No Patsies: Patriots' Schedule Presents Gauntlet of Elite QBs
This week at OTAs in Foxboro, we'll get our first glimpse of how/if new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien can improve Mac Jones. And when the season starts in September, we'll see if the New England Patriots can do something they couldn't in all of 2022:
Beat an elite quarterback.
While the Patriots' off-season focus - rightfully so - remains squarely on the status, performance and future of Jones, there is also this little detail about their opponents' quarterbacks. While Jones underwent a turbulent 2022 plagued by an ankle injury, in-game outbursts at since-departed play-caller Matt Patricia, job encroachment by rookie Bailey Zappe, allegations of "dirty" play by opposing players, a regression in performance and the lack of endorsement going forward from coach Bill Belichick, the Pats need him to come back not only better ... but also able to out-play some of the best quarterbacks on New England's schedule.
In 2022 that certainly did not happen, one of the reasons the Pats finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Despite a Super-Bowl level defense that forced 30 turnovers (only the Dallas Cowboys had more with 33) and scored a league-leading seven touchdowns, the offense was punch-less when needed most.
Against healthy No. 1 quarterbacks the Pats went a revolting 1-9.
The lone win came against the Lions' Jared Goff - a game started by Zappe. The losses came against Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Justin Fields (Bears), Kirk Cousins (Vikings), Derek Carr (Raiders), Joe Burrow (Bengals) and Josh Allen (Bills) twice. Their other seven victories? Over Mitch Trubisky (Steelers), Jacoby Brissett (Browns), Zach Wilson (Jets) twice, Sam Ehlinger (Colts), Colt McCoy (Cardinals) and Teddy Bridgewater/Skylar Thompson (Dolphins).
The Pats will find out immediately this season if they are a playoff-caliber team, or one destined for the AFC East basement. How's this for a gauntlet of opposing quarterbacks?
Week 1 - Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Week 2 - Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Week 3 - Aaron Rodgers, Jets
Week 4 - Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Week 5 - Derek Carr, Saints
Week 6 - Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders
Week 7 - Josh Allen, Bills
Week 8 - Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
It can be argued that for the season's first two months the Patriots will trot out the second-best starting quarterback in every game. The first breather won't come until Nov. 5 when they travel to Washington to face the Commanders' second-year starter Sam Howell.
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