New England, New Patriots: Will New Offense Boost Mac Jones’s Stats?
Bill O’Brien Could Work Wonders for Jones’s Career
It was tough sophomore campaign for Michael McCorkle Jones. The 24-year-old saw his production decline partly due to injury and partly due to a lack of coaching. The Patriots did not have a real offensive coordinator. And combined with a lack of elite skill position players, Mac Jones’s stats was less than spectacular. But the return of Bill O’Brien could be just what Jones and the Patriots need.
Year Three For Mac Jones
What to Expect with Jones in O’Brien’s Offense
Mac Jones’s stats could get a boost in 2023 thanks to O’Brien calling the plays. After all, O’Brien did coach Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson to Pro Bowl type of seasons. But pump the brakes a little as O’Brien primarily used a spread offense here. The Patriots of 2023 could still have the Erhardt-Perkins scheme.
This is a type of offense that is fairly conservative and possession-focused. Jones’s NFL player stats could be prolific in terms of attempts, completions, and accuracy, as he will make plenty of short low-risk throws.
The team also signed Ezekiel Elliott to form a 1-2 punch with Rhamondre Stevenson on the backfield. The Pats will depend on them to wear down defenses with a constant power running attack.
In this sense, there is a good chance Mac Jones’s stats resembles his 2021 version. He threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and averaged a 92.5 passer rating. He also averaged 7.3 yards per attempt.
The most important thing will be Jones’s quarterback record. Wins and losses are an NFL team stats. But all the passing yards and touchdowns won’t mean anything if the Patriots post another losing record. The team feels pressure not to be last in the AFC East again. A return to form for Jones under O’Brien will be necessary.
Mac Jones’s Player Profile & Stats
Jones came to the Patriots by way of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was selected 15th overall and became the fifth quarterback drafted. However, he outperformed his peers and was even selected to the Pro Bowl. New England finished with a 10-7 record in the NFL standings and returned to the postseason.
Career Stats
Mac Jones’s stats are just a bit shy of what you’d like from your franchise quarterback. The drop in his efficiency is due to his second year where he threw just 14 touchdowns in an injury-shortened season.
PASSING:
- GP: 31
- GS: 31
- ATT: 963
- CMP: 640
- CMP%: 66.5%
- YDS: 6,798
- Y/A: 7.1
- TD: 36
- INT: 24
- Y/G: 219.3
- RATE: 89.0
Pressure is On for Jones
As far as cliches go, Jones is on the hot seat. The upcoming draft class features plenty of talented quarterbacks. If Jones underperforms and New England finishes with another losing record, the team could look to the draft for a new quarterback. Bailey Zappe also proved himself a capable starter when he filled in for Jones. So this further shortens the third-year pro’s leash.
But if Jones can break out and put together his best season, the Patriots may just surprise many this year.
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