The Patriots got a first hand look at what life in the AFC could look like for them in the coming years.

The AFC is loaded with young stars at the quarterback position. From Patrick Mahomes to Josh Allen to Joe Burrow to Justin Herbert, the conference has the best young talent in the league at the position.

The Patriots have a good young quarterback themselves in Mac Jones but Jones is not in the same class as those guys physically. Despite that, he is certainly good enough to allow the Patriots to compete in the coming years.

In order for that to happen, the Patriots need to upgrade the talent around him. Jones may not have some of the physical tools those guys have but he is not playing with the talent that those guys have around them either.

Jones isn’t throwing to anyone who resembles Stefon Diggs, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill or Keenan Allen. That needs to change this off-season.

If the Patriots are serious about contending, they will upgrade the talent around Jones. They need to add a number one receiver, one that can make impactful plays. Whether that’s Atlanta’s Calvin Ridley or someone else, the Patriots need to give Jones a reliable go to target.

One additional receiver won’t be enough. The Patriots lack some serious speed in all three phases especially on offense. They need a home run hitter. Someone who can either take the top off of coverage or make big plays in space. A receiver like an the Bills Isaiah McKenzie or the Chiefs Mecole Hardman. McKenzie is an unrestricted free agent so maybe they make a run at him. Might be the only way he doesn’t beat them anymore when the Patriots and Bills play.

Bill Belichick spent a bunch of money to upgrade the skill positions last season and it paid off to a degree. However, for all the money he spent, the offense still lacks a big play element. He didn’t add any speed. That needs to change this off-season.

If the Patriots don’t upgrade the talent around Jones, they will be spectators in the divisional round like they were last weekend.