The 2022 NFL kickoff is less than 100 days away. With a majority of the teams making various changes, this year looks very promising. This also brings attention to the young QBs, especially Mac Jones, who has a bigger responsibility to fill in for the Pats’ legacy. It raises the question that can he push his team towards a division title this year?
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The fans are getting butterflies in their bellies and with good reason. The draft has passed, and many franchises know what they’ll look like this year. Moreover, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers will leave no chance to showcase their dominance during the weekly games. This year is going to be fantastic for the NFL fans.
The up and coming AFC, loaded with Youth Star Power
Several Foxborough fans had the belief that they may not do well after the Tom Brady era. Although, second-year quarterback Mac Jones fills in the shoes really well. He led the team with a record of 10-7-0, standing at number 2 in the AFC East Conference in the year 2021-22. It’s clear that the team does not revolve around a quarterback. Both the offensive and defensive parties are equally important. The Pats have a fantastic team, and Bill Belichick has got the eyes to hunt the gold.
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This also calls attention to the Miami Dolphins, who underwent a significant upgrade by making some transformations. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and others have join together to create a splendid roster. This also applies to the Buffalo Bills, who are currently the most team in the division. They have Josh Allen, Von Miller, Stefon Diggs, O. J. Howard, and others.
Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, & Zach Wilson all enter this season under the age of 26.
The last time a division opened a season with 4 starting QBs 25 or younger was the AFC East in 1985 (4/5 teams): Dan Marino, Ken O'Brien, Tony Eason, Art Schlichter.
H/T @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/QkfCloMtLf— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 31, 2021
This year, Mac Jones, Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, and Zach Wilson will enter as the season opener in the starting rotation. Interestingly, this is the first time since 1985 where QB1’s aged 26 and under will enter and begin the season.
What are the odds for Mac Jones?
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The recent AFC division surge could be significant. Some AFC East teams have transformed themselves into a true war battalion without even flinging or catching a single session. The Patriots might have nothing to be concerned about. Foxborough fans believe Bill Belichick has discovered the next Tom Brady in freshman Jones. The Mac fad has exploded and is likely to continue.
Quarterbacks the Patriots will be facing in 2022:
Aaron Rodgers
Josh Allen (2x)
Joe Burrow
Lamar Jackson
Deshaun Watson
Derek Carr
Kyler Murray
Kirk Cousins
Justin Fields
Jared Goff
Mitchell Trubisky (?)
Zach Wilson (2x)
Tua Tagovailoa (2x) (?)And now, Matt Ryan.
— Khari Thompson (@kdthompson5) March 21, 2022
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This season, Rookie Mac will face a slew of elite quarterbacks, which might also pave the way to glory if he can excel over them. Given the Pats’ legacy and championship DNA, a good outing this year does not seem like too big a stretch. Yes, the golden days seem behind the Pats but it does look like they have found a stable leader for the time being. An elevated Mac Jones combined with their veteran talent could lead to a division crown. But they will have to go through the mighty AFC. Where do you think Mac Jones will take the Pats this season?
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