Cardinals DC Vance Joseph: Patriots Offense Looks Like Defensive Guy Is Calling Plays

Erin WalshDecember 8, 2022

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 16: Senior football advisor/offensive line Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots walks onto the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

The New England Patriots have struggled on offense all season long, and it has resulted in the team sitting last in the AFC East with a 6-6 record.

The Patriots are traveling to face the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, and they must find a way to win in order to stay alive in a tough AFC playoff race. However, the Cardinals don't seem too concerned with a lackluster New England offense coming to town.

Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph told reporters Thursday that he believes the New England offense has taken a conservative approach this year, which doesn't surprise him because Matt Patricia, a defensive specialist, is calling the plays.

Darren Urban @Cardschatter
To be clear, Joseph was saying it would be how most defensive coaches would call an offense. <br><br>"Let's not turn the ball over, get four yards a play, try to burn clock, that's what they are doing. ... They are going to be patient."

The Patriots enter Monday's game averaging 318.9 yards per game, which is one of the worst marks in the NFL. They're averaging 214.0 yards passing and 104.9 yards rushing per game.

Arizona's defense, meanwhile, is allowing 356.2 yards per game, including 110.8 rushing (eighth-best).

If Patricia continues taking a conservative approach. New England may be out of the postseason for the second time in three seasons.

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