Kyle Van Noy is becoming one of the New England Patriots’ most trusted leaders on the defensive side of the ball.
He’s been with the team for five seasons and is one of the few key linebackers who won’t be hitting free agency this offseason. Van Noy has been extremely vocal on and off the field and he gives great insight, while staying within the talking points that Bill Belichick has for the team.
While joining “The Greg Hill Show” — Van Noy discussed the state of the Patriots, Mac Jones and Belichick’s influence within the organization.
He began by reviewing a 2021 season that had ups and downs with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
“We just didn’t play well down the stretch, unfortunately. Defensively, offensively, we weren’t playing complimentary football.” He said the Patriots don’t like to make excuses, but “there was a lot of guys that could potentially have been sick.”
“If everybody can get back to that mindset, ok – what did we learn from this loss? – let’s carry this over and work during the season and remember those losses and get better from them.”
Many critics have said Jones may have hit his ceiling and downplayed his potential — Van Noy wasn’t feeding into it.
“I think that’s a little messed up.” He said. “His ability to push the naysayers to the side and just go to work is very impressive.”
Van Noy compared Jones to his former teammates Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford when its comes to clicking with the team.
“Those guys are friends with everybody, they love everybody, and he embodies that,” Van Noy said. “He truly is a leader.”
Van Noy then discussed Beilchick and the true influence he has on the organization.
“I will say this; if you’re in the building you know who’s in charge. And at the end of the day everything’s funneled toward Bill.” He was discreet, but honest while being asked who calls the defensive plays, “He is the secret. It’s non-traditional with the way it is, but everybody knows…it’s Bill.”
The Patriots are now preparing for the NFL draft, with hopes of bolstering talent at a success rate similar to last year.
