Now that the Patriots' offseason program has come to a close, it’s time to take a deeper dive into what was said over the course of the last several weeks with the media in attendance.
We spoke to Bill Belichick several times, along with rookies and veterans alike, in order to get a sense of the direction this team will go heading into the 2023 season. Here are seven sound bites that stood out:
7 - WR DeVante Parker on the potential addition of DeAndre Hopkins: “I'm focused on us, man. Next question.”
As just about every player was over the course of this week, Patriots “X” wide receiver DeVante Parker was asked about the possibility of adding free agent DeAndre Hopkins to their room.
Parker, of course, could potentially be the odd man out in the room - so his reaction to the questions isn’t surprising.
However, given that JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton have been nursing injuries for the majority of the offseason program, there’s a chance that the signing of Hopkins could be an insurance move, and may not push anyone off of the roster at all.
Gresh and Fauria: Why was DeVante Parker getting defensive handling DeAndre Hopkins questions?
6 - LB Matthew Judon on the Patriots defense: “We have unicorns, for real… it’s going to be easy for us to match up with any offensive personnel.”
New England’s defense was the clear winner at Tuesday’s final minicamp practice, and linebacker Matthew Judon was excited about it.
Their unit is filled with several high-energy versatile athletes that, as Judon mentioned, will allow them to match up again most offenses in the NFL. The Patriots have players that can play at all three levels - including several that can play cornerback and safety, linebacker and safety, and linebacker and defensive line.
An “amoeba” style of defense, with players slotting in all over the formation, is what you can expect from them on that side of the ball this season.
5 - LB/S Marte Mapu: “I’m just comfortable doing whatever that ask me to do right now.”
Third-round pick Marte Mapu is one of the unicorns that Judon was talking about. The 23-year-old out of Sacramento State has excelled through the Patriots' offseason program - showing size, speed, and awareness throughout practice. He’s been repping at both linebacker and safety for their defense.
He’s also saying all the right things (as seen above), which should bode well for him in Foxborough as Belichick loves his yes-men.
4 - HC Bill Belichick on RB/WR Ty Montgomery: “Ty looks healthy. Really healthy… he gives us a lot of position versatility on offense and in the kicking game. Smart kid. Good size, explosive speed.”
Given that the Patriots released RB James Robinson this week and WR's Smith-Schuster and Thornton have been virtual no-shows for on-field activities, it’s good to hear it from Belichick’s mouth that Ty Montgomery is healthy.
The 30-year-old offensive weapon has seen time at both wide receiver and running back during his time in New England, but missed the majority of last season due to ankle and shoulder injuries. A healthy Montgomery will help this offense out in more ways than one - including spelling RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who could use a rest after the beating he took in 2022.
3 - CB Christian Gonzalez on his introduction to the NFL: “Taking it day-by-day.”
The Patriots' 2023 first-round pick has a quiet confidence about him, similar to what we saw in Stephon Gilmore during his time in New England.
He’s already taking to his head coaches' talking points, and given that they already have vocal leaders on defense in Judon, Wise, and Bentley, can counter that as a calming presence who simply does his job.
2 - QB Mac Jones on the addition of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator: “It’s been really good. It’s been normal. The communication and trust is the most important part.”
While this may seem like a nothing quote, the use of the word “normal” is what stands out.
2022 was nowhere near “normal” for the Patriots, and O’Brien has added that and more to their offense. Jones looks calm, cool, and collected under his new coordinator. Better yet? The offense seems to make sense. The third-year signal-caller has shown command of the system - checking in and out of plays with confidence and exuding much more of an awareness of what is happening around him.
Don’t just take Mac’s word on the change. Here’s what one of his favorite pass catchers had to say:
1 - WR Kendrick Bourne on the addition of O’Brien: “It feels good. Change is good. Something we needed, I feel like.”
One of the few Patriots who calls it like it is, Bourne was ready for change after last season - given that he spent most of it in the dog house.
The 27-year-old is looking for a breakout season heading into the final portion of the three-year deal he signed with the Patriots in 2021. He’s looked ready to do so in the limited time we’ve seen them on the field. He brings a constant energy to the offensive side of the ball and schematically, his ability to add yards-after-catch will be an excellent pairing with DeVante Parker and (potentially) DeAndre Hopkins.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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