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FOXBORO — With the 2022 Patriots season inching nearer and nearer, the WBZ-TV/CBS Boston sports activities workforce will sort out a brand new query surrounding the workforce every day main as much as Sunday’s opener in Miami.
To kick off the week, we’re specializing in the birthday boy himself: Mac Jones. The quarterback turns 24 on Labor Day, and the sports activities workforce discusses if Jones shall be higher in 12 months 2 than he was throughout his spectacular rookie marketing campaign.
Final 12 months as a rookie, Jones accomplished 68 % of his passes and guided the Patriots to a 10-7 file. That was ok for a return to the postseason, although everyone knows the Patriots have been removed from ok within the playoffs.
After gliding by way of his rookie season on coaching wheels, the 2022 season goes to be all about Mac. With Josh McDaniels having fun with the highlight in Las Vegas, the New England offense now rests on Jones’ shoulders. Positive, he has Matt Patricia and Joe Choose by his facet, however as you’ll have heard, neither coach a lot expertise with regards to teaching offense or calling performs on that facet of the ball. There is a actually good probability that Invoice Belichick will ultimately assume offensive duties, together with the myriad of different duties that he has on his agenda. However when it is all taking part in out on the sector, it should fall on Mac Jones.
Is all of {that a} good factor, or is it setting the quarterback up for catastrophe? The WBZ-TV and CBS Boston sports activities crew weighs in on one of many largest matters surrounding the 2022 Patriots season.
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports activities
I’ve to go optimistic with this, as a result of I consider in Matt Patricia. Mac had a very good rookie season, and as he settles down and the offense begins clicking this season, he’ll find yourself with higher numbers than he put up as a rookie.
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports activities
I believe Mac shall be higher in his second season. He is acquired the weapons and as soon as the offense figures issues out, he actually ought to put up higher numbers than the 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions from a season in the past.
Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, and Nelson Agholor (and ultimately Tyquan Thornton) ought to assist Mac lots. And as soon as the operating recreation will get settled, the stability will assist as nicely.
The one quantity to be nervous about? Mac was sacked 28 instances final 12 months. That would go up based mostly on the strain he was beneath throughout camp and the preseason.
Michael Hurley, CBS Boston
Statistically, sure, Mac Jones could have a greater season in 2022. However I do not suppose that shall be an incredible factor general.
The Patriots had a great protection and a dependable operating recreation final 12 months, and I am unsure both one shall be a given this 12 months. So Mac will find yourself with greater than his 3,800 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, however that could be principally a results of the Patriots taking part in from behind and/or needing to move greater than they did a 12 months in the past.
Matthew Geagan, CBS Boston
Mac could have a greater 12 months on paper, just because the Patriots are placing the load of the earth on his shoulders. The addition of DeVante Parker to his large receiver arsenal ought to imply a couple of extra landing passes this season, and if Jonnu Smith performs even barely higher than he did in his first 12 months in New England, the offense may very well be fairly good.
However I worry for Jones’ wellbeing after seeing the offensive line in the course of the preseason. Mac did not look comfy again there, and even when he had time within the pocket, he appeared rushed and frazzled. That may be a main, main drawback.
The Patriots will most likely be taking part in a variety of catch-up this season, so Jones could have a variety of alternatives to rack up some stats. He might put up greater numbers than he did as a rookie, however the one stat that actually issues — win whole — might endure a drop.
Tune in to Patriots-Dolphins on WBZ-TV — the tv residence of the New England Patriots! Protection begins Wednesday night time at 9:30 p.m. on TV38 with Patriots 1st Down, and continues Friday night time on WBZ-TV at 7 p.m. with Patriots All Entry. Sunday’s protection kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with Patriots GameDay, the Patriots and the Dolphins get underway at 1 p.m., and after the sport swap over to Patriots fifth Quarter on TV38 for full response and evaluation!
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