Bill O'Brien on New England Patriots Slow Starts: ‘Ridiculous’

While New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has noticed some improvement within his unit, he rightfully acknowledges that much more is needed.

FOXBORO — Since returning to the New England Patriots coaching staff in late January, offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has used phrases such as "clean slate" and "starting over" to describe the team's attempts to return to a respectable level of play on offense. 

While the team showed marked improvement during their 21-17 Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, O'Brien reminded Patriots Nation that new beginnings often take time. 

“I think there was some things that were better" O'Brien told reporters on Tuesday. "Obviously not good enough.”

Despite mustering only 259 net yards of offense, New England demonstrated an enhanced ability to move the ball, especially on third down. Following a dismal 1-for-14 performance in their Week 5 loss the New Orleans Saints, New England converted 6 of 12 against the Raiders. The Pats also orchestrated two touchdown drives, their first such series in more than two weeks. 

Ultimately, the improvements appear to have bought Mac Jones another week as starting quarterback.

“Yes,” O’Brien said when asked whether Jones will start in the Pats' Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

Though he entered Week 6 on a reported "short leash," the Pats starter went the distance (save for a handful of gadget snaps) completing 24 of 33 passes for 200 yards and one interception. Jones did a solid job of orchestrating both of New England's touchdown drives, helping to advance the Pats 75-yards in each instance. Though his stat line was much improved from his two previous efforts, the Pats 2021 first-round pick continues to struggle with his decision-making under pressure -- as evidenced by an egregiously overthrown interception with time winding down in the first half. 

Yet, the 25-year-old remains the choice ... at least, for now. 

New England Patriots Mac Jones (10), Bailey Zappe (4) and Bill O'Brien / cred: ESPN Images

The identity of Jones' primary understudy, however, still appears to be fluid. Recently-signed rookie Malik Cunningham played six total snaps on offense against Las Vegas, two of which came at quarterback. The Pats netted -4 yards with two unsuccessful running plays with Cunningham at the position. Second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe was designated as the team's emergency third option, while veteran Will Grier was a healthy scratch. 

According to O'Brien, the status of all three reserve quarterbacks will be a "week-to-week" decision. 

“For that game, for that week, that’s what we decided to do for that game," O'Brien said when asked why Cunningham got the nod over Zappe. "We haven’t lost confidence in Bailey.”

While the team is rightfully encouraged by its modicum of improvement, New England's notable step forward was still too frequently met with costly steps back. The Pats were penalized 10 times for a total of 79 yards — five of which came on offense. In fact, New England's scoring unit was flagged for two penalties on their opening series and three in the game's final two minutes. From O'Brien's standpoint, disciplined play will be the top lesson for his unit throughout this practice week. 

“There’s a very small margin for error in the National Football League," O'Brien said with a twinge of grit. "It’s not good to start the game with two penalties. It’s ridiculous.”

Albeit in a losing effort, the Patriots most prominent advancements came in both the pass protection and run blocking efforts along the offensive line. In conjunction with line coach Adrian Klemm, O'Brien incorporated more pre-snap motion, while committing to inside zone in the running game. The line also yielded only a 29.7 percent pressure rate on the quarterback — an appreciable improvement from 45 percent in Week 5. Having spent the better part of the season deservedly under fire, O'Brien was quick to point out that his team's offensive line is doing its best to play the hand it was dealt.

“They're fighting," O'Brien said. "There's been some injuries up front. There are some young guys playing there. These aren't excuses. These are facts.”

Unfortunately, the "facts" will do little to lessen the burden of needed-victory on Sunday, when the reigning AFC East Champs arrive for their annual visit to New England. Though the external energy surrounding the Patriots exudes an "on to 2024" aura, O'Brien was careful to point out that no one within the home team locker room walls at Gillette Stadium is ready to quit. 

"We have a chance to turn this thing around," O'Brien proclaimed. "But we all have to buy into it." 

The Pats better do so quickly to validate O'Brien's words. After all, there are not that many "shopping days" left until mathematical playoff elimination.