Patricia, Judge share play-calling duties in Patriots' preseason opener

New England Patriots assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge shared offensive play-calling duties in the team's 23-21 preseason loss to the New York Giants.

Patricia appeared to call plays while veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer was in the game, and Judge took over once rookie Bailey Zappe entered the contest.

Head coach Bill Belichick - who has been tightlipped over who will handle the responsibility - explained he "thought it would be a good opportunity" for the assistants to share the role in Thursday's contest, according to Mass Live News' Chris Mason.

However, Belichick declined to say whether he has decided on an official play-caller.

"We’re going through a process. Just like everything else on this team," Belichick told reporters, including The Providence Journal's Mark Daniels.

Belichick elected not to name an official offensive coordinator for the 2022 campaign. Josh McDaniels previously held the offensive coordinator role from 2012-21 before taking the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching job earlier this year. Patricia was tabbed as senior football advisor/offensive line coach, while Judge was given the title of offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach.

The Patriots put up 308 yards of offense in their preseason opener against the Giants. Zappe threw one touchdown and an interception, while Hoyer completed five of his eight passes with a passing score of his own.