USATI/ Patriots Wire

The reaction to the Patriots new offensive system has been mixed through the first two days of practice. It is similar to the response we saw two years ago when the Patriots dabbled in west coast concepts under Matt Patricia.

Enter new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt who is actually installing the west coast offense, not playing around with it like Patricia did in 2022. 

Installing a new system and executing it to a high level takes time, no matters what level of football we are talking about it. The timing will be off at times, balls will be dropped, routes will be off and blocks will be missed. It is part of the installation process as the players learn the new techniques and terminology. 

The players are learning the new system from a brand new offensive staff. Everything will be different.  From the way they implement plays and teach them in the classroom and on the field will be different from what they are used to, especially the veterans. The players are still trying to get acclimated to the new staff.

So before we start micro-analyzing the offense and every mistake they make, just remember. This is all new to these players. There will be some growing pains. It is not like two years ago where they tried to blend run game concepts to what they were already doing. What Van Pelt and the new staff are doing now is implementing a  completely different playbook. Give it a week before you panic.

I think we will get a better sense of where the offense should be by the time we get to the first pre-season game. Until then, let’s not draw any conclusions after two practices. If you thought it was going to be smooth sailing after two practices, you probably need a lesson in football and reality. 

Executing football plays is like executing an offensive plan in combat. in that it is an orchestrated event. Everything must go right in order for the play or the plan to work. Football is not life and death however. I am not equating to combat. I am simply saying that like a military plan, everyone must work together to ensure success.

It will take Van Pelt and offensive staff time to get the offense on the same page. When they do, it will all look better and it will work.