Patriots OTAs: 5 Takeaways; Who's In Charge?

The New England Patriots appear to be sharper and more-structured heading into the 2023 NFL season.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots made quite the first impression while providing the media with its first look at the on-field product in 2023. 

Despite missing two days of organized team activities (OTAs) due to an NFL offseason rules infraction, the Pats returned to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday looking sharp and well-rested. 

With reporters next scheduled to observe Patriots OTAs on June 8, here is a look at five lasting impressions from the Patriots first observable session of 2023. 

Bill O'Brien is In Charge

In contrast to the confusion, and oftentimes fractious relationships relating to Patriots players and their coaches in 2022, it was evident that the team's offense is clearly under the control of Bill O’Brien. The 53-year-old, who is back for his second tour of duty with New England, was perhaps the most vocal of his peers on the Gillette Stadium practice fields. O'Brien operated from the sidelines, primarily on his own, while handling sole possession of calling plays via walkie talkie. Though Bill Belichick was intricately involved in the offensive operations in 2022, it was evident that O'Brien has both the autonomy and the has command over his players. 

Mac Jones Appears to be 'QB1'

Despite spending more time as a punchline than a subject of praise last season, Jones did not look like one who is ready to acquiesce to the request of his detractors. The 24-year-old quarterback threw the ball with accuracy, authority and confidence. Jones operated as the team’s top option at the position, with second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe handling the second-team duties. During structured team drills, Jones was credited as completing all 11 of his passes during 11-on-11 drills, and each of his three throws during 7-on-7s. 

Tyquan Thornton: Ready to Rise?

While fans continue to clamor for a game-breaking wide receiver, they may presently have one on their depth chart ... Tyquan Thornton. The Pats 2022 second-rounder has been heralded as a potential deep threat due to his speed. However, a clavicle injury derailed much of his rookie season. Still, Thornton demonstrated the initiative to gain greater synergy with his quarterbacks, along with the speed and explosiveness which made him a highly-touted prospect. If the Baylor product continues to participate in a notable number of drills with the first-team offense, O’Brien may be signaling a significant increase in his workload for the upcoming season. Having impressively hauled in a few passes from quarterback Mac Jones, he seems primed for a significant step forward in 2023.

Mac ➡️ Ty@MacJones_10 | @Humble_Ty19 pic.twitter.com/d3FrgsPhyQ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 1, 2023

Jalen Mills at Safety

With the Pats having a clear need at safety — in the wake of team captain Devin McCourty’s retirement — the 29-year-old Mills will provide both stability and system continuity in 2023. Accordingly, it will be a return to a role which yielded his best statistical season. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, he accounted for 74 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception while aligning mostly at box or free safety. Mills saw the majority of his time on the field on Wednesday working with safeties Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers and Joshuah Bledsoe. He wasted little time making an impact, intercepting Zappe during 11-on-11s. 

Joe Judge

Before the Pats took the field on Wednesday, Belichick was asked about Judge's role with the team. In addition to exonerating him from responsibility for the Pats recent brush with the NFL offseason rules, the 'HC of the NEP' made it clear that Judge would play a significant role in the team's coaching staff in 2023.  

“Joe is great." Belichick said. "Smart guy. Has a lot of experience. He'll do whatever we need him to do, and he can do a lot ... So he will.”

As such, Judge was overtly present on the practice fields, heavily involved with the special teams unit. Judge was vocal during several kicking drills as he appears to be working closely with special teams coordinator Cam Achord. The 41-year-old previously served as a Patriots’ special teams assistant from 2012-2014, before his promotion to special teams coordinator; a role which he held from 2015 to 2019. During that time, New England fielded some of the most-efficient and well-disciplined special teams units in the NFL.

New England is hoping that Judge's return will help to resurrect a unit which ranked No. 32 in the league last season by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric

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