Three reasons why Mac Jones should be Week 1 starter for Patriots

As we noted above, Jones was linked to San Francisco throughout the pre-draft process. There’s good reason for this. While the quarterback does not boast anywhere near the highest ceiling in the 2021 NFL Draft class, he might have the lowest floor. He’s also been seen as a more-talented version of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who the Patriots had interest in reacquiring ahead of the draft.

As for the Pats’ scheme and personnel, it seems to fit Jones more than it does Newton. The signing of former 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne as well as Nelson Agholor adds another layer to this. Both succeeded last season in timing-based offenses. Jones is coming from that type of offense in Tuscaloosa. Add in the presence of recently acquired tight end Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and Jones is set up to succeed out of the gate.

No, Cam Newton is not the answer

It was surprising to see New England retain Newton in free agency . Indications late last season were that he’d be one-and-done with the Patriots. However, a surprisingly solid relationship between the former NFL MVP and head coach Bill Belichick led to a reunion.

Nevertheless, Newton’s return comes via a one-year contract with which he’s guaranteed a mere $3.5 million. That’s backup money. It also comes after a 2020 campaign in which the quarterback threw for a grand total of eight touchdowns in 15 starts. That’s just not going to cut it. Why hold out hope that a pre-injury version of Newton will somehow just show up come September? We’re past that point.

Why wait to start the Jones era?

This is the biggest reason why New England should start Jones right away. Existing in an AFC East that has the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills seemingly boasting young franchise quarterbacks, there’s no reason for New England to delay the inevitable. Sure Belichick is 69 years old. But he also knows that this Patriots squad is not a top-end division title contender.

That’s where Jones comes into play. By starting him from the jump, New England could expedite the process of returning to contention. A mediocre season with Newton under center simply won’t help Jones as he holds a clipboard. As a result, any return to relevance will be delayed.