Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt isn’t committed to run-first offense

FOXBORO — The Patriots showed their formula for offensive success in their Week 1 win over the Bengals, but don’t be surprised if they stray from the run-first approach.

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is willing to pivot depending on how an opposing defense reacts to his play-calling approach even though head coach Jerod Mayo said Monday that the team will always be run-first.

“I think that’s one of our identities as an offense for us, what we talk about being multiple and versatile,” Van Pelt said Thursday. “Again, always talk about putting our players in the best situations to make them successful and using their skill sets. I’ve told the guys in the room we might run it 40 times this week and throw it 40 times the next week based on the defense.”

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Hidden detail of Jacoby Brissett’s game could be massive for Patriots

The Bengals knew the Patriots would be running the ball, especially late in Sunday’s 16-10 win, but they still couldn’t stop running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

But that might change as early as this week’s game at home against the Seahawks. The Seahawks’ defense, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, allowed just 64 yards on 20 carries to Broncos running backs in Seattle’s 26-20 Week 1 win.

And if the Seahawks decide to stack the line to stop Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and the Patriots’ rushing attack, then Van Pelt has confidence in quarterback Jacoby Brissett and his receivers to produce.

“I think our skill group is a talented group,” Van Pelt said. “You don’t have any huge names outside at receiver, but we have a bunch of guys that make good football plays, so I feel real confident in those guys.”

The Patriots’ core pass catchers are Stevenson, Gibson, tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper and wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and DeMario Douglas.

Polk only caught one pass for 6 yards in Sunday’s win, but he also showed a knack for getting open on plays when he wasn’t targeted.

“It shows up on film that he’s been separating, and the more you do that, the more I would think creates opportunities down the road here,” wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes said Thursday. “He’s just a great competitor. I don’t feel like there was any frustration or anything like that. He just loves to compete, loves to play football and works really hard at it. I think that’s probably what I saw, anyway. But he’s a great separator, and he’s going to keep working at that. Good opportunities will come for him as we get down the road.”

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