he’s the primary offensive play-caller, as evidenced by burying his face in a play sheet and walkie-talkie as the Pats huddle up before team drills.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the “continued expectation” is for Patricia to be the play-caller and “de facto” offensive coordinator at the start of the 2022 regular season, confirming what’s been on display in Foxboro for the first two weeks of training camp.
Head Coach Bill Belichick has stepped in and called a few plays of his own at times, as has Joe Judge, who’s officially listed as “offensive assistant/quarterbacks.” But Judge’s play-calls have come more in 7-on-7.
Judge has also worked closely with the wide receivers during camp. Offensive assistant Evan Rothstein has worked closely with the quarterbacks. But it’s Patricia whose roles on the staff appear more multiple than the rest.
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Though it’s still early, with six weeks to go until the regular season, the results haven’t been there for the Patriots offense. The biggest problems have come up front, where the O-line has struggled to open holes in the run game or set the proper protections when Jones drops back. The stuffed runs and unblocked rushers have quickly added up.
Jones said in his most recent press conference that everyone on the offense has to get “on the same page.” Can that also be said for the coaches? Considering the disjointed nature of the Patriots offense so far in camp, it’s fair to wonder if that’s a reflection of the disjointed nature of the coaching responsibilities right now. That, like the performance of the players, could improve with time. But it feels like time is needed, and roles still need to be defined.
“I think we have an established culture here where we all understand there’s input that comes across the board,” Patricia told reporters Monday. “Certainly, when a hard decision needs to be made, we’re lucky enough that our head coach here is involved in all aspects of the game and has an expertise above anybody else, really, to be honest with you, in all those areas. So when we need a push in either direction, we can really rely on him, which is great to help us kind of get through any of those sticky points.”
Everything is incumbent upon Belichick to oversee the operation and help it coalesce. But the concern is the necessity for coalescence in the first place, and that a lot of it falls on Patricia’s shoulders.
This feels like too much for any one coach, let alone one with no offensive coordinator experience, who hasn’t worked on the offensive side of the ball in 17 years.
Patricia does have something of a background on the offensive line, having played four years as a center/guard at RPI before joining the Patriots as an assistant under legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. But from 2006-17, he worked his way up through the defensive ranks, serving as the Pats’ defensive coordinator from 2012-17 before becoming head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018.
While he certainly had a hand in the offense in Detroit, Patricia posted a 13-29-1 record as Lions head coach. Their scoring offense ranked 25th, 18th, and 20th from 2018-20. In Patricia’s final season in Detroit, they allowed the 10th-most sacks in the league (42).
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots senior football advisor Matt Patricia coaches quarterback Mac Jones (10) at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Patricia is officially in charge of the offensive line, and it’s been the team’s shakiest position group in camp so far.
There’s still plenty of time until the games start counting in the standings, so we’ll see how it comes together for the offense in the coming weeks. The problem hasn’t been the individual talent, so much as the overall execution.
It’s also possible that Patricia hands off much of the O-line duty to assistant coach Billy Yates, a confidant who came over to the Patriots from Detroit in 2021, and frees himself up as “only” the offensive coordinator. Maybe, then, the operation will run smoother.
But so far, the Patriots’ offense has been all over the place, and so have the offensive coaches. Those dots are unavoidably connected.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
Jalen Mills settling into major new role on Patriots defense
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills (2) walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
It’ll be a while before we find out how the Patriots’ secondary holds up against high-end receiver groups. But there’s no question about who will be their No. 1 cornerback.
Jalen Mills is settling in nicely to a streamlined new role for him on the Patriots’ defense. Heading into year 2, he’s locked in as the top corner on the outside. After a year of moving him around and trying him a lot inside, Bill Belichick and his defensive staff have parked him on the perimeter.
So far, the results have been good. The Patriots may lack a Ja’Marr Chase-level game-changer at wide receiver, but it’s their deepest group in at least four years. Mills has been competitive in his 11-on-11 reps on the outside, including a few pass breakups.
Mills may not live up to the legacy of Ty Law, Stephon Gilmore, or Darrelle Revis. But he’s embracing the challenge of being the top guy deployed against the other team’s top receivers.
“That’s the standard here,” Mills told reporters Thursday. “Corners here from the past decade, guys being able to line up play man-to-man, play zone, whatever it may be, you’ve got to be able to step up to the challenge.”
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Many of Mills’ reps, in both 1-on-1 and full team drills, have come against newcomer DeVante Parker, who overall has looked like Mac Jones’ new favorite target on the outside. Parker has cooled off a bit after a hot start to camp, but has given Mills a lot to battle with his size, agility, and body control.
Mills credited both Parker for preparing him for those key matchups against dynamic outside receivers.
“He’s a savvy guy,” Mills said of Parker. For him to be that tall, he can run. Obviously we know he can jump up and catch the ball. … He’s a guy who can run those short-to-intermediate routes, and we know at any point in time that he can take the top off. Definitely, going against him has been a challenge.
“Any time he breaks the huddle and he comes to my side, I think the ball’s coming. So, that keeps me on edge, and that’s what I like.”
Mills also credited speedy rookie Tyquan Thornton for giving him a good challenge with his wheels, but also with his smooth route-running and length. Thornton made one of the best catches of camp in a 1-on-1 drill against Mills, who was close in coverage but couldn’t quite stop Thornton from securing an over-the-shoulder grab on a pretty rainbow from Jones.
Mills is being counted upon, as a member of the Patriots’ expensive 2021 free-agent class, to make a big jump in his second season compared to his first. Even if he’s still a slight downgrade from J.C. Jackson as the new No. 1 outside corner, that would be a major step forward, and could ease lingering concerns about a secondary that could surprise some people this season.
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills (2) walks to the practice field for the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
After five years with the Eagles and a total reset of his defensive system, Mills is feeling more comfortable now that he’s spending less time learning and more time playing.
“Being somewhere for so long, last year being my first year, total new defense with different guys that I wasn’t used to, and now having a full OTAs with those guys again and then going into my second camp, it’s night and day,” Mills said.
The early returns certainly look promising.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
PHOTOS: Patriots hit the field for 2022 training camp in Foxboro
The New England Patriots took to the practice fields on Friday for 2022 training camp in Foxboro. Keep scrolling for more photos from the day.
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange (50) walks onto the field before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange (50) walks onto the field before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) walks onto the field before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) walks onto the field before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) walks onto the field before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) waves to the crowd during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) catches the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Justin Bethel (29) and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (51) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) and cornerback Malcom Butler (4) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcom Butler (4) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones (53) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones (53) and New England Patriots wide receiver Tre Nixon (82) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) hands the ball off to running back Damien Harris (37) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (55) throws the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (55) lines up for a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ty Montgomery (14) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) and cornerback Malcom Butler (4) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New England Patriots Training Camp
ShareJul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Marcus Jones (52) talks with the media after training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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