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Patriots QB Mac Jones entering a make-or-break third season

By Michael DeVito

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots QB Mac Jones needs to take charge and lead

Quarterbacks must be leaders, whether they like it or not. Mac Jones has to put the team on his back if the Patriots are to have a chance of becoming relevant, not only in the AFC East but elsewhere in the NFL.

Jones will likely be the starting quarterback in 2023 though nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Bailey Zappe and any other new quarterback the New England Patriots may bring in through the draft or trade may have something to say about that.

Assuming he is, Jones must galvanize an offense that has hopefully been reinforced at several positions. The goals are to make first downs, extend drives, and score points, lots of them.

It ain’t rocket science and now having a qualified offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, and a solid staff can’t help but be an improvement in the all-important coaching department. Jones seems to be taking things seriously this offseason. That’s a good portent.

Yet, in addition, Jones can’t deliver everything himself. Others need to block, run, and catch the football if the team is to score those points and win games.

The Patriots need game-breakers and difference-makers, especially in the offensive line and the skill positions, most certainly at wide receiver (always seemingly a necessity) and to a somewhat lesser extent tight end and running back.

That responsibility falls on the personnel administration. This space feels this operation has fallen well short of expectations for years if not longer. Even owner Robert Kraft has taken them to task for poor drafting. If they fail to deliver, don’t expect miracles from Jones.

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