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From Evan Lazar
In my five seasons covering the team, I’ve never seen the Pats hold two-straight days of practice without run periods featuring a fullback and pulling guards. It was a completely different look.
When we asked him about it on Wednesday, longtime Patriots center David Andrews chalked up the zone-heavy run periods to finding an offensive identity with this group or experimenting to find out what the Pats personnel does best.
As the Patriots streamline their offensive terminology and break in a green coaching staff, modifying the scheme to feature more zone concepts and bootleg-action jive with the goal to simplify things.
Typically, zone-based systems such as Sean McVay’s Rams or Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers make life easier on everyone compared to Josh McDaniels’s complex scheme that we’ve seen over the last decade.
An outside zone and bootleg play-action foundation make things more straightforward on the offensive line and receivers from a mental standpoint. Those schemes are also simplified for top offensive assistants Joe Judge and Matt Patricia, who are relatively new to coaching offense.
Another possible reason for the shift is getting New England’s skill players into more space to hit explosive plays, especially draft picks Tyquan Thornton and Pierre Strong, rather than the phone booth offense that heavier formations and power blocking schemes create (no more four yards and a cloud of dust. Let’s get into space and go).
It’s unlikely that the Patriots will abandon their power runs completely. But the fullback, as Jakob Johnson told German media after signing with the Raiders, is gone. And it appears we’ll see fewer pullers as lead blockers for the Pats this season.
There will still be skeptics questioning the Patricia-Judge-led coaching staff and an undecided offensive play-caller (although Patricia looks like the front-runner to call plays).
However, between Mac Jones’s improvements, the overall direction of the scheme, and enough depth at the skill positions to offer optimism, it’s easy to like where the Patriots’ offense is heading.
From this perspective, there are far more concerns about the defensive outlook in the early stages.
NOTES ON THE PATRIOTS DEFENSE
– Disclaimer: evaluating defense is difficult in a non-contact setting. How do you assess defensive players without tackling and real resistance from blockers? We won’t jump to any grand conclusions based on OTAs and minicamp.
– If the season were starting on Sunday, here is how I’d expect the Patriots’ defense to align:
Weakside Edge: Josh Uche
Defensive End: Christian Barmore/Deatrich Wise
Nose Tackle: Davon Godchaux
Defensive End: Lawrence Guy
Strong-Side Edge: Matthew Judon
Mike Linebacker: Ja’Whaun Bentley
Will Linebacker: Raekwon Mcmillan/Kyle Dugger/Adrian Phillips
Cornerback: Jalen Mills/Malcolm Butler
Strong Safety: Kyle Dugger/Adrian Phillips
Free Safety: Devin McCourty
Cornerback: Terrance Mitchell/Jack Jones
Slot Corner: Jonathan Jones
– The Patriots’ top inside linebackers were Ja’Whaun Bentley and Raekwon McMillan in most team drills. Trade acquisition Mack Wilson worked with the starters at times, while Josh Uche and Ronnie Perkins got some reps off the ball as well. Second-year linebacker Cameron McGrone worked almost exclusively with the scout team defense.
– The Pats are giving Uche, Perkins, and 2020 third-rounder Anfernee Jennings every opportunity to seize a starting role. You can tell the team is crossing its fingers that one of those three becomes an impact starter this season.
– Rookie cornerback Jack Jones had an up-and-down week, but he was getting opportunities to run with the starting defense and didn’t look totally out of place. His ball skills and fluidity in man coverage were standing out. He’s on track to contribute in his first season.
– Unless Jack Jones becomes an impact starter, the Patriots’ cornerback group is worrisome. Mills and Mitchell aren’t complete liabilities, but they aren’t shutting down anyone either. Mac Jones tore this cornerback group apart all week.
– Top slot corner Jonathan Jones was moving well but looked rusty when it came to playing the ball in the air. He was on the losing end of several Tre Nixon highlight-reel catches.
– Another player that you hope is just rusty is Malcolm Butler. He still had some signature feisty moments in coverage where he was ripping the ball out. But he had some issues staying in phase against the starting wide receivers.
– It’s early. But Shaun Wade moving inside to slot corner didn’t go very well this week. Wade could match up well with bigger slots but doesn’t have the explosive gear to hang with speedy slots.
– It feels like Kyle Dugger and Christian Barmore are on the cusp of becoming Pro Bowl-caliber players. Dugger is a ball-hawk who needs more opportunities to see ball, get ball. Barmore is picking up right where he left off as a rookie. He’s a force.
Lazar: Despite Coaching Concerns, Mac Jones and the Patriots Offense Heading in Good Direction - CLNS Media
The Patriots' offense is heading in a positive direction thanks to an improved Mac Jones and a new offensive system.
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