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Three reasons the Patriots can make the playoffs in 2023

By Lou Scataglia

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 30: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 30: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots are facing an uphill battle to make the postseason in 2023, but there are three reasons why they can.  Their offseason has been solid thus far, but far from perfect.  They do have a nice arsenal of draft picks they can use in 2023 however they please, and when the rubber meets the road, Bill Belichick is still on our sideline.

The AFC is absolutely loaded with a plethora of elite quarterbacks and contending teams.  I’m not sure there are many who are expecting the Patriots to compete in 2023, but there are some avenues where they can.

Let’s talk bout three reasons why the Patriots can make the playoffs in 2023.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Three reasons the Patriots can make the playoffs in 2023

Reason 1: Mac Jones’ 2022 season was an anomaly

This is the best case scenario for the Patriots.  Mac Jones‘ first year in the NFL in 2021 was awesome.  He was an efficient quarterback and the Pats had a top 10 scoring offense.  Their defense was solid as usual, so this was a balanced team that won 10 games.

The defense likely isn’t regressing.  If anything, it’ll stay the same.

New offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has worked with a ton of young quarterbacks and has a solid track record doing so.  Why would Mac Jones be any different?  I could easily see Jones tossing 30 touchdown passes in 2023.

The Pats’ offense could easily improve back to where they were in 2021.  They are returning most of the same players and have made some solid upgrades at tight end and wide receiver.

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