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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Fast-hit ideas and notes across the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Difficult change: One of many causes Invoice Belichick has historically promoted from inside on his teaching workers is valuing continuity, and gamers not having to be taught a brand new system with each change.
Offensively, that resulted in Charlie Weis (2000-04) passing the torch to Josh McDaniels (2005-08), who then handed it to Invoice O’Brien (2009-11), earlier than McDaniels took it again (2012-21).
This promoted wholesome participant growth, and it is what many assumed (this reporter included) was on the core of Belichick’s resolution to show to Matt Patricia and Joe Decide as main offensive coaches in 2022. They’d step into a well-known tradition and try to run the identical system, with slight modifications.
However arguably the most important shock because the Patriots reported to coaching camp July 26 is that the system is not as near the identical as many thought. Quarterback Mac Jones and receiver Kendrick Bourne are amongst those that have referred to the “new offense,” with Jones including: “I believe we will determine it out. That takes time and endurance.”
The end result has been some shaky practices, one final Monday that led heart David Andrews to deal with your entire unit in an prolonged on-field chat. The subsequent day after a greater apply, veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer mentioned nobody desires “to come back out right here and be embarrassed” earlier than including: “Whenever you’re performing some new issues, there’s going to be some rising pains.”
Witnessing the difficult transition sparked apparent questions: Why tear down an offense that Jones thrived in as a rookie? And what precisely are the adjustments that gamers are struggling to regulate to?
The first motivation for the change, in accordance with these acquainted with Belichick’s considering, was to make it simpler on gamers. The quantity of the previous system had grown a lot over 20-plus years — with Tom Brady an enormous a part of it, after which particular Cam Newton-based wrinkles in 2020 including one other layer to navigate — so the time appeared proper to streamline it and return extra to the unique roots.
Altering verbiage is arguably essentially the most vital a part of that change. Many issues not carry the identical that means, so offensive gamers are studying a brand new language and the principles/obligations that come together with it.
As for the gamers’ on-field struggles, the road hasn’t all the time opened holes within the operating recreation (zone runs have been a notable downside) or protected Jones, who mentioned: “It is simply getting the communication down. It is totally different than what we have carried out prior to now.”
Jones, who acknowledged there are issues he can do higher to assist the transition, expressed confidence that the Patriots will discover the solutions. And Hoyer mentioned “there’s [still] components of what we have all the time carried out right here.”
“It is a time once you’re determining what works, what would not, and making an attempt to develop via that course of,” Hoyer mentioned.
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Mike Clay assesses the worth Mac Jones might convey to a staff in a two-quarterback league.
2. Mac’s locker: For the primary time in three seasons, reporters had entry to the Patriots’ locker room following a recreation. One factor that stood out — Jones now has Brady’s previous locker.
3. Zappe’s TD throw: Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe (19-of-32 for 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) earned the respect of teammates and coaches for his play within the second half of the preseason opener, particularly on his landing move to receiver Lil’Jordan Humprhey. The Giants had been dialing up all-out strain calls — a comparatively unusual factor to do in a preseason recreation — and Zappe beat the blitz on the TD regardless of having not practiced for it. “I believed he was calm all evening,” Belichick mentioned.
4. Recycled asset: The highest of the Patriots’ 2019 draft seems like it will likely be a wipeout (second-round decide Joejuan Williams struggled Thursday evening and is an extended shot to stay), however linebacker Mack Wilson may soften the blow. The speedy Wilson, who was acquired from the Browns in a commerce for 2019 third-round decide Chase Winovich, was all around the area within the preseason opener (5 tackles, 1 QB hit). Wilson’s off-field method mirrors the way in which he performs. “Don’t get complacent,” he mentioned.
5. What’s in a reputation: Patriots first-round decide Cole Strange‘s first title is Devin, however he is all the time been known as Cole, which is his center title. The Tennessee native had by no means been to New England earlier than the Patriots drafted him and mentioned he is loved settling in, even when most of his time has been devoted to soccer. Requested how he is grown as a participant since coaching camp began, he mentioned: “I suppose in each method doable.”
6. Cajuste’s camp: Belichick has famous prior to now how high quality offensive deal with depth is vital, and 2019 third-round decide Yodny Cajuste (West Virginia) is making a cost to bolster the staff in that space. He has performed in simply seven NFL video games however bumped as much as the primary unit at one level final week. “That is one of the best camp he is had,” Belichick mentioned. “He is been very aggressive.”
7. Uche’s studying checklist: Third-year linebacker Josh Uche is attacking greater than his playbook in hopes of reaching the potential that resulted within the Patriots deciding on him within the 2020 second spherical. He is additionally studying “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. “It is a philosophy ebook; there are totally different quotes all through the ebook that I can sort of apply to my life. It offers you a brand new perspective,” he mentioned. Uche’s velocity and move rush had been among the many defensive highlights within the preseason opener.
8. Jones eyes LBs: Rookie cornerback Jack Jones, the fourth-round decide from Arizona State, on why he desires so as to add weight to his 5-foot-11, 175-pound body: “There are grown males operating across the area.” Jones hasn’t but pushed for a beginning function, with Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Terrance Mitchell and Malcolm Butler taking part in forward of him. However he is been across the soccer rather a lot, as evidenced by his move breakup within the preseason opener.
9. Stueber’s standing: Belichick hinted that he isn’t anticipating rookie offensive deal with Andrew Stueber to return to the sector any time quickly when he mentioned the staff cleared up its PUP/NFI lists final week as an indication of the Patriots’ total well being. I am instructed Stueber, who stays on the non-football harm checklist, suffered an undisclosed harm whereas coaching after the draft which might delay his return to the sector till subsequent season.
10. Do you know? Operating again James White, who introduced his retirement Thursday, is second in Patriots historical past for catches by a operating again (381). Solely Kevin Faulk (431) has extra.
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