With the offensive line still unsettled and the rookie quarterback being a major focus, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has been under the spotlight this summer.
Van Pelt talked about the state of the offense on Thursday as the team prepared for their last preseason game.
Most of the questions were about Drake Maye, the quarterback picked with the No. 3 pick in the April draft.
How is he improving? Does he still have a shot to replace veteran Jacoby Brissett and start the season opener on September 8 against Cincinnati? “He’s making progress every single day,” Van Pelt said about Maye.
“That’s the important thing. There’s no step back. He’s taking what he learned from one practice and using it in the next. He’s really pushing forward.”
In his 20th NFL season and first with the Patriots, Van Pelt mentioned that Maye has been impressive in recent weeks. Maye only played six snaps in the preseason opener but saw more action in the second game, playing two quarters.
He performed well, leading New England to two of their three scoring drives in a 14-13 loss to Philadelphia.
“That was the plan all along,” Van Pelt said when defending the decision to limit Maye’s field time in the first preseason game.
“Quarterback is the toughest position in sports, especially for a rookie. It takes some time, and we’re going to be patient with the process.”
Maye is one of four quarterbacks on the current roster. Along with projected starter Jacoby Brissett, Joe Milton, and Bailey Zappe, he is expected to play in Sunday’s final preseason game against Washington.
Brissett’s experience has been a major factor in his competition with Maye. Brissett is entering his ninth NFL season and previously worked with Van Pelt during his one season with the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
Brissett hasn’t been very impressive in the first two preseason games. He didn’t complete any passes in the opener and threw an interception along with two three-and-outs in the game against the Eagles last week.
Van Pelt pointed out that Brissett’s interception happened because a receiver ran the wrong route.
“He’s a solid guy and a solid leader,” Van Pelt said about Brissett. “He puts in the effort and has been great with Drake.”
No matter if it’s Brissett, Maye, or someone else, their performance will be limited if the offensive line doesn’t do its job.
The offensive line has struggled and has been under scrutiny, especially after issues during joint practices with Philadelphia. Van Pelt mentioned they are still looking for the right solution.
“That’s a work in progress as well,” Van Pelt said about the O-line. “You’ll see different lineups. Each practice, you’ll see players switching positions, like moving from guard to tackle or from right tackle to left tackle. We’re trying to find the five best players who work well together.”
Even though Van Pelt has been an offensive coordinator before with the Browns and the Buffalo Bills, this season is the first time he will be the main decision-maker for play-calling on game days.
Head coach Jerod Mayo has repeatedly praised Van Pelt as the head coach of New England’s offense.
“The experience is vital. I’ve been doing this for a long time and have seen and solved many issues,” Van Pelt said. “Being able to lead the group and run the offense is special and different. I haven’t had that chance in a while.”
