Can Mac Jones become the New England Patriots’ second-greatest quarterback of all time?
Thus far, Mac Jones has had an up-and-down career with the New England Patriots. But could he eventually go down as the second-best quarterback in franchise history?
Notice how it reads "second-best quarterback in franchise history." As we all know, New England's greatest QB of all time is none other than Tom Brady, who recently retired after finishing his career as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady, drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, spent his first 20 years with the team. And oh, what a great 20 years it was. The former Michigan Wolverine won six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVPs, and three NFL MVPs during his unforgettable tenure in New England.
Tom Brady on the Patriots: “I had 20 incredible years in New England. I learned a lot, grew up — it toughened me up. You’re never going to hear me say anything negative about my experience there.” wp.me/pc8uak-1lBfil https://t.co/Wy3axoPAoa
Jones has a long, very long way to go if he wants to become a Patriots legend one day. The 2021 first-round pick out of Alabama only has two NFL seasons under his belt.
Jones put together a stellar rookie season, throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth.
However, he suffered a sophomore slump in 2022, as he prodicued just 14 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. He posted a disappointing 6-8 record as the starter and was involved in a brief quarterback controversy with rookie Bailey Zappe.
Who are the greatest non-Brady quarterbacks in New England Patriots' history?
Brady is the Patriots' G.O.A.T, but who are some other notable quarterbacks? Perhaps the franchise's five greatest signal-callers, other than Brady, are Drew Bledsoe, Steve Grogan, Vito "Babe" Parilli, Jim Plunkett and Tony Eason.
The Groganator.
Patriots QB Steve Grogan https://t.co/dz0vXmcp9B
If it wasn't for Brady, Bledsoe would be the Pats' best QB of all time. He was the top pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He played nine seasons for New England and made three trips to the Pro Bowl. He also led the team to Super Bowl XXXI, where they were defeated by Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers.
Unfortunately, Bledsoe is mostly-known for getting injured in 2001 and being replaced by Brady, who went on to serve as the main piece of New England's memorable dynasty.
While it's pretty much impossible for Jones to surpass Brady, he does have a chance to trump Bledsoe's career down the road. He'll have to improve his game, stay healthy, and obviously remain with the Patriots for several years.