Now the Patriots enter their fourth season without GOAT QB Tom Brady. Most observers believe Brady is vindicated as the man responsible for the Patriots’ dynasty. And that Bill Belichick rode Brady’s coattails for NFL odds success. Brady won a Super Bowl in his first season away from The Hoodie. Meanwhile, Belichick has struggled with one playoff appearance in three post-Brady seasons. At the onset of training camp come questions about 3rd-year QB Mac Jones. After a strong rookie campaign, Jones regressed in 2022. Much like Belichick, Jones has detractors and supporters.
NFL Future Odds Post Draft 2023-24 New England Patriots
| Super Bowl Championship SBG Odds: | +5500 |
|---|---|
| AFC Championship SBG Odds: | +2800 |
| AFC East Division Championship SBG Odds: | +750 |
| 2023 Over/Under Win Total: | 7.5 |
Big Mac Under Attack
Correlate that Mac Jones was at ease in his first news conference since the end of a disappointing 2022 season. Jones revealed a humbled, vulnerable side at the presser. Specifically, he was less robotic than what usually unfolded in those Q&As through a trying second season in the NFL. One of the more telling parts of his 10-minute media session on the edge of the Patriots’ practice fields came when he shared part of his offseason approach. It had been almost six months since Jones last answered questions from reporters. Following the team’s season-ending 35-23 sports betting loss to the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York, that eliminated New England from the playoffs.
On that day, Mac Jones looked spent from one of his most adversity-filled years in football. He confessed that the 2022 campaign wasn’t the progress that New England wanted to make. And then he said it starts with himself. Jones’ work ethic to improve on the field this offseason was never questioned. Indeed, it’s something coach Bill Belichick has consistently mentioned. Last week The Hoodie spoke of it again and said, “Mac works hard daily. He puts a lot of time in the weight room, the classroom, and the field. His work ethic is really good and hasn’t changed.”
But there’s a lot more than on-field work for players. Jones’ reference to filling his mental and emotional “buckets” highlights it. Last NFL betting odds season, he was fined twice for unnecessary roughness. And then once for unsportsmanlike conduct. It is true that some teammates empathized with him for being put in a challenging position.
Especially with a new offensive system and staff with top coaches whose primary background was defense or special teams. However, Jones still let his frustrations get the best of him on the sideline. It wasn’t always top-shelf leadership.
As a result of the 2022 flop, Jones said he would do everything he could to earn the respect of everybody in this building again. Jones talked about starting fresh and building trust and his plan to run his race and look up at the end and see where he’s at. In turn, he hopes that everybody will run right behind him. Of course, it’s easier to say that in early June. Nonetheless, the difference from last year stood out in Jones’ hopes to author a comeback story.
Namely, Bill O’Brien has rejoined the Patriots as the offensive coordinator. He will integrate more motion into the attack. Last year the Patriots’ offense lacked imagination and variety. Why Belichick thought he could have an offense without a true coordinator was the epitome of hubris.