As of last week, we now know how this New England Patriots season will begin: with rookie quarterback Mac Jones behind center. But how will it end?
Will the Patriots, who loaded up on big-money free agents this offseason, surge back into contention after their worst season since 2000? Or is a longer rebuild ahead?
With the Patriots set to welcome the Miami Dolphins to Gillette Stadium in this Sunday’s regular-season opener, we examined the best- and worst-case scenarios for Jones, head coach Bill Belichick and the rest of the 2021 Patriots.
BEST CASE
Jones rides the momentum from his strong summer to the best season by a rookie quarterback since Dak Prescott in 2016, starting all 17 games and winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.