Patriots: 'One of NFL's Worst QB Situations'?

Can New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones bounce back from 2022 under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien?

The NFL quarterback "sophomore slump" was very real for the New England Patriots last season. While exactly how much blame Mac Jones deserves is debate for another day, the 2021 Pro Bowler now enters a critical third year. 

Last season under inexperienced and inept play-caller Matt Patricia, Jones dropped in nearly every statistical category from the previous year as New England limped to a 8-9 record. However, with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, the former first-round pick has the opportunity to learn from a long-time offensive guru. 

Yardbarker recently ranked the quarterback situations for all 32 teams, with the Patriots coming in at No. 26. 

"The Patriots replacing Josh McDaniels with Matt Patricia will go down as one of the worst ideas in modern coaching history," Yardbarker writes. "Jones' QBR dropped nearly 15 points from 2020-21, and calls for Bailey Zappe rang out for weeks. Will Belichick-Jones tension give the ex-Western Kentucky stat-stuffer a legitimate chance?"

With rumors circulating - but recently shut down - throughout the offseason that Zappe could become New England's starting quarterback, it brought question marks to the state Jones and head coach Bill Belichick's relationship. However, a busy free agency saw the offense acquire veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and former Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki. 

Now with a complete overhaul of the offense including the hiring of O'Brien, the 24-year-old has the opportunity to leave behind a forgetful 2022 campaign. And while he still may be the worst quarterback in a loaded AFC East, all signs point towards an upward trajectory. 

---

Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.