5 bold predictions for the Patriots against the Buccaneers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots makes the catch and runs it in for a touchdown as Paulson Adebo #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The New Orleans Saints beat the New England Patriots 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Patriots offense will finally go deep

Mac Jones isn’t exactly a gunslinger, is he? In all fairness to Jones, he never has been. Everyone knew what he was coming out of college — an accurate passer who doesn’t have a big arm.

The Patriots don’t need Jones to be Warren Moon, but they should still aim for more than four yards per attempt. New England’s passing game has been the West Coast offense on steroids. It’s a ton of underneath passes, checkdowns, and letting the receivers make plays after the catch.

Eventually, though, they are going to need to ask Jones to get them a big chunk of yards downfield. If there is a team to do it against, it’s Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers have struggled thus far at defending the deep pass. Dak Prescott exposed them Week 1, and Matthew Stafford had one of his best days as a pro Week 3.

The Buccaneers run defense has been good, and they have one of the best front sevens in the NFL. The Patriots aren’t going to be able to run it down their throats, especially without an elite running back.

They will have to expand the passing game and take a few deep shots. If there was a time to do it, it would be Sunday night.

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