Depth Chart: Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe
Player to Watch: Mac Jones
Breakdown: Jones beat out Cam Newton forward the starting job last season and started every game for the 10-7 Patriots and a 47-17 playoff loss in Buffalo. The Patriots started 1-3, but one loss against Miami was caused by a Damien Harris fumble on the final possession in field goal range and another ended with a field goal hitting the upright vs Tampa Bay. Jones was not yet ready to win the Patriots games, but he was holding his own. Following the 1-3 start, Jones became increasingly comfortable and played at a Rookie of the Year level for the next nine weeks, with New England winning eight of the nine games. He had two 300-yard games in that stretch, but arguably his best performance was 198 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland on a day where he picked apart the Browns defense and the Patriots cruised to a blowout win. He made two of his best throws of the season that day, on plays to Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne on the same drive.
Jones struggled significantly in late season losses to the Colts and Bills and was average in a season finale loss to the Dolphins. The Patriots got stomped in the Wild card round, but Jones showed fight and made some good throws. However, his much-talked-about arm strength was deservingly questioned after slightly underthrowing a deep pass on the Patriots first drive that was intercepted. For the regular season, Jones finished with 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a completion percentage of 67.6%. All of those numbers were in the middle of the pack, except for completion percentage, which was sixth best among players to attempt at least 100 passes.
Hoyer is an adequate backup who can continue to help mentor Jones on the Patriots offense as well as being a professional. Hoyer will be extra valuable this year due to the Patriots change in quarterbacks coach (Joe Judge) and playcaller (not yet publicly known). Zappe was a fourth-round pick who will have the opportunity to develop into Jones’ long-term backup. He comes from Western Kentucky, where playing in a defense-optional conference he racked up 5,967 yards passing and 62 touchdown passes.
Final Thoughts: It all hinges on Jones, who will hopefully take a step forward in his second season. He was mostly an above average quarterback in 2021, but showed flashes of great play. It appears as though Jones has bulked up this offseason, which will be necessary for him to be more consistent later in the season as well improve his arm strength. His accuracy is already strong and the weapons around him will be better than last season. If the Patriots want to advance deeper in the playoffs this season, the best thing that can happen to them is for Jones to take a second-year leap.