Bill Belichick has faced criticism amid a challenging 4-11 season, but the New England Patriots’ head coach continues to showcase his expertise in utilizing defensive players in innovative ways. Despite the team’s struggles, Belichick is strategically increasing the role of emerging star Mack Wilson.
In recent weeks, Wilson, typically an inside linebacker, has been deployed as an edge-rusher, a tactical shift explained by Belichick’s goal of maximizing the presence of their top-performing athletes on the field. According to Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS, Wilson has demonstrated effectiveness with at least one sack and two pressures in each of his last three games, showcasing versatility both on the edge and as an interior looper.
The statistics affirm that Belichick’s inventive approach to incorporating Wilson into the defensive strategy is yielding positive results. This development further underscores why one of the hidden gems in the Patriots’ defense is having a standout season.
Bill Belichick cited "Trying to get our best players on the field" when asked about Mack Wilson's increased role as a pass rusher
Wilson has at least one sack and two pressures in each of his past three games, working both off the edge and as a looper inside pic.twitter.com/slFd6KKPUz
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 27, 2023
Mack Wilson’s a Roving Playmaker for Bill Belichick
Wilson is making an impact across various aspects of the game, with his most significant contributions seen in his ability to rush the passer. In 24 blitz attempts, he has achieved a career-high three sacks, eight pressures, and five hurries, as reported by Pro Football Reference. This contrasts sharply with his previous four seasons in the NFL, where he had only managed 2.5 quarterback takedowns.
While the statistics are impressive, Wilson’s versatility as a pass-rusher is also benefiting the Patriots by allowing Coach Belichick to creatively blend pressure and coverage strategies. This strategic approach was evident in a recent game against the Denver Broncos, where a well-executed design enabled the Patriots to transition from a zero-pressure look to a Cover 2 man defense. This sudden change in coverage led to Wilson pressuring Russell Wilson, resulting in a forced fumble and ultimately contributing to a 26-23 victory.
Plays like these underscore the Patriots’ defensive resilience during a challenging season. Wilson’s emergence as a dynamic playmaker is a testament to the overall strength of the defensive unit. This success reflects not only on Belichick’s coaching prowess but also on the capabilities of an assistant coach who is being considered as a potential successor to Belichick in the future.
Potential Bill Belichick Replacement Played Key Role in Mack Wilson’s Emergence
#Patriots show a zero-pressure and drop into Cover 2 man.
Mack Wilson gets home and nearly forces the turnover. pic.twitter.com/EftJWzqtO9
— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) December 28, 2023
If Belichick departs after this season, Jerod Mayo, the inside linebackers coach, emerges as a “logical candidate” to take over. Having played as a middle linebacker under Belichick for eight years, Mayo has earned a reputation as a diligent coach since concluding his playing career in 2015.
Mayo’s impact on Wilson’s rapid ascent is evident, especially after he acknowledged altering Wilson’s role along with fellow assistant Steve Belichick due to occasional shortcomings last season. Adapting to Wilson’s strengths has been instrumental in transforming his career, a sentiment endorsed by the former fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, as per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
With Wilson establishing himself as a free agent priority for the Patriots to re-sign in 2024, alongside right tackle Mike Onwenu, another impending free agent expressing a desire to return, they can form a crucial part of the Patriots’ upcoming rebuild.
Even if Belichick and his staff are absent during the rebuild, Wilson’s breakout performances demonstrate the coaching magic that can turn underrated players into impactful starters, showcasing the enduring capability of Belichick and his coaching team.
