The New England Patriots have been accused of being a one trick pony over the last decade. Their quarterback dynasty was built on the back of a former first round draft pick, a former Heisman Trophy winner, and a future Hall of Fame running back. This offensive coaster has been built to win a title every five years, but the last two years have been a disappointment for Bill Belichick and his team.
The Patriots are one of the most intriguing teams in football. They are one of the few teams capable of making a blockbuster trade to get back to the Super Bowl, but are also one of the few teams who are willing to make a blockbuster trade to get back to the Super Bowl. The Patriots are the only franchise in the NFL rumored to be open to trading one of their starters for a first round pick, or two first round picks.
Bill Belichick did all he could to get the New England Patriots ready for a fast turnaround after a rare losing season. He spent considerable financial and draft resources to rebuild a talent-depleted team, from signing a surprising amount of free agents to market-level deals to spending a first-round selection on Mac Jones.
Despite re-signing Cam Newton on a one-year contract, Belichick took the daring choice to dismiss the 2015 NFL MVP and stick with Jones as his starting quarterback.
Unfortunately for the talented rookie quarterback, the Patriots are allegedly open to make a franchise-altering move, which would increase the burden on his shoulders even further.
By putting the Patriots’ season in the hands of a rookie quarterback, Bill Belichick took a huge gamble.
Whether or not Newton’s strange COVID “misunderstanding” had a factor, he eventually lost his position to a 22-year-old with 0 NFL plays.
Belichick raised eyebrows on Tuesday when he released the former MVP, signaling the start of a new era in New England. Although Jones didn’t seem to have a chance to start when he was selected, he made significant improvement during the summer and solidified his position as the team’s top quarterback.
Belichick gave the keys to Josh McDaniels’ offense to an accurate, educated, and poised quarterback who projects as a rock-solid system fit by upgrading the 6-foot-3, 217-pound signal-caller to the No. 1 position on the depth chart. Simultaneously, he put the Patriots’ Super Bowl chances in the hands of a first-year player who will undoubtedly struggle as he adapts to life in the NFL.
Will Belichick’s decision to replace Newton with Jones pay off?
New England should not finish 27th in scoring again if the rookie improves on his impressive preseason. The Patriots shouldn’t have any trouble stopping the run or rushing the quarterback thanks to their improved front seven.
If Belichick makes another franchise-altering move, Jones will be under even more pressure to do his best Brady impersonation right immediately.
According to reports, New England is inclined to make a franchise-altering move that would put even more pressure on Mac Jones.
By entrusting the Patriots’ season to rookie quarterback Mac Jones, Bill Belichick took a gamble. | Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Stephon Gilmore’s placement on the physically unable to perform list was not unexpected, given the unknown condition of his surgically repaired quad and his dissatisfaction with his contract.
But it doesn’t guarantee he’ll ever play for the Patriots again.
Despite passing on the chance to move Gilmore a year ago, Belichick may still trade the unhappy defensive back.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, “as of this past week, the Patriots were still open to the notion of dealing Gilmore, who now has to miss the first six weeks on the physically unable to perform list.” “Gilmore is said to be dissatisfied with his contract, which expires at the end of the season. While there was hope a month or so ago that he and the Patriots would reach an agreement, they have yet to do so.”
With the Patriots allegedly ready to trade their best cornerback, Belichick’s retooled defense may face some difficulties. J.C. Jackson has performed well as Gilmore’s bookend, but he must demonstrate that he can consistently shut down No. 1 receivers. Meanwhile, the Patriots lack a starting-caliber boundary corner on their roster. That may be an issue for a defense that mainly uses man-to-man coverage.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots suffered the repercussions of not having the most accomplished member of their secondary on the field if Gilmore is traded. Jones would be under much greater pressure to put up huge point totals on a weekly basis, with far less room for mistake.
Ironically, that’s something Gisele Bundchen’s husband had to deal with a lot in Foxborough.
Is it possible for the Patriots to win a Super Bowl without Stephon Gilmore?
Stephon Gilmore is an absolute must-have for the Patriots. Behind JC Jackson, there isn’t much depth at cornerback.
August 29, 2021 — Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable)
Could Jones rise to the occasion and lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory without Gilmore?
Perhaps.
However, expecting a rookie quarterback to perform well during the league’s first 17 games seems unrealistic. Jones must also demonstrate that he can endure the physical demands of the NFL.
If the Patriots release Gilmore, the offense will be under much more pressure to make a significant improvement. To stop Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and the rest of the AFC’s best quarterbacks, Belichick would have to use some schematic wizardry.
Above all, Jones would have to avoid making errors, remain healthy, and turn New England’s offense around from a bottom-10 team to anything approaching a top-10 one.
Because of the signings of Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne, it’s possible that this will happen regardless of the Gilmore situation. Jones, after all, won a national title at Alabama by spreading the ball to a lot of great receivers.
In the end, the Patriots’ chances of winning a Super Bowl with a first-year quarterback are clearly slim.
However, if Mac Jones is forced to confront Stephon Gilmore rather than share a locker room with him, the Lombardi Trophy will not be coming to Foxborough in February.
Pro Football Reference provided all statistics.
Former Patriots star Asante Samuel exposed the brutal truth about legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick by putting him on blast.
