New England Patriots offensive play-caller Matt Patricia has faced endless criticisms for the offensive regression of both the unit as a whole and second-year quarterback Mac Jones.
Even Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph took aim at the play-calling in New England ahead of the primetime game at State Farm Stadium on Monday night. According to Joseph, the offense looked “like a defensive guy calling the offense.”
And to be fair, that’s exactly what it has looked like.
The Patriots have relied heavily on the rushing attack, screen passes and small, chunk-yard plays. It’s a strategy that has led to a predictably sluggish offense. Even after hearing Joseph’s comments, the Patriots didn’t go away from that strategy or change things up. It was the same old, same old against the Cardinals—run the ball, limit turnovers and cash in on short passing plays.
“I’ve known Vance a long time. [He’s] a very competitive guy,” Patricia said on Tuesday, when asked about Joseph’s comments. “… I think all that got kind of pushed out of perspective a bit. All good.”
Matt Patricia on Vance Joseph's comments about his play-calling last week: "I've known Vance a long time. (He's) a very competitive guy. … I think all that got kind of pushed out of perspective a bit. All good."
They embraced on the field after last night's game. pic.twitter.com/P8YEHY5aRn
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) December 13, 2022
Maybe Joseph’s comments have been taken out of perspective, or maybe they haven’t been taken seriously enough. He basically called out the Patriots’ entire offense, and instead of providing some in-game wrinkle, the Patriots went into the game and did what they always do.
The good thing is they came away with a victory this time, despite the offense still clearly being a mess that needs reworking.
