News items from today ...
Patriots announced most of Jerod Mayo's new coaching staff in a strangely worded press release that failed to mention that Troy Brown, Evan Rothstein, Mike Pellegrino, Brian Belichick and Joe Kim were returning. They couldn't just say they'd be back in to-be-determined roles? In the PR department's defense, it's probably been about 20 years since they have to craft a press release announcing any hires in February — the information wasn't revealed under Bill Belichick until the media guide was released.
In any event, here's where they stand:
Additionally:
- The Patriots released DT Lawrence Guy and S Adrian Phillips. Patriots pick up about $5 million in cap space.
- Trent Brown's contract voided.
- James Ferentz retired.
BSJ ANALYSIS
Things I like about the coaching staff:
- More numbers. Belichick's staff had gotten too small - other than special teams (of course). This is the NFL and for some of the year, you're dealing with 90-man rosters. Need more hands on deck.
- Alignment on offense. Those guys are all experienced and most are familiar with the West Coast offense. That's a huge improvement after what went on the previous two years.
- Tom Quinn is a very experienced for an assistant special teams coach. He was named the interim special teams coordinator for the Titans for the final month of the year. Prior to Tennessee, Quinn held special teams roles for 16 seasons at the New York Giants (2006-21).
What I don't love, or I need to see it:
- Tyler Hughes as the top WR coach. He was a pretty low-level assistant during his last stint here in a different offense, and was only a quality control coach at the University of Washington last year. The WCO requires absolute precision from the receivers on their prescribed routes. Normally that comes from a very experienced coach. This could be a weak spot on the staff (again). I'm hoping that McAdoo is going to help there.
- Scott Peters is inexperienced as a line coach and he got passed over by the Browns after Bill Callahan left. Veteran coach and former Packers o-line coach James Campen interviewed for the job but didn't get it. Now, Robert Kugler was Kampen's assistant in Carolina and he's excellent. I'm hoping two is better than one.
Thank you New England you welcomed my family and I for the past seven years and always made us feel at home,the community we build the people we met and the communities we impacted thank you for always welcoming us with open arms. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. pic.twitter.com/c6Fxf9xPaq
— Lawrence Guy (@thatLGUY) February 19, 2024
- Obviously I hate to see Guy go - he was still a good player - but he wasn't playing here for $3.5 million this season and they weren't going to pay him more. Patriots have serious depth issues on the interior now. Barmore improved vs. the run, so I'm sure that's part of the calculation. But Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms and Sam Roberts can't hold blocks like Guy. Might be an indication that they're going to more of a gap-penetrating scheme.
- Phillips was miserable last year with no role so that's not a surprise. Patriots should be fine with Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu and Joshuah Bledsoe - to the point Kyle Dugger should be expendable (but I'm sure they'll likely tag him for Mayo's defense - tag window open tomorrow). Going to cost $16 million for a 28-year-old player and that's where his extension would start.
- JC Jackson and his $14 million should be next.
- You can make the argument Mike Onwenu ($19.7 million tag) at 26 is better value on a team with zero offense than another safety who can't play in space.
- Good luck, Trent and James.
