Mac Jones ready for sophomore challenge with New England Patriots

Three years after Tom Brady’s departure, only five starters remain from the team that won the Super Bowl in 2018

FOXBOROUGH — Something that mac jones learned in his freshman year is that a member of the New England Patriots you can’t live in the past.

Not in the last game, the previous quarter or in the play that has already happened.

jones been allowed to make an exception to that rule when he starts his sophomore year at NFL.

In the locker is a black-and-white photo of Jones, head down, as he walked off the field in a 47-17 wild-card loss to the buffalo billslast campaign.

“I’ve always been a fan of having motivational stuff in the locker,” he said. “I always have. That was last year, but I think it’s motivation to come here and work every day.”

While jones begins its second year, it will be a key piece in the third consecutive campaign in which the patriots they will have to adjust to big changes between seasons.

Three years after the departure of Tom Bradyonly five starters remain from the team that won the superbowl in 2018. Offensive coordinator also left Josh McDanielswho was appointed coach of las vegas raiders.

Bill Belichick you have to adjust to months from turning 70 and when he begins his 48th consecutive season as coach in the NFL.

After being eliminated at the beginning of the last playoffs, the goal was to place better pieces around jones.

They did it by adding the veteran DeVante Parker and the fast rookie Tyquan Thornton as a receiver. The corridor Ty Montgomery is a solid candidate to fill the shoes of James Whiteafter his retirement.

CHANGES IN THE OFFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line experienced the difficulties of having new members during practice camp. Trent Brown he returned to his natural position at left tackle. The learning curve for the first round recruit Cole Strange speeded up, possibly filling the position of Shaq Mason as left guard. Mike Onwenu would go back to the right.

SPEED DEFENSIVE

Improving the speed of the defense, especially at linebacker, was a focal point of the preseason.

Matt Judonwho led the team with 12.5 sacks in 2021, believes they are playing faster than they were a year ago and will benefit from the return of Anfernee Jenningswho was injured last season.

“This is how we want to play,” he said. Judon. “Mentally we want to play fast as well as downhill. We want to be aggressive.”