The New England Patriots' need for a quarterback was never more pressing than it was in the 2020 season. After Tom Brady departed Foxborough after an incredible run to head to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots got Cam Newton. Unfortunately, that experiment didn't work out well. Thankfully, the Patriots were able to sit back and snag Mac Jones, the rookie out of Alabama, and number 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The rookie's whereabouts were up in the air for weeks after being linked to the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, among others. Albeit, Jones landed with Bill Belichick and the storied Patriots franchise in what should turn out to be a perfect marriage between the two.
After all, Belichick apparently loves Alabama players that have played for Nick Saban.
Mac Jones becomes the 11th player Bill Belichick has drafted that played under Nick Saban in college, extending the record for the most players taken by a pro-college coach combo in the Common Draft era.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2021
While New England did re-up Newton in the offseason, there should undoubtedly be an open quarterback competition between Cam and Mac and there's a good chance Jones is the guy when the season starts. With that being said, here are three early predictions in his rookie season.
3. Mac Jones Starts Day One
This could be a long shot. However, do the Patriots really believe in Newton as their guy? The Patriots came out and said that Cam is “their guy” and that Jarrett Stidham and Jones could compete when they're ready.
That's a ringing endorsement from Belichick and the Patriots brass, although not a surprising one. They aren't going to say that Mac Jones is the starter after signing Cam to a contract and risking anybody from being disgruntled.
Jones should come in and wow the New England staff with his work ethic and arm strength, especially after a full offseason working with that staff.
2. Mac Jones Leads The Patriots to a Winning Record
The Patriots finished the 2020 season with a 7-9 record and one of the worst, most unwatchable offenses in the entire NFL. The need for an upgrade at quarterback was evident and here comes Jones.
With some new offensive weapons with Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor, the rookie should have no problems stepping in and finding a way to get above .500.
The defense is good enough and they brought in Matthew Judon to help that unit. If Jones can be an even slight upgrade from Cam, the Patriots should easily be, at worst, 9-7 in the 2021 season.
1. Throws for 4,000 Yards
For the record, only 12 quarterbacks eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark in 2020. With them, only one rookie, Justin Herbert, was able to accomplish the feat.
The good news for Jones is that Josh McDaniels should find a way to implement a friendly system for Jones. With some nice weapons on offenses and pass-catching backs like James White, Jones shouldn't have a problem tossing for 4,000 yards if he starts from day one.
Jones knows how to take care of the football and has a high football IQ, especially after playing for Saban and the juggernaut that is Alabama.
All in all, Jones to New England is too perfect for all those involved and the next era in Foxborough is set to kick off with the former Crimson Tide gunslinger.
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