Three hottest seats on the New England Patriots

The AFC East used to run through the New England Patriots, but that hasn’t been the case in the post-Tom Brady era. The Pats have finished third in two of the last three seasons, and the team has had some internal turmoil stemming from some questionable play calling and diva-like personalities.

Here are the three Patriots with the hottest seats in 2023.

1. Mac Jones, QB

Jones reportedly ruffled a few feathers this season, and with teams showing interest in trading for the former first rounder, his time in New England could be on a clock. Though much of his regression can be blamed on the ineptness of Matt Patricia as an offensive play caller, Jones has to shoulder at least some of the blame for his decline in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns.

Rookie Bailey Zappe proved he was more than capable of running New England’s offense, giving Bill Belichick an alternative should he decide to move on from Jones at any point. Jones will need to have a 2023 season more like his rookie year than this year to have any shot at sticking in New England long term.

2. Hunter Henry, TE

A rumored cap casualty this offseason, Henry had a disappointing 2022 season after a 600-yard, nine-touchdown debut with the Pats in 2021. His $15.5 million cap hit may become a bit of an inconvenience if he fails to produce the way New England expected him to when it signed him to a three-year, $37.5 million contract in 2020. 

Henry could be dealt before the trade deadline or even a candidate for release as teams make their final training camp cuts. The Patriots are on record stating they value Henry’s leadership in the locker room, but that will only carry him so far if he doesn’t perform on the field.

3. Bill O’Brien, offensive coordinator

O’Brien was brought in to fix an offensive unit that ranked 26th in the NFL and had a 300-yard passer just three times and a 100-yard rusher just twice. The last time O’Brien coached the Patriots offense, they ranked No. 2 overall, though they had the luxury of Brady running the show.

At 70 years old and heading into his 29th year as a head coach, Belichick may not have the patience to wait around if O’Brien fails to turn things around in a hurry. O’Brien does have a strong run game to work with, but 2023 could be a make-or-break year for both he and Jones.