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Sobering reality is Patriots may not make progress toward future contender status this season

Welcome to the Unconventional Review, an instant reaction to standouts, stats, and story lines from the Patriots’ most recent game . . .

It wouldn’t be fair to expect Mac Jones to win a shootout with Lamar Jackson at this point of his career. Jackson is a former Most Valuable Player with electrifying talent and an improved grasp on the nuances of when to throw and when to run. He is a superstar, and, oh, is he going to get paid.

Jones? He’s a second-year starter with a deft passing touch, but he’s limited in pure talent, and right now is so flummoxed that he’s even struggling with the aspects of quarterback play that he supposedly does well.