The New England Patriots’ success might just come down to how well or how poorly Mac Jones plays, so let’s make some predictions for his 2022 season. I could see reasons to be both optimistic and pessimistic about Mac Jones for 2022.
His rookie season in 2021 was nearly excellent, winning double digit games, being efficient as a passer, and leading his team to the playoffs. It seemed like an easy bet that the Patriots could load up a bit more on offense and take that next step into 2022.
However, while they did make some additions on that side of the ball, the playcalling debacle still seems to be just that. Whether Matt Patricia, Joe Judge, Bill Belichick, or a mix of all three are calling plays, the Patriots seem to be putting a ton more pressure on Mac Jones than necessary.
Can Mac Jones rise to the occasion in the 2022 season, where some are already counting the Patriots out?
Three bold predictions for Patriots’ Mac Jones in 2022
Mac Jones finishes top 10 in passing touchdowns and completion percentage
In 2021, Mac Jones was 14th in passing touchdowns and 8th in completion percentage. He put up franchise-QB numbers in year one, and I think he takes it a step further in 2022. Naturally, Jones should have a much better feel of the game in year two.
He’s already been exposed to NFL defenses, and his insane work ethic and knowledge of the game should be able to overcome inconsistent playcalling at times. That’s why I think he can finish top 10 in a couple passing categories.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jones approach 30 touchdown passes on the season. His 67.6% completion percentage could also rise a bit too. It’ll be a year of growth for Mac Jones ideally, and I think he can make some noise in two very important passing categories.
Three bold predictions for Patriots’ Mac Jones in 2022
Mac Jones takes a bigger role with some of the playcalling
In 2021, Mac Jones was encouraged to adjust plays at the line of scrimmage if necessary. I think he ends up taking a bigger role in this in 2022, perhaps even calling some of the plays himself. I’m not sure anyone outside of Bill Belichick knows the Patriots’ offense more than Mac Jones.
I would personally trust Jones to call the plays all game instead of Matt Patricia, and I think Jones can and will take more liberty at the line of scrimmage in 2022. It’ll be a nice development and the ultimate test for him to see if he’s got even more “dawg” in him.
Again, like I’ve mentioned before, Mac Jones does not have the arm strength of Josh Allen, mobility of Lamar Jackson, or an excellent combination of both like Patrick Mahomes. He’s a slightly below average athlete for the position in 2022.
His arm is good, but not great, and he’s not much of a threat with his legs. However, there may not be a more intelligent quarterback in the NFL than Mac Jones, and I think that’s one of the absolute biggest advantages a player can have.
I truly hope that the coaching staff empowers Mac Jones to take more control of the offense, especially if the playcalling begins to suffer even more.
Three bold predictions for Patriots’ Mac Jones in 2022
Mac Jones receives MVP votes
I think there’s a scenario where the Patriots’ 2022 season is noticeably worse than there 2021 season, but they still get some attention. I do not think the Patriots are going to win 10 games again this season.
With the drastic improvement of many teams in the AFC, I think New England is likely to win a few games less than they did last year. However, even if that does happen, I think Mac Jones can still make some noise and earn some MVP votes.
The Patriots’ offensive line should be plenty good enough with four solid starters. The tight end room of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith is as good as it gets in the NFL. Their running back stable led by Damien Harris, who had 15 rushing touchdowns last year, and Rhamondre Stevenson, a promising second year player, will hold their own, and the receiver room, while lacking top-end talent, appears to be as solid and as deep as they come.
Mac Jones should have plenty opportunity to flourish for a bit with this deep supporting cast. He’s put in the work to make a huge leap in year two, and I don’t think approaching MVP territory is by any means out of the question.