Mac Jones throwing a pass for the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots entered Week 7 with a 1-5 record, their season on the brink of collapse. A matchup against the formidable Buffalo Bills loomed, and another loss would have effectively eliminated them from playoff contention. However, the Patriots pulled off a stunning upset victory, largely thanks to a stellar performance from quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones’ third season in the NFL has been a rollercoaster. Benched twice and struggling to replicate his rookie success, his starting position has been precarious. Yet, against the Bills, he silenced critics with arguably his best game as a professional. Completing 25 of 30 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, Jones demonstrated the potential that made him a first-round draft pick. This marked only the second time this season he avoided throwing an interception.
The victory provided a much-needed respite for the Patriots and likely secured Jones’ starting role, at least temporarily. However, with the NFL trade deadline approaching on October 31st, the Patriots front office would be remiss not to explore potential quarterback upgrades. The question remains: was Week 7 a turning point for Jones, or a fleeting glimpse of past performance?
The upcoming Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins will be a crucial test for Jones. A poor showing could reignite trade rumors and prompt the Patriots to seek a more established quarterback. Several viable options could be available if the Patriots decide to pursue a trade.
One potential target is Teddy Bridgewater, currently backing up Jared Goff for the Detroit Lions. Bridgewater, a seasoned veteran, signed with Detroit late in the offseason. However, given the Lions’ strong performance and Goff’s solid play, it’s unlikely they would part with a valuable backup who provides insurance against a potential Goff injury. A contending team like the Lions needs a reliable backup quarterback.
Another possibility is Taylor Heinicke of the Atlanta Falcons. With Desmond Ridder’s inconsistent play, Heinicke could see playing time sooner rather than later. If the Falcons remain committed to Ridder, they might be willing to trade Heinicke for a late-round draft pick. While not a star quarterback, Heinicke has proven capable of leading a team and could provide a spark for the Patriots. He demonstrated this resilience with the Washington Commanders, stepping in effectively when injuries sidelined their starting quarterback.
Finally, Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans represents a bolder option. Acquiring Tannehill would signal a clear intention to make a playoff push, indicating a lack of confidence in Jones’ ability to lead the team to the postseason. With Tannehill sidelined in Week 8 and the Titans seemingly headed for a rebuild, a trade could be imminent. Tannehill offers a significant upgrade over Jones and could serve as a bridge quarterback while the Patriots search for a long-term solution. His experience and proven track record would provide stability to the Patriots’ offense.
