5 Patriots On Thin Ice With Jerod Mayo as Head Coach

2. The Mac Jones Era is All But Over

As good as the defense was, the offense was the opposite. The Patriots tied with the Carolina Panthers, the worst team in the league, for the least number of points per game in the NFL with under 14 points. It wasn't just a passing problem or a rushing problem, it was just one big problem.

A lot of that falls on the shoulders of quarterback Mac Jones. Jones had the unfortunate task of being the first permanent starting quarterback after the departure of maybe the best to ever do it, Tom Brady. You cannot find bigger shoes to fill. Expectations were always going to be unfair for Jones, but he could have helped his case a little by doing something.

Jones' time in New England has not been great. He's been benched for Bailey Zappe multiple times, not something you want to be known for. You'd have to believe Mayo and his new regime will be looking for a new start and a new long-term quarterback. As far as Jones' future, the Patriots will certainly not pick up the fifth-year option and 2024 will be his last year under contract. Maybe he'll get a trade and a new chance elsewhere for next season.