What is up? It's the rant. My name is Jeff Racklewood and it's Thursday July 8th on to the New England Patriots and boy-o-boy. We saw how they were without Tom Brady. And you know what? It's interesting. I mean, it wasn't good, but

they were still seven and nine last year. So it wasn't absolutely terrible. Of course, that seven and nine record put them in a position where they could draft a quarterback in the middle of the first round, which they did in Mac Jones. We got to unpack that. And the rest of this squad for fantasy purposes before we dive into that. Remember, we do have this contest going on. I'm trying to grow this podcast and you can help me do so by rating and reviewing on apple pod.

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And we aren't there yet. So appreciate everybody's help. So let's talk about the New England Patriots. And as I mentioned, you know, last year, first year without Tom Brady, other than the injury year, the Matt Castle year into decades, basically.

And it was certainly a shock to the system for New England. They really weren't able to generate much offensively outside of Cam Newton running the football. I mean, it was really effective running the football.

That was about it though, but they still were decent enough to hang in there, win seven games. So you can't ever really count this team out.

But when we look forward to this year, we do have a big question. You know, does this team make it through the entire year with Cam Newton under center? He's obviously a bridge quarterback. He's signed on a one year deal.

And they spent a first round pick on a quarterback, which is something we just don't see from New England. I mean, over the last two decades for obvious reasons.

So Newton's days are numbered in this offense. However, you know, we do have an interesting wrinkle here because this team is not going to look the same with Mac Jones under center as they will with Cam Newton under center.

Right. Cam Newton is going to run the football a bunch. Last year in 15 games play, he had 137 rushing attempts. 12 rushing scores. This dude was still the number 15 fantasy quarterback on the season.

You know, that's with eight passing touchdowns and nine interceptions like still with his legs. He can generate fantasy points. Jones won't run a ton.

You know, how much do we expect Mac Jones to run this season?

Two or three rushing attempts per game. So the question is, you know, that is if he gets under center. When does he get under center? Is it this year? I do think it ultimately is.

I think the one thing that would prevent that and this is fairly obvious is whether or not the the Patriots are in a playoff mix.

And I know it may sound outlandish to even think that, you know, given the current state Buffalo looks to be the cream of the crop in the AFC East Miami certainly on the rise.

But I don't want to just say that a seven and nine team last year is not going to make the playoffs are not going to be in a playoff mix at least.

I don't think we can say that. I think that's too aggressive a take. So if they're in the playoff hunt, there's a bell check coach team.

Then Newton would likely keep the job. But if they get to a point where it looks like the season is getting, you know, out of their hands.

Then we'll see Jones come in. And then the offense will look very different. Now they'll still be run heavy, but that run game will now be primarily the backfield, not the backfield and Newton as an extension of that.

So we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I really don't think there's any value in taking either of these guys even in super flex leagues.

Just because of the question marks. I mean, I guess if you're desperate, you could go after Newton as your third quarterback in a super flex.

But and the big but is you don't know how long he's going to keep his job for currently having ranked a quarterback 31 Jones a quarterback 35. Don't really love either play, but it is acknowledging. I mean, I have Jones playing seven games this year.

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