Jonesing

 Young Tom Brady? Sure, why not? Hey, no pressure, kid.

First things, first: I'm rooting for Cam Newton. If Cam is able to be just 80% of MVP Cam, I believe the Patriots will return to the playoffs. Of course, 80% of MVP Cam may have already left town with Slim and None.

Also, it's preseason (aka meaningless) and about as small a data sample as you can get. Still, Mac Jones did not poop his pants and while that may set the bar so low there's barely an inch of clearance, it was really all I hoped for...

Me (pregame): Please, oh Gridiron Gods, don't let the rook poop his pants.

Pigskin God #1: Really, that's it? 

Me: Um, I'm guessing a Super Bowl win might be too much to ask?

Pigskin Gods (to each other): Can you believe Patriots fans? A Super Bowl win? After two decades of Tom Brady? They're like Oliver Twist with a trust fund. Yeah, we've got six Lombardi trophies but we want more! Are they the neediest or what?

Me: Okay, but we're still good with the no poop in the pants thing, right?

So, when I got more than clean underwear out of Jones' first time wearing number 10 on his jersey, it was hard not to surf that hundred foot wave of positivity sweeping through Patriots Nation. 

Mac Jones looks the part.

More importantly, the 2021 New England Patriots overall look a whole lot better than the 2020 version.

Me (pumping the breaks): Okay, it was just the first preseason game. We still don't have a resolution to the Stephon Gilmore deal/no deal situation. Despite the training camp hype, N'Keal Harry seemed an afterthought to Kristian Wilkerson in game action. And thank goodness Isaiah Wynn doesn't have to face Chase Young every week.

Having said that, here are my Top 5 Reasons for Pats Fans to Feel Good About 2021, Preseason Game 1 Edition:

#1 - Mac Jones running the no huddle offense like a boss (and also not pooping his pants).

#2 - You know Bill Belichick has been reviewing what Sean Payton did with Drew Brees and Taysom Hill, don't you? Even if Jones does win the starting QB gig, Belichick and Josh McDaniels are going to have an offensive package for Newton and opposing defenses will have to prepare for it.

#3 - The running game looks really good and could be special. Go back to Sony Michel's 2018 playoff performance as context and consider the fact that he's going to be a third or fourth option for the 2021 Patriots (if he isn't traded). And yes, I've rewatched the 91-yard TD run by Rhamondre Stevenson at least a dozen times. I may go watch it again right now (I'll be right back!).

#4 - New England has the cap space to pay Stephon Gilmore. Write the check, Bill. 

#5 - The rebuilt defense has an "positionless" feel to it. Inside/outside. Safety/Corner. Safety/Linebacker. Yes, there are some more traditional, down and distance-specific defenders on the roster (I'm looking at you Ja'Whaun Bentley) but 2021 looks like we could see a return of the Amoeba Defense. That's right. Bill Belichick is still the smartest guy in the room.

Let's go!