Patriots OTA Observations

By: Steve Atkinson

The Patriots have started their offseason program and as expected they do so without an offensive coordinator. Joe Judge seems to be with Mac Jones and the passing game while Matt Patricia works with the offensive line and the run game. Bill Belichick seems to be really involved with the offense during the practices more so than the defense. It seems Belichick even at 70 is taking more responsibility after the loss of Josh McDaniel’s to the Las Vegas Raiders and not naming an offensive coordinator yet.

Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones Looks Ready To Go

Bill Belichick said they were months away from calling plays last week when he was first asked about an offensive play-caller. Mac Jones looks leaner and has lost body fat. He hopes to build muscle before the season starts. He’s also the last person off the field after practice is over working on his deep ball. Jones is also teaching the playbook to Joe Judge who has no experience at running an offense. That is probably why Bill Belichick is so involved so far in the practices. Below is a quote of what Mac Jones said last week about his diet and getting prepared for the season

“I think every year you want to do a self-diagnosis of how you felt for the games, your body fat, all that stuff,” Jones said. “For me, cleaning up my diet — I’ve probably learned more this offseason than I ever have about my diet, sleep, nutrition, wellness, all that stuff. I’ve taken what I’ve learned that I feel will help me and applied it. Obviously, listening to Ted and everybody, following their plan, eating healthy, taking out a lot of the things that are bad for my diet.

“At the same time, I need to maintain my weight and be able to take hits. It’s a fine line for every player. Every player is different. For me, I’ve definitely trimmed down on the body fat a little bit. I’ll get a chance to bulk back up before the season starts and be able to absorb the hits.”

On day two of the media session of OTA’s, it seemed Matt Patricia was also calling the offensive plays during a practice session. Jones did say last week he had multiple offensive coordinators in college. However, the college game to the pro game is obviously different and it’s very rare a team doesn’t have an offensive coordinator to start the offseason program. First-round pick Cole Strange seems to be really doing well and could be a day one starter in the offensive line. Davonte Parker, Hunter Henry, and Jonnu Smith have made a few plays so far during practice.

Patriots Begin Their Offseason Program

Trent Brown, Isaiah Wynn, N’Keal Harry, and James White were the notable absences for day two of the media session of practice. N’Keal Harry is probably going to be traded at some point possibly to the Raiders. He hasn’t worked out since they drafted him in 2019. The same goes for Isaiah Wynn he may be out the door also. James White is coming back from injury and there was no reason for Brown missing practice today.

Belichick is again probably more hands-on with the offense because they don’t have an offensive coach. The defense is probably in a better position because they have Jerod Mayo and also leaders like Devin McCourty. Steve Belichick calls the plays while Mayo holds the meetings. The same is going to be for the offense. Judge will hold the meetings while Patricia will call the plays. At least that’s what it looks like heading into minicamp.