Dan Orlovsky Details Patriots’ Plan For The 2023 Season

The New England Patriots finished the 2022 NFL season with an 8-9 record.

This meant they missed the playoffs for the second time in the past three years, an anomaly for this historic franchise.

As they head into the 2023 campaign with renewed expectations, Dan Orlovsky highlighted what they must do to succeed.

In a recent post, Orlovsky mentioned the Patriots should target a 2000s level of play, which includes a strong rushing attack.

The @Patriots are going to try and play a style of football they did in the early 2000’s and one that only 1 team in the AFC will—Tenn—

Great defense
Dominate on the ground
Efficient pass game that’s matchup driven

As always, zig when they zag

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 15, 2023

The Patriots recently added Ezekiel Elliott to their backfield, helping Rhamondre Stevenson carry the load for the team.

As a whole, the NFL has adopted a pass-first approach, emphasizing the quarterback position.

However, Mac Jones has been spotty in his first two seasons as the starter.

This could lead to a heavier reliance on their rushing game, led by Stevenson and Elliott.

With any luck, they’ll get back to basics, hoping to find the success they found in the early 2000s.

Orlovsky did call out the passing game in one part of his analysis, saying they should have an “efficient pass game that’s matchup driven.”

If Jones can do enough through the air, the Patriots might find the success they’ve lacked since the departure of Tom Brady.

Without sustained success, further questions will be asked.

Is Bill Belichick’s time as the head coach winding down, especially if they don’t make the playoffs this year?

There is a lot on the line for the Patriots in 2023.

Can the addition of Elliott and a changed offense propel them to a top spot in a crowded AFC?