Patriots news: Mac Jones to regress in Year 2; Tom Brady drama galore

Forget about Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, the quarterback generating the most buzz heading into the offseason is New England Patriots Pro Bowl signal caller Mac Jones.

While some may sneeze at that Pro Bowl status, the Patriots young quarterback will be faced with the challenge of getting even better in his sophomore season in the NFL and he will have to do it without offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, which is the main reason former Patriots right end Christian Fauria believes Jones is in for a regression.

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones to regress in 2022?

Talking about Jones on Thursday’s Merloni & Fauria show, the co-host did make a good point in backing up his 2022 prediction.

"“He is going to regress, and I think you should just expect it,” Fauria said, via WEEI.  “The most important thing – leave out injuries to him, injuries to others, maybe they don’t bring anybody in.  The coaching is going to take a significant drop.“We’re crazy if we think anybody they bring in is going to be better than Josh.  It’s not gonna happen.  None of these guys are better than Josh.  He has too much experience.  He’s too advanced.  So anything you get – other than a Bill O’Brien-type, which it looks like that’s not happening – you’re going to regress.”"

It’s hard to argue with Fauria here, but what if the Patriots go out and get a top-notch target and the playmakers surrounding Mac Jones get better?

As good as McDaniels was, his play calling did come into question numerous times.  Did it hold Jones back?  One must wonder as there were times Jones was getting it done moving the ball down the field just to have some weird play call haul drive after drive.

A regression may absolutely be the definition of Mac Jones in 2022, but let’s not instantly assume it will be because of the departure of McDaniels.  It could turn out that a fresh, new voice and vision will catapult the New England Patriots offense.  Let’s just wait and see.

NFL rumors: Former Patriots player add to Tom Brady rumors

Okay Tom Brady, what exactly are you up to?

When the former New England Patriots quarterback retired earlier this month, many fans celebrated the 7-time Super Bowl champion and his career. But there are some who believe Brady hasn’t played his last game in the NFL.

Leaving the door open for a return, Brady’s own words have stirred some rumors that he may just come back and end his career with the San Francisco 49ers.  And now, with rumblings that his quick retirement was due to some drama with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, the possibility is clear as ever…at least for those hoping TB12 still has a bit left in the tank.

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger added more fuel with the following tweet:

So, while Patriots fans were starting to celebrate the fact that they wouldn’t have to witness Tom Brady in another uniform, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback is set to be the talk of the offseason once again.

Will he return or won’t he return?

The Buccaneers seem to hold the cards to that decision.  This time Patriots fans just have to sit back and enjoy the drama as it appears Brady is going head-to-head with a head coach not named Bill Belichick.   Interesting huh?