Bedard: Pats offense an ‘absolute wreck’ in joint practice with Eagles originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots’ offense faced its first big test of the summer on Tuesday in a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. Apparently, it was a failure for Jerod Mayo’s group.
As our Phil Perry explained in your last stock watch from Training Campthe offensive line remained a glaring weakness against the Eagles’ vaunted front seven. New England had more sacks allowed (15) than passes completed (14) with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye behind center.
How bad was the Pats offense performing? Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard shared some strong words during his Tuesday appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Mazz.
“Driving here, I was trying to figure out a way to explain this. And I guess I would compare it to driving a little bit,” Bedard said. “Have you ever been driving and seen this accident happen in front of you and barely missed it? And you kind of reconsidered everything in your life? Like, what happened? You get a 10,000-yard stare. That’s kind of where I’m at.” It was traumatic.
The Patriots offense has struggled mightily in the post-Tom Brady era. The 2021 campaign was an exception as former Pats quarterback Mac Jones showed flashes as a rookie, but the following two seasons were disastrous.
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Jones’ downfall in New England can be attributed to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge taking control of the offense, replacing former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Was Tuesday’s performance at the same level as the regrettable group led by Patricia?
“I need to go back and watch Matt Patricia’s offense or at least read what I wrote when they practiced alongside the Raiders,” Bedard said. “Like, it was similar to that, but it was different. This was just, they don’t have a chance. This was more like, they can’t block anyone.
“The attack was an absolute disaster today, and I had a feeling it would be like that. I didn’t think it would be this bad, and if it doesn’t send the coaching staff and front office back asking serious questions like, ‘What the hell are we going to do?’ the Patriots are in serious trouble this season.”
Bedard no longer feels optimistic after seeing how the offense fared against the real competition.
“It was impressive to watch,” he added. “It makes me question everything. From the decision to draft Drake Maye, to what they are doing on the offensive line, to the lack of urgency to address any personnel on the offensive line.
“Look, I take the blame. For a long time, I thought, ‘OK, I get the plan. I understand the plan. I’m fine with the plan.’ Today made me question everything that’s going on there.”
It’s clear the Patriots have a lot to work on ahead of their regular-season opener at Cincinnati on Sept. 8. They will look to resolve some of their issues when they face the Eagles in their second preseason game this Thursday.
