Despite a disappointing 2022 campaign, the New England Patriots appear to have manufactured some momentum going into this fall.
The shift in energy can be acquainted mainly with the team’s change in offensive coordinator as it moved off of Matt Patricia in favor of Bill O’Brien. O’Brien spent the last two seasons at Alabama but brings several years of experience at both the college and pro level, including a past stint in New England.
The switch will no doubt have the biggest impact on quarterback Mac Jones as he enters a pivotal third season with the team. Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs during his rookie season but followed up with a disappointing second year under Patricia as the coordinator.
Last year contained inconsistent offensive production with Patricia receiving criticism for being a converted defensive coordinator prior to 2022. This resulted in Jones showing several emotional outbursts on the sidelines between drives as he saw a statistical decline across the board as the Patriots finished 8-9, missing the postseason.
But according to NFL insider Mike Giardi, Jones has received many positive reviews from his teammates and proves to be “energized” by the arrival of O’Brien.
Continued positive reviews from teammates/coaches who have been around Mac Jones the longest.
– "Confident. Leading like we know he can."
– "Ready to remind you (media/fans) why he was a playoff QB in year one."
– "Energized" by the change (Bill O'Brien as OC). pic.twitter.com/RQRRRqavHY— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 19, 2023
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