Former Patriots quarterback may be the unexpected fix a playoff team needs

"The New England Patriots have found their new franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but before Maye, there was Mac Jones. Jones took the league by storm, finishing second in OROY voting in 2021 and leading the Patriots to their first playoff berth post-Brady. While the 10-7 2021 Patriots weren't an incredible team looking back, they were no doubt a fun one with potential."

"As time went on, Jones's play began to slip, and he was eventually benched for Bailey Zappe before being traded to Jacksonville to back up Trevor Lawrence. After a 2024 that saw him play eight games, finishing with nine touchdowns and nine turnovers, Jones signed with the 49ers to back up Brock Purdy. While he wasn't expected to play, he's made eight starts in Purdy's absence."

"He has 13 touchdowns to six interceptions and has thrown for 2,100 yards, or 262.5 a game. Extrapolate that over twelve games, and he's led the league in passing yards, over even Drake Maye. With Purdy out, Jones led the Niners to a 5-3 record. Eight starts are already more than a backup QB should have, but should Jones really be the backup?"

"Brock Purdy is by far the NFL's best-ever Mr. Irrelevant, already having 44 games to his name in four seasons as the Niners' QB. He's fought off Jimmy Garoppolo and former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance to win and retain the starting job, but 2025 hasn't been his best. Through his four games, he's thrown for 244.8 yards a game with a 68.7% completion rate. He's thrown for eight touchdowns, and he's been sacked less than he ever has been before."

Mac Jones began his career with a strong 2021 season that earned second place in Offensive Rookie of the Year and a playoff berth for the Patriots. His play declined, resulting in a benching, a trade to Jacksonville, and a backup signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Jones unexpectedly started eight games for the 49ers, compiling 2,100 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the team to a 5-3 record in his starts. Brock Purdy has produced turnovers in 2025, raising legitimate questions about the team's starting quarterback choice.

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