The New England Patriots offense was subpar in 2022, prompting Bill Belichick to make a change and bring in Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator.
While meeting with reporters on Tuesday, O’Brien made it clear he wants the entire offensive unit to turn the page on last season and “move forward.”
O’Brien said every offensive player has “a fresh start, a clean slate” going into 2023. According to media members on the scene, O’Brien used the phrase “clean slate” multiple times in his press session.
“O’Brien used that phrase — “clean slate” — repeatedly during his first Patriots presser,” tweeted Zach Cox of NESN. “Wouldn’t say much about how the offense will look schematically but said the coaches have spent the past few months poring over film.”
O’Brien said the theme for the offense was to “move forward.” The past had no bearing. Everyone has a “fresh start, a clean slate.” pic.twitter.com/ZcKfAus9uw
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) April 18, 2023
O’Brien used that phrase — “clean slate” — repeatedly during his first Patriots presser. Wouldn’t say much about how the offense will look schematically but said the coaches have spent the past few months poring over film. https://t.co/r5E7jN74N5
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) April 18, 2023
In addition to bringing O’Brien back to New England for a second stint, the Patriots added several offensive pieces in free agency this offseason, including wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight end Mike Gesicki, running back James Robinson and offensive tackles Calvin Anderson and Riley Reiff.
We’ll see if those moves, plus whatever the team adds in next week’s NFL Draft, is enough to get the Patriots back in the postseason in 2023.