Why an NFL analyst listed Mac Jones amongst 2023 breakout candidates

Patriots

“I consider he’ll look extra just like the participant we anticipated to see a yr in the past.”

Mac Jones
Mac Jones throughout a Patriots coaching camp observe in August. John Tlumacki/Globe Employees

It’s protected to say that after a promising rookie season in 2021, Mac Jones took a step backward a season in the past.

Having helped lead the Patriots to the playoffs in his first NFL season, Jones declined in just about each significant statistic one yr later.

Given his surprising drop-off, it is perhaps laborious to think about the New England quarterback being named amongst attainable breakout candidates in 2023. However inside some particular context, ESPN’s Invoice Barnwell not too long ago positioned Jones on his annual checklist.

Barnwell took time to clarify what he means by breakout, and that it is dependent upon the person participant’s circumstances.

“I consider every of those guys can transfer past their present degree of play and attain new heights,” wrote Barnwell of his standards.

Jones was positioned in a class titled “Put up-Hype Candidates,” which references gamers who — just like the Patriots signal-caller — have taken a step again from earlier expectations.

So what does Barnwell foresee from Jones this yr?

“Including coordinator Invoice O’Brien and a dollop of the offense each Jones and O’Brien used throughout their respective instances at Alabama ought to make life simpler for the third-year quarterback,” stated Barnwell, referencing an identical level made by NFL author Oliver Connolly.

O’Brien returning to New England as offensive coordinator has already acquired reward from gamers.

It marks a significant distinction from a yr in the past, when preliminary uncertainty over play-calling was changed by Matt Patricia — having by no means beforehand known as performs within the NFL — struggling to place collectively a coherent offensive recreation plan.

With higher teaching, Barnwell thinks Jones will get again on monitor.

“Jones was considered one of many league’s most promising younger quarterbacks after his first season in New England, solely to visibly take a step backward final season. I consider he’ll look extra just like the participant we anticipated to see a yr in the past.”