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Is Patriots’ quarterback Mac Jones better than we all think?

By Lou Scataglia

Nov 20, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) runs onto the field for warm up before the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) runs onto the field for warm up before the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mac Jones has had an interesting 2022 season with the Patriots after a historically good rookie season. Is he better than we all think?  His rookie season in 2021 was something special.  He threw 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and earned a 92.5 passer rating.

He also led the team to 10 wins and a playoff berth with a top 10 scoring offense.  Many across the NFL were looking to Jones as a potential breakout candidate in 2022.  Josh McDaniels departing for Las Vegas didn’t seem to rattle many people in their predictions, but it’s been clear since the beginning of the year that the offense is not working.

Matt Patricia, a defensive coordinator and failed head coach, has been calling the plays on offense for the Patriots.  We don’t need to talk further about why that has been an issue, as we’ve talked about it many times.

Over the last several games, we’ve seen Mac Jones improve within the offense quite a bit.  He’s limited the turnovers and has been throwing with great anticipation.  He does look like the rookie Jones again.

Even though he isn’t been talked about weekly like guys like Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, perhaps Jones does deserve more attention for how well he has been playing in spite of the disaster of a situation around him.

Going into the 2023 season, the organization needs to work out some type of plan with a legitimate offensive coordinator.  I don’t think it’s likely that Josh McDaniels gets fired after one year and there does appear to be some respectable coordinator candidates for the team.

Bill O’Brien, who was on the Patriots’ staff, could make some sense.  Frank Reich, who was recently fired as head coach of the Colts, could be an option if he does not get another head coaching job.

Whoever ends up replacing Patricia, which needs to happen, it has to be someone who is an actual offensive mind.  It’s baffling that I’d even have to type those words, but that’s where we’re at to save Mac Jones.

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