What the Titans and Bears coaches say about Van Pelt’s offense originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots offense led by Alex Van Pelt could find its rhythm with rookie quarterback Drake Maye under center.
Since taking over for veteran Jacoby Brissett, Maye has rejuvenated the group with his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground. While Maye has received a lot of praise Despite his rapid development, his offensive coordinator’s efforts to prepare him for success have not gone unnoticed.
The defensive coaches of the Patriots’ last two opponents — the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears — shared their thoughts on Van Pelt and the Pats offense in conversations with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
“That’s coming from a Titans coach, on the defensive side of the ball,” Breer said Sunday. Patriots pregame live.
“The offense is similar to the Browns” with Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, where the AVP was. Not as much as what they were doing with Deshaun Watson. Run the ball, lots of quick play, creating easy throws and quick reads for the quarterback. They run a lot of 12-man formations — which makes two tight ends — and run play actions with a good amount of gap to give Drake a clear idea of ways to get the ball out quickly.
“The tight ends are solid, the backs are good, but the line and receivers aren’t good, which limits them. So AVP makes it as easy as possible for the rookie.” “
The Bears coach thought highly of Van Pelt and Maye.
“Here’s a Bears coach,” Breer added. “‘AVP does a good job of keeping the quarterback out of third-and-long. It’s not a complicated offense in terms of grouping personnel, moves or changes. I think once they have improved the offensive line and started the outside running game, the quarterback will be much better with the passing and playmaking game. Their offensive line struggles with the outside zone because they lack athleticism. But Drake has. all the tools to be really good but needs help in the skill positions.
“And as for their lack of movement, because I know that’s a big problem when it comes to creativity on offense, this coach said, ‘I mean, movement definitely puts more stress on a defense , but it’s also more about the quarterback.’ with communication and timing, so I think keeping a clear picture for the quarterback really helps Drake out.
“Again, AVP is a respected guy throughout the NFL, and it’s defensive coaches from the last two teams they played on that really think Van Pelt did a good job of running Drake and putting him in a position to play. succeed quickly in his career.
It’s no secret the Patriots still need to surround Maye with playmakers and protection from the start. The wide receiver corps and offensive line remain the two glaring weaknesses on the roster. But even without those weapons, the 22-year-old’s rookie campaign was perhaps even more promising than many expected when he was drafted third overall in April.
As for Van Pelt, the jury is still out on whether he should be sole as the Pats’ OC. If his offense continues to improve in the final weeks of the season, he could earn at least one more year as Jerod Mayo’s right-hand man.
