The Matt Patricia experiment as the New England Patriots’ offensive play-caller might not be a one-and-done thing, according to NFL and Patriots insider Tom E. Curran.
As of right now, Curran doesn’t believe a decision has ultimately been made when it comes to the future of the role. Even as bad as the offense has looked at certain points this season, there’s still a realistic possibility that Patricia could be the one calling the plays for the team again in 2023.
What would end up being a nightmare for many could turn into reality for the Patriots.
“No, I don’t [think a decision has been made],” Curran said, when appearing on Merloni, Fauria & Mego. “I really don’t. From conversations I’ve had, I think everything is TBD. If by the end of the year, the Patriots have turned a page and become much more against all odds competent, well then maybe they go in a different direction. They get their information from Bill [Belichick]. They get their information from Mac Jones, meaning the Krafts and anybody who’s involved in the decision-making.
“But if it doesn’t, I think Bill will be the one who has the most latitude to say, ‘Okay, this is where we’re charting the course for from here on out.’ Now if charting that course says, ‘Yeah, we’re basically going to keep it the same and not bring out any outside ideas and we just think we were snake bit here a little bit,’ I think there might be pushback from ownership.”
Curran did note that if things continued to go in the direction it’s going, he thinks Belichick would consider making changes.
Still, things could legitimately be up in the air if the team somehow sneaks into the playoffs. The Patriots are currently ranked in the bottom-half of the league in average yards per game (319.6) and second-to-last in red zone scoring behind the Denver Broncos.
Mac Jones has regressed in ways that wouldn’t even be believed possible, and the offensive line looked like a complete mess even before it was pounded with injuries. Things haven’t gone well with Patricia overseeing the offensive unit, clearly.
But would Belichick seriously be willing to hit the do-over button on this season. The fact that it might even be a possibility is beyond terrifying.
