You had a sense when the New England Patriots drafted Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 National Football League draft, that he would be the Patriots’ eventual starter. However no one would have imagined, the way he would be named the starting quarterback of the most successful NFL franchise of the 21st century.
On Tuesday according to Pat Lane of SB Nation, the Patriots released Cam Newton, only after one year signing with the Patriots. This past season, Newton did show flashes at brilliance at times, but for the most part was inconsistent. He completed 242 passes in 368 attempts for 2657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It was the first time in Newton’s career that he threw more interceptions than touchdowns in a single season.
On the ground, Newton also had six fumbles in 137 rushes. Yes, Newton did have 592 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, but one must realize the Patriots had running backs to run with the football. It was Newton’s job to pass the football, and in 2020, he was inadequate in his passing ability.
One must also realize that the Patriots missed the playoffs last season with Newton at the helm. New England has been in every postseason since 2009 prior to not being in the postseason last year.
It is going to take Mac Jones some time to get comfortable with the Patriots and their playbook. That is typical for rookie quarterbacks coming out of college. However, Jones’s collegiate resume at Alabama is significant. He won two college football national championships and won the 2020 Davey O’Brien Award presented to the top college football quarterback each year. In 2020, Jones led the NCAA with 311 completions and exactly 4500 passing yards. Now time will tell if Jones will follow in the footsteps as Tom Brady. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots fans will certainly hope so.
