O’Brien returns to the Patriots where he was previously the OC from 2007-2011 and oh what a sight for sore eyes. Patriots fans would have taken just about anything or anyone calling the plays and coaching the QBs if it meant they never have to see, hear or acknowledge Matt Patricia and Joe Judge ever again. In fact the more the Patriots offseason progresses, the more we find out just how bad things where behind closed doors. Judge apparently was hated by players and coaches alike. Patricia was scrutinized for his willingness to call plays just to ensure the Patriots weren’t blown out and embarrassed in games instead of trying to win. So in walks Bill O’Brien to save everyone, players, coaches, and fans alike. The real question is who will benefit the most from his return?

Now the obvious answer here is the 3rd year QB Mac Jones. You would be 100% correct if that was you initial guess. O’Brien is a legit play calling stud and can scheme an offense up with the best of them. Its exactly what a young QB needs to find his groove. However, I am looking at a position group that starts with a “T” instead of a “Q”. That’s right, we are about to see a TE party back in Bean Town.

Rob Gronkowski himself has come out and credited O’Brien’s play calling for his best statistical season he ever had. The 2 TE lineups under O'Brien were outstanding when they implemented them in 2010 and 2011. Don’t believe me? Well lets look at the numbers then. In 2010, the tight ends as a group recorded 93 catches for 1161 yards and 18 touchdowns. The group collectively had the 10 more targets than then slot machine Wes Welker who had 123. This all happened with Green-Elis going for over 1000 yards on the ground and the Patriots going 14-2 on the season. Best receiver on that team? Wes Welker. One season does not a TE whisper make though. What happened in 2011?

If you thought 2010 was a great year for the tight-ends in the Patriots system under O’Brien wait to you see these numbers. In 2011 the TE group went off for 2237 yards and 24 TDs on 169 catches! The Patriots record that year? Just a modest 13-3. Who was the leading receiver? Once again, Wes Welker. That means there isn’t a need for a true bonified number 1 WR if this system can work and rely on their TEs (good news for you Jakobi Meyers fans as his return is dependent on the Patriots spending for a true #1).

Now lets be real here. Is either Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith on the same level of Rob Gronkowski? No, not even on the same planet. That doesn’t mean they can’t be deployed in similar ways and reap the rewards of an O’Brien led system. The 2 tight end sets in Foxborough that the NFL world has been clamoring for seem to be on the horizon. We may finally see what these guys can do.