Let the Boy Throw

The Brady - Mac Jones comparisons have been flying around hot and heavy as of late. A lot of folks are couching the take by comparing Mac to 2001 Brady. To which I say, nay.

People want to compare Mac to 2001 Brady mostly because they believe the offense will look similar. Lots of running and play action. Mac Jones is a heady quarterback who can identify the defense pre snap. Those things are true to an extent, but here’s where I differ. They are going to let Mac Jones throw the ball more than Tom. They have to.

We saw last year how far a high school offense gets you in the NFL in this era. 7-9. That aint going to cut it this season. In 2001 Tom Brady had 30 or more passing attempts just 4 times and once in the playoffs. In 2020 Drew freaking Lock had NINE games with over 30 attempts. Cam Newton had 4. You just can’t get away with not throwing the football in this NFL.

Not only that. Mac can do it. It’s much easier to throw than it was in 2001 first of all. Second of all the Patriots have managed to equip themselves with the personal that makes their shorts grow every film session. The 2 TE offense is bread and butter for McDaniels. You toss in a couple scat backs and a possession guy like Meyers or Bourne. This offense is in business.

In 2011 Tom Brady and the offense dragged one of the worst defenses in the league to the Super Bowl. They were a Wes Welker drop away from winning it.

In that season Brady’s top pass catchers were:

Wes Welker: 122 catches, 1,569 yards, 9 TDs

Rob Gronkowski: 90 catches, 1,327 yards, 17 TD

Aaron Hernandez: 79 catches, 910 yards, 7 TD

I’m not asking Mac Jones to be 2011 Tom Brady or Jacobi Meyers to set the NFL record for catches in a season. I’m just pointing out the most efficient offense this team has ever had has come out of a 2 TE system. I believe this year they can be highly productive just via the scheme. Minus the murder vibes.

Let The Boy throw.