AFC East QB power rankings after the preseason

As we gear up for Week 1 of the regular season, rosters are being finalized and worked through while practice squads are formed and teams game plan for that initial kickoff. The New England Patriots' final roster raised some eyebrows with a few key decisions, but one thing is for certain: this is Mac Jones' team.

It almost seems as if Bill Belichick is purposely playing games, keeping just one quarterback on the 53-man roster in Jones. The Patriots chose to waive both Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham, yet got lucky enough to retain both on their practice squad.

With Jones firmly planted as the team's starter in a loaded AFC East, where does he rank among the four starting quarterbacks as the Patriots head into Week 1? Sadly, still at the bottom.

4. Mac Jones, Patriots

Jones may have the confidence of his organization, but he is still firmly at the bottom of the AFC East quarterback group. It's tough to argue him any higher than fourth, though. The three above him are simply much better.

In two seasons and 31 games started as a pro, Jones has compiled 36 touchdowns and 24 interceptions; fairly modest numbers especially when compared to the rest of his divisional competition.

To have any shot at moving up these power rankings, Jones has to show an ability to push the ball downfield. He continues to be mostly a game manager who cannot throw a consistent deep ball, but in order to survive in this division, he's going to have to learn to make those throws.