New England Patriots: 3 reasons Mac Jones will be a top 10 QB in 2022
2. Mac Jones will have better playmakers around him
Mac Jones was limited in the playmakers around him in 2022.
Despite Kendrick Bourne having a career year and Jakobi Meyers proving to be a solid receiver, Jones didn’t have that dynamic playmaker who could bail him out or even go up and get balls.
He was supposed to have that in tight end Jonnu Smith, but a lackluster first season in New England led to a lack of confidence and chemistry in the talented tight end.
That could and should change in 2022. Not only is Smith committed to being a bigger presence in the offense, but the Patriots also have a wide receiver group in Bourne, Meyers, Nelson Agholor, DeVante Parker and 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton who might surprise some folks as a unit.
Along with the receivers, there is Smith and Hunter Henry at tight who despite Smith’s disappointing season in 2021 are still considered a top tight end duo in the league.
If Jones can form chemistry with his playmakers and help make them better, they will make him even better as a leader. The Patriots ‘offense will also have a group of running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield. Again, that should help Jones in his decision making moving forward.
But it all starts with chemistry and that is what Mac Jones has also focused on this offseason by getting together with his playmakers building relationships.
"“I think it’s important to be with your teammates and build that relationship and build the camaraderie for your team,” Jones said in the interview with Phil Perry. “We have a great group of guys. They’re all good dudes and we’re just excited to get back to work. We’ve put in a lot of work and now it’s time to go, so we’re really excited for the season.”"
In all, the Patriots don’t have the type of explosive players that strike fear into opposing defenses, but as a collective, they are an underrated group who can be elevated by Jones. There’s a very good chance he can improve statistically in 2022.