New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo conducted an extensive search for an offensive…
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo conducted an extensive search for an offensive coordinator, interviewing 11 known candidates. However, the surprising choice for the role turned out to be Alex Van Pelt, who secured the position in a stealthy 12th interview. Mayo, a first-time head coach with a defensive background, considered the offensive coordinator appointment crucial.
Van Pelt’s interview with the Patriots took place last Wednesday and extended into Thursday, resulting in the official announcement of his hiring late last week. Despite having other finalists, namely former Patriots assistant Nick Caley and former Bears OC Luke Getsy, the Patriots opted for Van Pelt, a seasoned offensive coach.
Known for his positive culture and player-friendly approach, Van Pelt brings extensive experience, having worked with quarterbacks for 18 NFL seasons, including notable players like Aaron Rodgers and Baker Mayfield. His departure from the Browns after a successful tenure, where he achieved playoff success with multiple quarterbacks, raised eyebrows in Cleveland, with reports suggesting upper management’s decision was influenced by a desire to better suit starting quarterback Deshaun Watson.
One potential concern is Van Pelt’s lack of play-calling experience, as he previously focused on designing plays, game planning, and coaching quarterbacks. However, his reputation for quarterback development and the trust he gained from players like Rodgers adds credibility to his capabilities.
As the Patriots consider their offensive approach, particularly with the possibility of drafting dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels, Van Pelt’s adaptability will be tested. The Browns’ offensive system under Van Pelt was characterized by a run-heavy, play-action-oriented approach, emphasizing explosive plays generated through a combination of designed runs and play-action passes.
Analyzing the Browns’ offensive strategy, it is evident that they shifted away from an outside zone-based system to incorporate more gap schemes, utilizing pulling linemen and multiple tight ends. This adjustment aimed to counter defenses adapting to outside zone schemes, a trend influenced by defensive adjustments following Bill Belichick’s defensive strategy in Super Bowl 53.
Cleveland’s offensive philosophy revolves around setting up play-action with a potent run game, ranking second in designed run plays and seventh in team play-action rate. The Browns, under Van Pelt, excelled in generating explosive plays through play-action passes, especially when quarterback Joe Flacco took over in Week 13. With Flacco at the helm, they achieved a remarkable 12.0 yards per play-action pass attempt and capitalized on vertical routes at a high rate.
Ultimately, the Patriots hope that Van Pelt’s 27 years of experience in a pro offense will provide valuable support to Mayo, the second-youngest head coach in the NFL. The success of the Patriots’ offensive strategy under Van Pelt will depend on his ability to adapt to the strengths of the roster, whether with a dynamic quarterback like Daniels or a traditional pocket passer.
