Mac Jones clearly expects to be the Patriots’ quarterback in 2023, regardless of rumors that the group has reportedly seemed into buying and selling him.
After a profitable rookie season that ended with a Pro Bowl look, Jones and the Patriots didn’t dwell as much as expectations in 2022. Jones, nevertheless, is optimistic for this upcoming season that features the return of latest offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
“I feel we’re all excited for this subsequent 12 months, and it simply begins with placing your head down and going to work,” Jones advised WBZ-TV throughout an look at an area Boys & Girls Club. “We’ve received an excellent group of men, and it is all about the way you come collectively as a group — gamers, coaches, everyone.
“So I’m excited to work with (O’Brien), and I do know all of us are, and it is gonna be an excellent 12 months. We’ve simply gotta put the work in.”
Jones has official causes to be optimistic in regards to the upcoming season, assuming the Patriots do not commerce him. For one, the Patriots have an skilled offensive coordinator this season in O’Brien, who loved current success in that function at Alabama. O’Brien’s first stint in New England included one season because the group’s offensive coordinator. That season (2011), the Patriots received the AFC after ending third within the NFL in factors scored through the common season.
The Patriots have additionally constructed a stronger offense round Jones through free company. Among the gamers the Patriots have added to the offense embrace receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight finish Mike Gesicki and working again James Robinson. New England additionally added veteran depth on the offensive line with the acquisitions of tackles Calvin Anderson and Riley Reiff.
New England is anticipated so as to add extra to its offense with the fifteenth choose within the 2023 NFL Draft. Receiver and offensive sort out two of the positions many consultants really feel New England will tackle with the choose. That would certainly be OK with Jones, who noticed his No. 1 receiver final season, Jakobi Meyers, signal with the Raiders throughout free company.
Better offensive teammates and O’Brien’s presence ought to result in a bounce-back season for Jones, who helped lead the Patriots to the playoffs in 2021. The Patriots’ plans for Jones, nevertheless, is the one query that is still to be answered.