NFL Notebook: Patriots' defense readying for another round of RPOs in 2018

In this week’s edition of the NFL Notebook, we take a look at some of our favorite preseason streaks, examine the initial performances of rookie quarterbacks in New York and Buffalo, and speculate as to the possibility of an overcorrection on the part of Bill Belichick. But first, we wondered if the Patriots’ defense was spending any extra time this summer trying to work on defending what is sure to be one of the biggest offensive trends in 2018.

1. The NFL is a copycat league, so it would make sense that after a year where the Eagles utilized the run-pass option to great success, we’ll see more of it in 2018. That was one of the reasons why, in a recent camp practice, some members of the Patriots’ defense were recently running through the particulars of how to try and defend RPOs. Most of them said it's not necessarily something they're emphasizing going into the season, saying it was just part of camp preparation. But in my years covering the team, I haven't seen a defense spend multiple training camp periods working on something like that.

“With anything, if you see someone get beat on something, people always want to see, ‘Can we beat them too?’” asks defensive end Deatrich Wise. “It’s just one of those things we need to prepare for in order to win the battle that’s in front of us.”

Incorporated into NFL circles by Chip Kelly a few years ago, the levels of responsibility vary in complexity -- we took a deeper dive on it here in the days before the Super Bowl. But it boils down to a quick decision for the quarterback: an inside-zone run for his back or a quick pass, usually based on what the linebacker is doing. That defender has to remain patient, according to linebacker Elandon Roberts.

“It can be different,” Roberts said of what to watch for. “It depends what we’re in. If we’re in man call, it would be certain things. If we’re in a zone call, it could be another thing. We just have to know how to execute once we’re on the field.”

Wise said defenders on the edge also have to be able to know not to commit too early.

“Really, I need to read my keys: The tackles’ shoulder, the guards’ head. The quarterback, the running back,” Wise said. “Whatever key I need to look for depending on the situation, that has to be my focus. I just have to read them and stay square.”

Based on the offensive successes of the Eagles and Chiefs last year, it's not just the Patriots. New England is one of several defenses who sound like they're spending a little more time than usual trying to stay ahead of the next big thing.

“It could fade, which it probably will fade, like the Wildcat and everything else,” said Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale when he was asked about RPOs earlier this week. “But, I still think some people will stick with it, because it’s just like the triple-option. You’re reading it, instead of a pitch now you’re throwing it. Obviously, the defenses will catch up to it, so I hope we’re there to catch up to it already. It will be interesting to see.”

For what it's worth, multiple defenders around the league believe RPOs will have a short shelf life. One Patriots' defender told me he would be shocked if teams were still using it in five years, while Ravens defensive back Eric Weddle said it was a “phase" teams are going through.

“I think in five years, it's going to be out,” Weddle told reporters earlier this month.

Until then, however, defenses say they have to remain ready to guard against anything.

“We anticipate seeing everything,” Wise said. “Our coaching staff is great with that. They lay out everything in front of us, and we have to know what it is we need to do — every block that we could see. We just want to be good on any block thrown at us.”

2. With all the talk lately about whether or not Bill Belichick has changed his ways — “Chill Belichick” might be one of the best local sports nicknames in recent memory — it’s made me think a lot about what former Patriots receiver Donte Stallworth told me this offseason. Asked of Belichick was capable of adapting his coaching style to better suit a different generation of player, Stallworth quickly said yes: “No one adapts better than Bill,” Stallworth told me. “I think Bill has proven he can adapt. Again, it’s helped to have someone like Tom (Brady) as a quarterback, but Bill can change offenses. He can change defenses. He can spot changes in the game before others. If anyone can adjust to the things that are required of being a head coach in 2018 and into the next decade, it’s him.” The one thing I wonder — if Belichick is consciously trying to coach differently this summer, has he swung too far in the other direction? In other words, is this summer an over-correction on the part of the coach? Regardless, it will be interesting to see how a lighter workload this summer manifests itself come the regular season. Will the players respond positively or negatively, and how will it show when it comes to the results on the field? Only time will tell.

3. Had our first look at the renovated locker room after Thursday’s game, and it looks really impressive. The lighting is much improved, and instead of the old-school nameplates, they have electronic nameplates over their lockers. In addition, the lockers themselves close up, so when players aren’t there, you can really tell. (Before, the old tell was when their chair was folded up.) Basically, the locker room was pretty much state of the art when Gillette first opened in 2002, and it’s received a bit of an upgrade. We didn’t get a chance to scout out all the locations, but it appears most of the holdovers are in the same spots, including Stephon Gilmore (end of the row of defensive backs), Kyle Van Noy (Tedy Bruschi’s old locker near the exit) and Dont’a Hightower (opposite Van Noy in what could very well be the best and most important real estate in the locker room). It looks like Jeremy Hill has inherited Dion Lewis’ old number and old locker space, while Danny Shelton is well-ensconced along the same familiar row of defensive linemen. We’ll have more details next week, including whether or not anyone got the bad locker.