The 2022 NFL season was a letdown for the New England Patriots. With the 2023 NFL season approaching, there is still hope that the Patriots can turn things around. In this post, we will look at four bold predictions for the next season of the New England Patriots.
The performance of the New England Patriots in 2022.
The Patriots finished the 2022 season with an 8-9 record. Despite the difficulties, there were some bright spots, especially on the defensive end of the field. The Patriots had the league’s 11th-best defense, allowing 20.4 points per game. The offense, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency, finishing 16th in the league in points per game (21.4). With a new season approaching, the Patriots will try to capitalize on their defensive success while also improving their offensive output.
Let’s make some predictions regarding the Patriots for the 2023 NFL season. We need to think about four things.
4. Ezekiel Elliott has the most rushing touchdowns
The Patriots had six different players score a total of 12 touchdowns while running the prior year. Rhamondre Stevenson led the squad in running yards but scored only five touchdowns. However, head coach and general manager Bill Belichick has a history of sharing carries among different running backs, particularly in the red zone. Ezekiel Elliott, the new running back, should be overjoyed.
Elliott has a career total of 68 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to score. In three of the last four years, he has scored at least ten touchdowns. His demonstrated ability to score close to the opponent’s goal line could be a valuable weapon for the Patriots. While Stevenson will most certainly lead in carries and yards, thanks to Elliott’s red zone prowess, he may not lead in other rushing metrics.
3. Receiving Yardage of JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s stats for the Patriots would have been at the top with his amazing 101 catches and 933 receiving yards with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. As a result, we anticipate he will comfortably lead the club in receptions and yards in 2023. Remember that he has over 100 receptions and 900 yards receiving in three of his six NFL seasons. We believe Smith-Schuster might become the first receiver with QB Mac Jones to achieve 1,000 yards in a season. This would be a significant increase over Jakobi Meyers’ performance as the team’s leading wide receiver the previous two seasons.
Yes, Smith-Schuster’s touchdown total has been low recently. Nonetheless, he has a lot to offer. This is especially true with tight end players like Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, as well as Elliott taking advantage of red-zone rushing possibilities.
2. Mac Jones Gains Notoriety
For much of the previous season, Mac Jones did not appear to be the Patriots’ franchise quarterback. However, adjustments to his offensive arsenal could pave the way for a spectacular year ahead. In the right circumstances, he could easily pull a Geno Smith and compete for Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Jones didn’t play well last season, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as some other quarterbacks. If he shows significant development in 2023, he might be a viable contender for the prize. Jones’ performance should be boosted by trust in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and a strong receiving corps. Jones has the potential to put up big numbers despite facing strong opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins.
Of course, it goes without saying that Jones must perform well for the Patriots in the upcoming season. We think he will.
1. The Patriots finish third in the AFC East
Again, they have a stronger offensive coordinator in O’Brien now, as well as an upgraded defense with better players at all levels. Addressing weaknesses in special teams through free agency and the draft was also a positive step.
Yes, we are aware that their schedule has become more demanding. To begin the season, they will face the Eagles, Dolphins, Jets, and Cowboys. Still, there is reason to be optimistic. Within the division, Rodgers is good, but not the MVP Rodgers of his Packers days. Tua Tagovailoa may not be the franchise quarterback needed by the Miami Dolphins. The Buffalo Bills are formidable opponents, but the Patriots have demonstrated their ability to contend. This is hardly a doomsday landscape for New England.
Outside of the division, it’s not easy, but Belichick has a history of beating the odds. Last season, no one expected the Patriots to beat clubs like the Packers and Bengals. We expect the Patriots to win more games with an improved team. Remember that they only need one more win than they did last year to make the playoffs. A record of 9-8 or perhaps 10-7 is certainly within their grasp.