Patriots quarterback Mac Jones absolutely, positively, unequivocally is better positioned to succeed this season with Bill O’Brien serving as New England’s offensive coordinator.
Questions remain about Jones’ on-field supporting cast, of course, but the young signal-caller was destined to fail last season with Matt Patricia (a longtime defensive coach) and Joe Judge (a special-teams specialist) leading the offense under Bill Belichick. A major change to the offensive coaching structure should provide more stability as Jones enters a make-or-break campaign.
That said, there’s still an elephant lurking in the corner. Belichick was reluctant earlier this offseason to throw his full support behind Jones as New England’s QB1, opening the door for trade rumors around the NFL draft, and it’s fair to wonder where exactly their relationship stands three months before the 2023 season kicks off.