For most of the summer, NFL prognosticators largely predicted the Patriots would max out at nine or 10 wins this season. After shelling out a record amount of cash in free agency, they were expected to improve on their sub-.500 campaign, though not seriously contend for AFC supremacy.
But with Mac Jones now under center, the narrative has changed. Now, many pundits are talking about the Patriots as if they’re an elite team once again.
Take Colin Cowherd, for example. Earlier this year, the national radio host predicted the Patriots would finish third in the AFC East. “The Patriots are third at 9-8,” he said at the time (sound via MF). “The more I think about New England, the more I hear about the Mac Jones love affair, I don’t know what they are.”
This week, however, Cowherd completed an about-face. He now thinks the Patriots are a bonafide playoff team.
“Last year, that’s not who they are. This year, it’s who they are,” he said. “And the quarterback Mac Jones isn’t that crucial. I have New England with two more wins than I proposed. We are underselling them from 10-7 to 12-5. This will be part of my new amendment.”
Cowherd’s fuzzy math aside (he pegged the Patriots at nine wins instead of 10), his take is indicative of a national trend. It is apparent commentators are far more bullish on Jones than Cam Newton, even though the Alabama standout hasn’t played an NFL game yet.
Earlier this week, Dan Orlovsky said Jones will close the gap between the Patriots and elite teams in the AFC, such as the Chiefs and Bills.
On WEEI Thursday, Charlie Weis compared Jones to Tom Brady.
While Jones was impressive this preseason, he’s still a rookie, and the Patriots still have some questions at receiver. Even those who wanted Jones to start over Newton — including your humble blogger — must acknowledge there will be some growing pains.
But then again, that doesn’t make for good radio. Let the Mac hype commence.
