Playing in the shadows of the greatest quarterback that ever lived can’t be easy. Cam Newton felt it when playing for the New England Patriots in 2020, and third-year quarterback Mac Jones is feeling it right now.
Since Day 1, Jones has been viewed as the successor to the throne, although some would be hasty in removing that title after a rough 2022 season. The former first-round draft pick faces immeasurable pressure to not just get the Patriots back to the playoffs, but fans want to see the team compete for Super Bowls.
Why? Because that’s what the Patriots did when Brady was quarterback.
“I think Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL,” Jones told reporters, when asked to give Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love advice on playing in the shadows of Aaron Rodgers. “To follow up on him, it’s just trying to chase the standard that he set every day. Honestly, we’re definitely two different players. That’s the only advice I’d have, just continue to grow and be yourself. All you can do is put your best foot forward and compete. But yeah, it’s definitely big shoes to fill.”
"Tom Brady's the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL… it's just trying to chase the standard that he set."
Mac Jones shares the 'advice' he'd offer Jordan Love as the Packers QB looks to replace his own team legend 🐐 pic.twitter.com/hbuwTaZ5ZB
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 16, 2023
The Patriots could do a much better job of aiding in Jones’ effort by upgrading the talent around him. He has clearly shown improvements at training camp this year, but the offensive line is a major problem.
There is hope the unit will improve as it gets healthier, but there are also questions at receiver. New England still lacks an elite downfield target that can consistently separate and win jump-ball situations. They had an opportunity to sign former five-time Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins to a deal, but they weren’t willing to compete for him financially with the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots don’t need Jones to be Brady to succeed, but they do need him to have enough skilled players around him to even stand a chance of competing with the likes of Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa.
