FOXBOROUGH, MA – Quick thoughts and notes on the New England Patriots and the NFL:

1. Challenging changes: One of the reasons Bill Belichick has traditionally been promoted from within the coaching staff is the emphasis on continuity, where players don’t have to learn a new system every time there is a change.

Offensively, Charlie Weiss (2000-04) passed the torch to Josh McDaniels (2005-08), who in turn passed the torch to Bill O’Brien (2009-11), and then McDaniels took back the torch (2012-21).

That fosters player health, and it’s what many (including this reporter) see as central to Belichick’s decision to hire Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as primary offensive coaches in 2022. They will settle into a familiar culture and try to manage the same system as the team, with slight modifications.

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But arguably the biggest surprise since the Patriots reported to training camp on July 26 is that the system isn’t as close as many thought. Quarterback Mike Jones and receiver Kendrick Byrne both mentioned the “new offense,” with Jones adding: “I think we’re going to figure it out. It’s going to take time and patience.”

The result was some erratic practice, one last Monday that resulted in center David Andrews addressing the entire team in a lengthy courtroom chat. The next day, after a better workout, veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer said no one wants to “come out here and be embarrassed,” before adding: “When you do something new, there are some growing pains.”

Witnessing a challenging transition raises the obvious question: Why do away with the offense that Jones excelled as a rookie? What changes are players trying to adapt to?

According to people familiar with Belichick’s thinking, the primary motivation for the change was to make things easier for players. The old system has grown so much in volume over 20 years, with Tom Brady taking a large part of it, and then adding another layer of navigation in 2020 based on a specific wrinkle from Cam Newton – So it seems like it’s time to streamline and return more to the original roots.

Changing the wording is arguably the most important part of this change. Many things no longer have the same meaning, so offensive players are learning a new language and the rules/responsibilities that come with it.

As for players’ struggles on the field, the defensive line doesn’t always open up the run game (zone runs have been a notable issue) or protect Jones, he said: “It just makes communication difficult. It’s not the same as before. It’s different.” We’ve done it in the past. “

Jones acknowledged there are some things he could have done better to help with the transition, and expressed confidence that the Patriots will find out.Hoyer said “there are [still] Elements of what we’ve been doing here. “

“It’s a time when you’re figuring out what’s working and what’s not, and trying to grow in the process,” Hoyer said.

2. Mac Locker: For the first time in three seasons, reporters entered the Patriots locker room after a game. One striking thing — Jones now owns Brady’s old locker.

3. Zappe’s touchdown throw: Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe (19-for-32, 205 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his performance in the second half of the preseason opener, especially for the Receiver Lil’ Jordan Humplhey’s touchdown pass. The Giants are putting all the pressure on — which was relatively uncommon in the preseason — and Zapp beat the Blitz for a touchdown, even though he didn’t work out for it. “I thought he was calm all night,” Belichick said.

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4. Recovery of assets: The Patriots’ No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft looks set to be wiped out (second-round pick JoJuan Williams struggled to hang on after a rough Thursday night), but linebacker Mike Wilson could soften the blow. The quick Wilson, acquired from the Browns in a trade for 2019 third-round pick Chase Winovich, had a solid preseason opener (5 tackles, 1 quarterback hit). Wilson’s off-field approach mirrored his game. “Don’t be complacent,” he said.

5. The meaning of the name: Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange’s first name is Devin, but he’s always been called Cole, which is his middle name. The Tennessean native had never been to New England before the Patriots drafted him and said he enjoyed settling in, even though he devoted most of his time to football. “I think it’s possible in every way,” he said when asked about his growth as a player since training camp began.

6. Cayust Camp: Belichick has pointed out in the past that quality offensive tackle depth is critical, and 2019 third-round pick Yodney Cadjast (WV) is working to strengthen the team in that area. He played in just seven NFL games, but was promoted to the first team last week. “It was the best training camp he’s ever been through,” Belichick said. “He’s very competitive.”

7. Uche’s reading list: Third-year linebacker Josh Uche is playing beyond his script in hopes of fulfilling his potential with the Patriots’ second-round pick in 2020. He was still reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. “It’s a philosophy book; there are different quotes in it that I can apply to my life. It gives you a new perspective,” he said. Uche’s speed and pass rush were among the defensive highlights in the preseason opener.

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8. Jones focuses on LB: Fourth-round cornerback Jack Jones from Arizona State University said of why he wanted to add weight to his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame: “There are adults running the court. ’ ” Jones has yet to fight for a starting spot, with Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Terrence Mitchell and Malcolm Butler ahead of him. But he’s been in football a lot, as evidenced by his pass interception in the preseason opener.

9. Stuber’s status: Belichick hinted he doesn’t expect rookie offensive tackle Andrew Stuber to return to the game anytime soon, saying the team cleared the PUP/NFI roster last week as a sign of the Patriots’ overall health . As far as I know, Stuber, who is still on the non-football injury list, suffered an undisclosed injury in post-draft workouts that could delay his return until next season.

10. Did you know? Running back James White, who announced his retirement Thursday, ranks second in Patriots history in receptions for a running back (381). Only Kevin Faulk (431) has more.