On Wednesday morning’s episode of ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL quarterback and current NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky expressed concern about the current Patriots offensive staff.
Orlovsky questioned whether or not the Patriots are putting Mac Jones in the best position to succeed with the current offensive staff.
https://twitter.com/getupespn/status/1511729138482225159?s=21&t=_VPt-XJBogDCeFBYVQBNBQ
Orlovsky referred to current offensive assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as “failed head coaches” and said their lack of experience on the offensive side of the ball could potentially stunt Jones development as a second year quarterback.
By saying what he said, Orlovsky instantly became the voice of frustrated Patriots fans in New England. This is what Patriots fans have been saying since it was announced that Patricia and Judge would work on the offensive side of the ball.
When asked about Patricia and Judge working on the offensive side of the ball last week at the league meetings, Belichick said this: “It’s great to have Joe Judge back and Matt [Patricia] of course, they are two really good coaches,” said Belichick. “We’ve had a lot of coaches take multiple responsibilities… I’m not really worried about that. I think a good coach is a good coach and Matt’s a great coach, Joe’s a great coach. They’ll help us no matter what position they coach.”
I get Belichick thinking his coaches are great coaches. I am not questioning his evaluation of them as coaches but Patriots fans are and while Belichick doesn’t care what the fans think, it is concerning that he made no effort to at least bring one veteran coach in with some experience.
Jones deserves better. He obviously won’t say anything. He’ll be a loyal soldier and do what he’s told. However, you can’t help but wonder if he has some reservations.
Year two of a quarterback’s development is vitally important. His relationship with new quarterbacks coach Nick Caley will be important but his relationship with the new play caller will be even more important.
Having the system already in place helps but so does having an experienced coach calling the plays. The Patriots don’t have that and that could be a problem for both Jones and the team next season.