It has been a number of weeks since head coach Nick Sirianni made the decision to transition the defensive coordinator role from Sean Desai to Matt Patricia, but the results have not been positive so far. Patricia has addressed the media twice since taking on his new position, and both times he has downplayed the idea that there have been major changes under his leadership. He has emphasized that the defense has been a collaborative effort throughout the year, and his new role is not entirely different from what was already in place.
While there may be some truth to Patricia’s statements, Haason Reddick shared on Thursday that the adjustment has been more challenging than it may have been portrayed. When asked about the impact of the coordinator change on the recent game against the Cardinals, the edge defender was candid about the difficulties.
“I think a lot of it. Like you said, we changed coordinators. They got a different style, a different way they want things done, and that’s pretty much what it is. [Matt] Patricia’s in there now — he has a certain way that he would like for things to be done, and we’re doing our best to adapt to that in this time period that we have, trying to get everybody on the same page moving forward, that way we can be great in the playoffs.”
Reddick also addressed some of the film that showed players not being in position and running around before the snap. He explained that this was a result of multiple factors, including the timing of calls, changes in personnel, and the rush to get into position. He also acknowledged that the change in defensive coordinator could be a factor as they work to implement new strategies according to Patricia’s preferences.
“It’s hard. It’s a hard thing to do. But, it’s our job at the end of the day, so it’s no complaints about it.
But, it’s definitely a hard thing, right. You spent so much time with one DC, and a new DC at that, at the beginning of the year, and trying to learn everything he wants us to do, his terminology, the way that he calls things, and then towards the end of the season, we switch. But, like I said, at the end of the day, it must get done. That’s what the higher ups here felt was needed to get done in order to try and make a change and get some things corrected. As players, we gotta go out there and do our best to perform.”
Reddick mentioned that he has experienced numerous head coach and defensive coordinator changes throughout his career, noting that he has never had the same DC for two consecutive years. However, he has never had to adapt to a mid-season change like this before. With his experience, he finds it easier to adapt compared to some of the younger players on the team.
When asked about his role in coverage during the previous game against Arizona, Reddick stated that he is willing to do whatever is asked of him. However, when asked to elaborate on how to best utilize his specific skills, Reddick indicated that it was a discussion for another time, with a smile on his face.
