The Patriots offense finished 26th in the league in yards per game and 17th in points per game with co-offensive coordinators Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. Hiring O'Brien to fix the offense gives Belichick a trusted mind that can get the most out of third-year quarterback Mac Jones.
Three former Alabama quarterbacks each find their playoff hopes and positioning depending on their teams' performances as well as that of some other teams.
Jones has struggled this year while his backup shined in his absence during injury. Now, that backup is on the field with a perfectly healthy Jones on the bench.