FOXBORO — The Patriots might be playoff-bound in the event that they win out.
The greatest deterrent to undertaking that mission?
The offense. It doesn’t rating sufficient factors, and might’t get out of its personal method.
Well, right here’s an unsolicited piece of recommendation for play-caller Matt Patricia with Miami and Buffalo on deck.
Change course. Forget what you’ve been doing. And by all means, do not get any extra conservative and proceed to play scared simply because it’s one and accomplished from right here on out.
At this level, Patricia has to vary his technique. He has to let it fly. Throw all warning to the wind and open up the offense.
What does he should lose?
There’s no sense persevering with with the guarded, protecting, timid offense that’s been on show for a lot of the season. C’mon, Matt. It’s time to let your hair down. Live somewhat.
Dial up just a few extra performs downfield. Give us extra Kendrick Bourne and somewhat extra creativity.
The Patriots want extra from the offense. Along with an even bigger dose of Bourne, Patricia must make extra use of the no-huddle. Mac Jones tends to seek out his rhythm in that setting.
Relying on the protection to make stops, and rating on turnovers, will solely take the Patriots to date. As it’s, all the managing, controlling and conservatism sends the message that the coaches don’t belief the quarterback.
It works the opposite method, as effectively. All of Jones’ arm elevating, whining and gesturing suggests the quarterback additionally doesn’t belief his play-caller and decision-makers on offense. Fine.
It’s Week 17, and that’s nonetheless the elephant within the room. But that’s additionally a problem that can in the end should be ironed out after the season. Right now, it’s extra about discovering a technique to win the final two video games.
What’s the worst that may occur if Patricia loosens his loss of life grip on the offense and takes the straps off Jones?
They play no higher, rating the identical paltry quantity of factors, however within the course of be taught that the straightforward, cautious strategy actually wasn’t the largest situation all alongside. Maybe they discover out it was extra of a expertise drawback.
Conversely, at greatest, it’s potential they’ll uncover one thing that’s been lacking all season, and have the offensive unit end the season on a constructive observe. Or even higher, they win out, and provides themselves a shot at making the postseason with a extra useful and explosive offense.
Isn’t that the purpose? To do what’s essential to beat the Dolphins and Bills?
On Christmas Eve, they opened issues up somewhat extra in opposition to the Bengals within the second half, after being down 22-0, and within the course of found a brand new receiver – Bourne.
Actually, he’s an previous receiver who’s been buried all 12 months. If they proceed to attend till desperation time to make use of him, that simply continues to feed into the madness that’s already on the books.
Against the Bengals, Bourne lastly seemed just like the participant most thought he’d be in 2022. Save for Marcus Jones, Bourne is probably the most explosive participant they’ve on offense. They’ve all the time wanted extra of him, not much less. His efficiency in opposition to the Bengals (six catches, 100 yards) was a reminder of what he’s able to doing if given the chance.
It’s time for Patricia to comprehend that and take higher benefit of Bourne’s belongings.
On Tuesday, Patricia mentioned Bourne, who was Pro Football Focus’ highest rated receiver Week 16, was “a great guy, works really hard.”
Fine, now get him out of purgatory and provides him extra probabilities to have an effect on a sport.
And, if potential, seeing extra of Marcus Jones — if he clears concussion protocol — on the offensive aspect of the ball would assist, too. Granted, Bill Belichick supplied chapter and verse on why Jones, who’s primarily a cornerback and particular groups returner, can solely play so many offensive snaps. Belichick, nevertheless, did admit they’d be looking for just a few extra snaps for him with the offense given how effectively he’s carried out.
“Can we use him a little more? Can we add on to what he’s done? Sure,” Belichick mentioned Monday. “But I don’t think he’ll ever be a full – have the full receiver playbook if you will at this point in time. Definitely not with his other responsibilities as well on defense and in the kicking game.”
That mentioned, Patricia nonetheless must dump the tasteless substances, and supply extra spice. He must discover a method for the offense to place up extra factors. The 21.2 factors per sport common, which is in the midst of the pack, isn’t seemingly going to chop it in opposition to Miami or Buffalo.
If the protection surrenders 20 or extra factors to the Dolphins and or Bills, they’re cooked. This season alone, the Pats are 0-8 when permitting 20 or extra factors. So it’s time to open issues up. Patricia has to chop it unfastened.
On Tuesday, he pointed to accidents as a little bit of an excuse.
“With (Devante) Parker not in, or in, or Jakobi (Meyers) in, or Jakobi not in, we’ve had some moving parts there,” he mentioned. “That consistency is what we’re obviously still pushing for. We’re running out of time here. But, we gotta get it this week against Miami.”
How about spinning the dial a bit extra? Don’t wait till you’re behind to take probabilities and open up the offense. Don’t wait till you’re determined to have Jones go no-huddle, or rely extra on Bourne.
Instead of enjoying to not lose, the Patriots must undertake a brand new mindset: strive enjoying to win.
Source: www.bostonherald.com