All offseason, the New England Patriots have boasted about a significantly improved offense. With Mac Jones entering his second year in the league, he has a much better footing. Even Bill Belichick said that the team is working around Jones' newfound confidence.
However, according to Louis Riddick, there are still “significant concerns” surrounding the Patriots' offense. The former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst expressed his concerns regarding the young quarterback's development and his mentors.
“The Patriots' lack of explosiveness on the outside was concerning going into last season, but I'm more concerned this year about who will be in the ear of Jones when it comes to his development and the playcalling,” Riddick said per ESPN. “That continuity, relationship and chemistry is not easy to duplicate, and given the coaches Belichick is seemingly choosing from to take McDaniels' place — including offensive assistants Joe Judge and Matt Patricia — I have significant concerns.”
Riddick has a good point. Jones spent his first and only year in the NFL under the guidance of Belichick and Josh McDaniels. Now, McDaniels is the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a hole at Patriots offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
There is a possibility that Jones struggles because of a lack of consistency. Having the same leaders to guide a young quarterback is crucial to helping them grow as leaders themselves. Regardless, Belichick remains unmoved in his position. He'll undoubtedly find a suitable replacement for McDaniels to keep Jones on track.
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