Bill Belichick Has Zero To Do With The Offense

By: Steve Atkinson

Bill Belichick has not been involved with the offense giving the keys to Bill O’Brien as I predicted. When O’Brien was hired I said Belichick should have zero to do with the offense and just let O’Brien handle it so Mac can get back on track. Bill O’Brien and Mac have met consistently coming up with an offense to benefit him.

The media was at OTA’s today and Bill Belichick noted at his press conference it would be a lighter day after a big day on Monday. Bill O’Brien was heard telling Zappe to hurry up and get to the line. Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, were there but did not participate in the practice. JuJu Smith-Schuster was also there after going to the White House Monday to celebrate the Chiefs Super Bowl win. He also was on vacation at the start of OTA’s in Hawaii. Bill Belichick seems to like him though.

“It’s been great. He’s great to work with. Smart kid. A lot of leadership.”

Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones is also more comfortable with Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator. So far in the two media-open OTA sessions Jones has completed 98% of his passes with no interceptions. Zappe has a completion percentage of 78% and one interception.

Bill Belichick away from the offense is what’s best for the team

Tuesday’s practice was more of an up-tempo on offense with Jones having the most control of the offense and what O’Brien is trying to do. After the practice was over at 1:15 Jones along with other rookie receivers threw on a practice field until 1:50. Jones as the last to leave the practice field for the day.

That is what you want in a leader. First person in there at 6am and last to leave the building sometime after dinner time according to Albert Breer. During the closed sessions of OTA’s to the media Jones has looked as the clear starter. Teammates spoke today after practice about Mac’s leadership.

Mac’s always been a mature guy. He came into the league pretty mature. I see all the same things,” Rhamondre Stevenson said. “He’s just on it this year.”

And newly acquired tight end Mike Gesicki also spoke highly of Mac today.

Mac’s awesome. That’s my guy. He’s been incredible as a leader,” Gesicki said. “He’s been great out there physically throwing the ball, and timing, throwing a very catchable ball, and all that kind of stuff. And he likes to have fun. So it’s been a cool offseason for us trying to gel and be on the same page. And I think it’s been good.”

Gesicki also talked about sharing the tight end room with Hunter Henry.

“It’s cool to be in the huddle with him, and talk through some things when we’re out there, how we see coverage,” said Gesicki. “It’s all been good. He’s been great to deal with, and awesome as a leader in the tight end room.”

There was no on the same page this time last year. It was all working together to get on the same page. With Bill O’Brien though the offense is already miles ahead of where it was a year ago. There’s nosy Belichick getting in the way of the operation to make his buddy look good. O’Brien is an actual OC who will get this offense to it’s full potential and Mac Jones.

With the O’Brien offense it’s functional rather than dysfunctional last year. He is the best at working with two tight end sets. With Henry and Gesicki it’ll be cool to see the offense when the season starts in September.