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.
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.
Three reasons the Patriots can make the playoffs in 2023
Reason 2: Bill Belichick
I think a lot of us have cooled on Bill Belichick as of late, but at the end of the day, he’s still the greatest coach in the history of the NFL, and every single week the Patriots have an advantage in the most important category, coaching.
With a legitimate offensive coordinator now in the building, Belichick seems to recognize the mistake he made putting Matt Patricia in control of the offense. Until he isn’t coaching in the NFL anymore, he’s still a huge advantage
Reason 3: No one is picking the Patriots
No one is picking the Pats to be very good in 2023, right? No one seriously thinks that this team can contend in the AFC, right? Honestly, that’s right where the team should be as I think it helps them in a way.
Nothing beats a good underdog story, and I’m not sure the Pats’ 2023 opponents are going to be circling their games on their schedules. Maybe the Pats can take advantage of not truly being considered a legitimate contender.