Could this season be a mirror image of Mac Jones' rookie year in 2021?

The New England Patriots started Mac Jones' rookie season with a win/loss record of 2-4 in 2021. The sky was falling, and every Patriots fan thought the season was over.

Instead, the Patriots rattled off seven wins in a row and finished the season 10-7 with a playoff berth. Although the season ended poorly with a blowout loss in the playoffs, the season was a success.

Now in year three of the Jones era, it feels eerily similar to his rookie season. With new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and a new group of weapons, it almost feels like a second rookie season for Jones. Also, I think the Patriots are on track to have a similar season to the one in 2021.

The Patriot's schedule to open the 2023 season is brutal, and with a new offensive system, the Patriots will most likely struggle at the start.

With the first four games being against the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys, I expect the Patriots to start the season 1-3. The Patriots also started 1-3 during Jones's rookie season.

Even though a 1-3 start would be unfavorable, I expect the Patriots to go on a big winning streak, just like they did in the 2021 season.

In the middle of the season, from Week 9-14, I think the Patriots will go on a five-game winning streak. If you extend it a few weeks, I think the Patriots will have a seven-game stretch where they go 6-1. 

The Patriots are more than capable of going on a long winning streak against teams like the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Los Angeles Chargers. If the Patriots season is a mirror image of 2021, they will finish with double-digit wins and a playoff berth.

Returning to the postseason and instilling a belief in Jones would be a massive win for the Patriots in 2023.