New England Patriots: Mac Jones is turning his skeptics into believers
The New England Patriots beefed up their offense around Mac Jones
New England made it their mission to get Jones more help on offense this offseason. They pulled off an excellent trade with the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver DeVante Parker, who, if healthy, could be the Patriots’ #1 wide receiver. In addition to Parker, the team drafted a speedy wideout with their second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether they selected the right one in Tyquan Thornton is yet to be determined.
That decision has been questioned widely in the media. It’s a wait-and-see issue. They rolled the dice on a lesser-heralded option than others who were available. That tactic hasn’t worked in the past, but who knows, maybe it will this season.
They also added two additional running backs after having lost Brandon Bolden in free agency. Pierre Strong Jr. is a lightning-fast runner although he does have a history with fumbling issues. Big back Kevin Harris is a not-so-fast runner who never fumbles. We’ll see who contributes more. With James White’s injury situation still iffy, Strong is a hedge against his not returning to full strength early or maybe at all.
Jones will still have Hunter Henry at tight end and hopefully a much-improved version of Jonnu Smith who seems to have impressed early on. After those two, the cupboard is bare. The Patriots need to add a serviceable third tight end who can either block or catch.
Next. Damien Harris may be on the Pats trade block. dark
The reasons noted bode well for an improved New England Patriots offense led by Jones in 2022. The thought here is that Jones and co. have the wherewithal to be superb. And they’d better be. The defense is weaker after having cut ties with two of their best players in J.C. Jackson (their best defensive player) and Kyle Van Noy.
The next step is training camp in late July. The offseason, such as it was, is essentially over. More moves will eventuate, but the basic building blocks have been set in place – or not. We’ll see in about six weeks how things will shape up. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. That’s why they play the games. You just never know.