The Patriots playcall reflects Patricia’s roots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Arizona Cardinals Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who is preparing to tackle the quarterback Mac Jones and New England PatriotsMonday night’s attack, he said, highlights the unit’s defensive approach.

The Patriots’ talent Joseph was very good, and he highlighted how his play reflects play-caller Matt Patricia’s roots as a former defensive coordinator.

“I see an offense that’s running the football well. It’s a very conservative passing game — lots of screens, all kinds of screens. That’s what a defensive guy calls offensive plays — ‘Let’s not turn the ball over, let’s make it 4 yards.'” a play , and let’s try to burn the clock,'” he said.

“That’s what they’re doing and that’s what he’s going to do Monday night. He’s going to be patient. Maybe make a shot once in a while. But for the most part, it’s the run game, it’s the fast game and it’s the screens. .”

That approach was at the root of Jones’ frustration in last Thursday’s 24-10 loss. Buffalo Bills.

Jones explain later That he was calling for less “quick play” and more deep shots down the field, that his speech was not aimed at anyone in particular and that he intended to spark the team.

The Patriots were short on the offensive line, which could have helped the closer Jones threw for a career-high 382 yards a week after losing to the Vikings. But the offense has struggled for long stretches of the season, tied for last in the NFL in red-zone efficiency, 25th on third downs, 25th in sacks per passing game and 28th in first downs.

Coach Bill Belichick he said earlier this week It is “too hard” to make significant changes in the attack, and he added: “If we can do what we are doing consistently, I think we will be fine.”

Joseph said the Cardinals will focus on the run Rhammond Stevenson on Monday, saying he’s a “special” player and that “the offense definitely comes through.”

Despite the Patriots’ lower ranking in several key categories, Joseph — whose defense ranks last in the NFL in red zone offense and 31st in points allowed — sees potential for his offense.

“It’s scary when you watch the team because they have a lot of talent around Mac, and Mac is a good young quarterback. He can process information quickly, get the ball out of his hands quickly. He’s very, very smart,” he said.

“So you’re waiting for them to explode because they have a lot of talent on offense. But it’s been a run, a quick game and more screens. Hopefully, Monday won’t change that much for us.”

The recipient Jacob Meyers, who leads the team with 593 receiving yards and is second with 50 catches, is officially in concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head last Thursday. That puts his status for Monday’s game in doubt.

ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss contributed to this report.