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The world was buzzing after wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins chose the Tennessee Titans over the New England Patriots. Several analysts offered their takes, including Dan Patrick.
Patrick was a bit confused by the Patriots’ lack of pursuit of the five-time All-Pro receiver. Hopkins had a decent year last season, even with an injury and missing the first six games due to a suspension. He recorded 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns.
He had a stellar game against New England when the Arizona Cardinals met the Patriots in December. He tallied seven receptions on 11 targets for 79 yards. He was able to spread the field in the process, averaging 11.3 yards per reception.
The Patriots did upgrade their wide receiver unit, headlined by the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster. They also drafted rookie sixth-round picks Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte.
However, Patrick doesn’t believe it will be enough in an AFC East division stacked with talent.
“The thing that I don’t understand is the New England Patriots. Because you’ve got a good defense. They were a top-10 defense,” Patrick said on the Dan Patrick Show. “You have nothing on offense. You’re not even sure of your quarterback. Is Mac Jones a right-handed Tua Tagovailoa?
“I don’t know but Tua certainly has a lot of toys to play with. If I put Tua in New England and Mac Jones in Miami, you would probably see Mac Jones be a very good quarterback. But he doesn’t have anything to work with.”
Patrick certainly makes valid points, especially with the Miami Dolphins surrounding Tagovailoa with top playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. One has to wonder how Jones will fare in the Patriots offense in 2023.
Will it be enough to keep pace with the rest of the AFC?
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