Patriots: 3 way-too-early predictions based on NE’s 2021 schedule

1. Mac Jones Makes His Debut…in Week 18

When Mac Jones suits up and plays for the first time, it’s going to be a big deal. It’s going to signify succession to the next long-term leader of the New England Patriots. Once the trigger is pulled, it’s got to be for good.

Or it’s got to be after the Patriots clinch a playoff berth in a meaningless 18th week, a chance for Jones to get his sea legs without supplanting anyone or causing controversy.

In our eyes, New England seals up a Wild Card berth by defeating Trevor Lawrence the week prior, then uses Jones in Miami to wrap up the campaign.

Simulations show the disparity between what Newton and Jones can provide from Day 1 is almost nonexistent, with the veteran projected to have a slightly better campaign. Clearly, based on the team’s immediate willingness to bring him back, the relationship between Belichick and his camp remains strong, and the staff thinks there’s significant potential he rebounds from a hurdle-filled 2020 season.

Consider it 75-25 odds Newton starts Week 1, at the very least.

Jones’ development is an extremely important long-term project, too, and we don’t foresee him being thrown to the wolves in case of emergency, either. If a disaster arises, Jarrett Stidham will probably provide the relief effort for Newton.

Considering the potential cost, both in the locker room and in the region, if the move to Jones is made too soon, we expect the first-rounder to get some glorified exhibition action in a celebratory final week. No more, no less.

Patriots: 3 AFC East rivals NE can steal in free agency

Any one of these 3 studs from the AFC East to swap out their old team in favor of Bill Belichick and his new-look New England Patriots squad