I hated Romo saying on the telecast multiple times that Mac has finally learned the new system these last 2 weeks and that's why it's better.
That's so stupid. It's not like the offensive system was so complex or dynamic that he needed to "figure it out". He had "figured out" JMD's system by the end of training camp last year and did much better all last season.
I think it was more about Patricia is finally learning how to call an offense. The biggest difference yesterday was the offensive play calling wasn't so gosh darn predictable and there were new wrinkles that we haven't seen all year. And they ran a lot more play action with Jones under center.
From Evan Lazar:
2. Kudos to Matt Patricia for a Good Week 18 Script, But Changes Need to be Made Still
The Patriots experiment with the offensive coaching staff fell flat, and one game where they had a few creative designs and better first-half production doesn't change the big picture. Props to Patricia for coming up with a few good play calls, including a third-down play-action wrinkle where Jakobi Meyers motioned into the backfield and then released into the flat. Parker's red zone touchdown was well-designed to use Marcus Jones as a decoy on a boomerang motion.
New England's unofficial offensive play-caller finally dialed up some play-action, and the Patriots had good results. Who would've thought? It's not like we've been calling for motion and play-action all season. It's too little too late for Patricia, who can be a valuable asset but isn't the guy to run this offense or develop Mac Jones in the long term.
Game Observations: Eight Takeaways From the Patriots Season-Ending Loss to the Bills on Sunday
The Patriots season came to an end with a disappointing loss to the Bills.