As the Patriots head into another new season, most of the focus has been on how dominant the defense is assumed to be again. Because they continue to be a team that runs through their defense, there's certainly a lot to be excited about.
But what about the offense?
With the departure of Jakobi Meyers and no signing of a big-name player like DeAndre Hopkins, the optimism surrounding the offense is lacking compared to the other side of the team. Even with the expectation that the offense will be far better than last year, there's a lot of skepticism regarding how much of an actual improvement there will be.
Be that as it may, heading into the first preseason game, a few names have consistently been productive through spring and summer practices that would be standout candidates to significantly impact the offense's success come September.
These are just three of those players who may become an offensive MVP by the season's end.
Rhamondre Stevenson
This has to be the most obvious of answers when talking about the best of the best on the offense.
After becoming the first running back to record over 1,000 yards on the ground last year since LeGarrette Blount in 2016, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to have an even bigger season in 2023.
With the departure of Damien Harris in free agency and the lack of additional running backs added to the roster, at least so far, he's expected to be the primary back again and be even more involved in the evolving passing game.
He's become a go-to guy for Mac Jones, as he's earned the trust of the quarterback in the last two seasons, and with so many question marks regarding the receiving corps, Stevenson's role will become even more vital for the offense.
Whether carrying the football or making a catch, especially now that Jakobi Meyers is gone, Stevenson will step into the leading role on offense. With the added experience to his skill set, the running back/quarterback duo could become a top pair throughout the NFL.
Plus, if last season was any indication of what's to come, Stevenson will be the most valued piece of the offense, making Bill Belichick's eventual decision to re-sign him or not even more difficult. He's a dual-threat player with the potential to become one of the best running backs in the league, and because of that, how can he not be the leading offensive MVP for the 2023 season?
Mike Gesicki
One of the more under-the-radar additions during free agency this year was tight end Mike Gesicki, who didn't bring much excitement when initially signed. However, much of that has changed since he's taken the field during practices the past few months, and his integration into the offense continues to grow as the days go on.
Because he's not a traditional tight end and not known for being a solid blocker, Hunter Henry will continue to be the muscle needed in that area, allowing Gesicki to be more of a jumbo receiver that Mac Jones will be able to utilize.
Although his career statistics aren't all that impressive, Gesicki has created a niche for himself, being a dominant red zone threat. During his five years with the Miami Dolphins, he recorded 17 total touchdowns in the red zone (including the playoffs) and is expected to continue that trend in New England.
It was a primary weakness for the Patriots' offense last season, after a season that saw Henry become the designated weapon in the red zone and succeed in the role in 2021. Now that Gesicki will be in the lineup, it provides Mac Jones more options and reliability to open the field and score much more than they did in 2022.
As training camp continues and chemistry builds between the quarterback and tight end, we may see some impressive potential unlocked for this offense. We've already seen the progression from Gesicki over the last two weeks, with his most remarkable days at training camp coming this past week, and Jones has also stepped up.
So who's to say it won't be even better when the regular season kicks off next month? Signing Gesicki may become one of Belichick's better free agent signings in recent years, especially if he outperforms all expectations.
Unbelievable one-handed catch from Patriots TE Mike Gesicki. Simultaneously tapped his feet in the back of the end zone while hauling it in on a pass from Mac Jones. Jabrill Peppers and Myles Bryant in coverage.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 8, 2023
Mac Jones
To some, it may be a longshot to consider Mac Jones as a potential offensive MVP this upcoming season, especially after his struggles last year. But with the mentorship, guidance, and knowledge he will gain from working with Bill O'Brien, it's not outlandish to consider the quarterback may have a noticeable third-year jump.
Since the former Texans' head coach was brought back to New England, he and Jones have consistently been complimentary of working together so far. It's a far cry from the unenthusiastic responses from the quarterback last year when discussing the working relationship with the then-offensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
The foundation of a healthy relationship between the two appears to have been set, and it's fair to assume that Jones will reap the benefits on and off the field. And so far, O'Brien's influence appears to have already affected the quarterback, as he's been a consistent top performer at training camp thus far.
If he can maintain that performance come the regular season, or better yet, revert to and improve upon how he played during his rookie season, we'll likely see a brand new Mac Jones on the Patriots. It could be his best season yet, which has been a common theme among quarterbacks in their third season in recent years.
With a (hopefully) improved offensive line, a revitalized offense from new additions, and those on the team last year combined with a regained confidence in Jones, he could easily become one of the offensive MVPs in 2023.