The Athletic names Patriots best offseason move
The New England Patriots are looking to put last season behind them and one offseason move will certainly help with that. The Athletic released the "best offseason moves for all 32 NFL teams," and the one for the Patriots comes as no surprise. And it all centers around the offense. "But the best move (even […]
The New England Patriots are looking to put last season behind them and one offseason move will certainly help with that.
The Athletic released the "best offseason moves for all 32 NFL teams," and the one for the Patriots comes as no surprise.
And it all centers around the offense.
"But the best move (even if it was also the most obvious) was when Bill Belichick ditched the combo of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as orchestrators of the offense and instead hired Bill O’Brien to run the show," The Athletic's Chad Graff wrote. "It had always been a strange move by Belichick to tap Judge and Patricia, and the result was quite predictable."
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left following the 2021 season to take the head coaching position for the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a major vacancy on offense.
While Belichick refused to name an official offensive play caller last season, it became fairly obvious that the job was Patricia's. The former Patriots defensive coordinator showed clear struggles in the new role, with Mac Jones going backwards after an impressive rookie season.
The Patriots ended the season going 8-9 and finished third in the AFC East, missing the playoffs for the second time in three years.
However, in January, the Patriots named O'Brien as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, bringing in someone with vast experience. And while Belichick described Judge's role as "he’ll do whatever I ask him to do," Patricia is no longer on the coaching staff and instead joined the Philadelphia Eagles as their senior defensive assistant.
With that coaching addition, the Patriots also added former Kansas City Chiefs receiver and Super Bowl winner Juju Smith-Schuester, along with tight end Mike Gesicki.
And they might not be done, with the Patriots to be the rumored favorites to land star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Patriots Bill Belichick provides update on Joe Judge’s role with the Patriots
After hiring Bill O’Brien in the offseason, Bill Belichick addressed Joe Judge’s role with the Patriots heading into the 2023 season.
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
