3 New England Patriots who have to take the next step this season

1. Mac Jones, QB

While Thornton and Barmore are trending towards positive developments, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones saw an unnerving 2022 season that caused analysts to question his rookie success. Jones’ regression is primarily linked to juggling the quarterback role under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, and so far in Patriots minicamp, Jones appears to be back on track as far as his development goes.

Jones is building a promising connection with newly-acquired tight end Mike Gesicki, and if O’Brien’s 2011 offense is any indication, this could be the key in unlocking the Patriots offense in 2023. Still, Jones ranks at No. 24 among all 32 NFL quarterbacks, according to SI/FanNation’s Tim Kelly, which is an egregiously low rating considering what Jones accomplished in 2021 as a Pro Bowler who made the PFWA All-Rookie team and led his 10-7 team to the playoffs.

No one in New England is satisfied with their 8-9 losing record last season, but the win total can’t be reduced to ineptitude on Jones’ part. He’s a young quarterback who faltered in a system that didn’t put him in the optimal position to succeed, and he clearly possesses the tools to become New England’s franchise quarterback of the future. Otherwise, Bill Belichick would cut his losses and move on, as he has done repeatedly over the past few decades.

The growth of Jones is critical both for the Patriots’ immediate success as well as Jones’ own future in the NFL. This year, Jones will ideally be able to prove that he’s worth the investment as he demonstrates the growth evident in every great quarterback.