The New England Patriots provided they can win without Tom Brady after securing. a playoff berth last season. Their quick dismissal in the postseason proved that they have a lot more work to do/ But they aren't far from being one of the NFL's best teams again.

In order to get them back on top, head coach/general manager Bill Belichick could extend his influence on the franchise even further. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Belichick could step up to be New England's play-caller after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach. Belichick obviously runs the show but has allowed his OCs to call plays.

Belichick taking more control of the offense should be good news for Mac Jones. After a decent rookie season, his strengths could be amplified with Belichick coaching him more. Heavy reliance on the run game allowed the Patriots to post the sixth-most points in the league last season. Jones has flashed potential but was not a high-profile QB, though he is looking to improve his game in order to become one.

Belichick tapping into his GM side and replacing McDaniels with a trusted play-caller is another option, per Fowler. Regardless of the path the Patriots take, they will have to prove last season wasn't a fluke. Developing Jones into more than a game manager and surrounding him with more explosive talent should be of the highest priorities in Foxborough this offseason.