Have We Seen the Last of the Patriots Dynasty?

The Post-Brady era has been a mix of highs and lows for the New England Patriots, a team that lost fewer games than any other team for the past 2 decades. Quarterback Mac Jones was drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft in hopes to take the torch from Tom Brady and maintain the winning culture in New England. However, it is becoming more evident that Mac Jones is not living up to the hype that he displayed at Alabama.

The 2022 season for Mac Jones was mediocre at best as the young quarterback passed for just 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Although he did miss a few weeks due to an ankle sprain, these numbers are clearly not going to get it done in a division that is becoming better and better each season. There were even chants of back-up quarterback Bailey Zappe to take over as the starter in the midst of Jones’ ankle injury. It’s safe to say that the young third year quarterback will have more pressure on him this season to come out on top in an AFC East division that is arguably becoming one of the most competitive in the NFL.

With the AFC East division acquiring QB Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have quickly become relevant and contenders for the division champions in 2023. The Buffalo Bills are also a team that has been on the rise for quite some time and are Super Bowl contenders for the upcoming season. Mac Jones definitely has his hands full in the 2023 season, and one which could ultimately decide his future as a Patriot. The Patriots do seem like they are just an average team in the AFC East coming into the 2023 season. Can they maintain the winning culture, or will they get used to being a last place team for seasons to come?