Patriots' Bailey Zappe: Offense 'Way Ahead' of Schedule
Usually, when a team begins training camp with a new coordinator, it is common for the other side of the ball to get the better of the unit with a new playbook. That is assuming that they're also still playing in the same system, as is the New England Patriots' defense.
The same is true when describing the Patriots' offense so far into training camp. After a slow start where the defense got the better of a unit still getting its feet under itself in the early days of installation, they have looked more "efficient" and "comfortable," according to our own Mike D'Abate.
This improvement from the Patriots' offense is expected, especially after second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe told the media that he believes they are ahead of schedule regarding offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien's installation.
“The install has been doing good,” Zappe said on Monday. “We’re way ahead of (where) we thought we were going to be. We’re really deep in into red zone, third down, open-field stuff. So I think we’ve just got to keep stacking days and continue just improving on the plays we have in right now. I’m sure there’s more plays to be done, but I would say we’re about 80 percent.”
This optimistic update from Zappe was even echoed by the often-reserved coach Bill Belichick.
“We’ve got most everything in that we’re going to do,” Belichick said of the offense's install. “We’ve been through every situation on a practice field. We covered most of them in the stadium (last Friday) night. I mean, there’s always more to do, (but) we’ve covered all of the situations. We haven’t covered every single play we’re going to run, but we’re pretty far along.”
It is worth noting that while the defensive line continues to get the better of a Patriots offensive line, that is "makeshift" due to injuries, it hasn't held back quarterback Mac Jones and the skill players from stepping up.
As SI's Patriots Country previously reported, Jones turned out a "solid" performance on Monday, completing 12 of his 18 passes. Additionally, both rookie receivers, Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, stood out.
Combine Belichick and Zappe's update on the progress of installation with what Patriots Country has seen so far in camp: the Patriots offense looks to be in a good position heading into their first preseason game against the Houston Texans on Thursday.
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