September is quickly approaching and the 2023 season is almost here. The New England Patriots look to regroup after an underwhelming 2022 season and prove they belong in the brutal AFC. The “experts” and analysts don’t seem to have an optimistic viewpoint on the Patriots this upcoming season, but with what seems to be an improved roster and coaching staff, they might be being overlooked. Let’s take a look at my five predictions for the 2023 Patriots.
1. Hunter Henry Has A Rebound Season
Embed from Getty ImagesIn year one with the Patriots, Hunter Henry had a career-best season, putting up 50 catches, for 603 yards and nine touchdowns. After a disappointing 2022 season, Henry will look to rebound in 2023 with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien leading the offense. That change at OC should be a major help for Hunter Henry (and Mike Gesicki). This leads me to here, in that Henry will match the type of numbers he put up in 2021 and bring back a crucial middle-of-the-field option for Mac Jones.
Prediction: 52 catches, 612 yards & 7 touchdowns
2. Marte Mapu Earns A Signficant Role
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen Marte Mapu’s name was called during third-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, many Patriots fans were left shocked with some never even hearing of his name before. Now fast foward four months later, and fans are starting to learn exactly what Mapu can bring to the table. Mapu brings a rare level of versatility to the Patriots as he has experience at both safety and linebacker but also has the size/speed combo to do both.
“I have to think. Off the top of my head, I don’t know if i have (seen players Mapu’s size that can play anywhere). You see a lot of guys that come in that are tweeners that play linebacker and safety like that but not really excel at it. Like this guy is freakin’ smart.”
Patriots Safety, Adrian Phillips
Mapu comes into New England with a chance to earn a significant role in his rookie year. It might not come in the early weeks of the season, but by weeks 10-12, I’d predict he’ll be seeing a important role and sigfnicant snaps in the Patriots defense.
3. Mac Jones Answers the Bell
Embed from Getty ImagesMac Jones‘ 2021 rookie season brought a lot of optomism heading into the 2022 season. He looked to be the next franchise QB for the Patriots. Now, fast foward twelve months and that answer isnt as clear. The 2022 season was tough for Jones after an early season ankle injury and a lack of trust with Matt Patricia. Now with Patricia out the door, and Bill O’Brien leading the charge, Mac Jones seems as confident as ever. Though they didnt improve his surrounding weapons as much as most would like, they are better than what he had in 2021 and 2022. The lack of trust last year made it borderline impossible for Jones to find consistent success. So in 2023, I predict he’ll get back to his roots and lead the Patriots to a winning season.
Prediction: 4022 yards, 26 touchdowns & 11 Int’s
4. Josh Uche Becomes The Patriots Sack Leader
Embed from Getty ImagesJosh Uche enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, after producing 11.5 sacks over the final ten games. Now entering 2023, Uche looks to conintue that trend. He brings a rare combination of speed, quickness, power and bend around the line of scrimmage. Allowing him to beat the opposing offensive linemen in multiple ways. Teammate Matt Judon has been the sack leader the past two seasons, but I am predicting that crown changes hands by the end of the year. I expect both to have good years, but Uche has a chance to earn a major pay day next offseason and does so by producing 16 sacks.
5. The Patriots Win 10 Games
Embed from Getty ImagesLooking at their 2023 schedule, it will certainly be a grind all year long. The betting odds sit at 7.5 wins in most places and many “experts” aren’t very high on the Patriots this season. Neverthless, they went 8-9 in 2022 with a bottom five offense. The defense was solid and should be even better this season. If you believe that Mac Jones can at minimum, get back to what he was in 2021, they should be a solid offense. The 2022 season deemed a nightmare by most and they won eight games. Two more shouldn’t be unreasonable to expect.
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