Tom Brady’s return to Gillette Stadium on Sunday night should be great! Absolutely suitable for everyone.
Well, maybe not everyone.
Of course, it will be fun for TB12 and his 20+ family members who are there. It’s great for the fans.
Robert Craft could rejoice and reminisce. Bill Belichick might even smile.
The God of the Foxborough Stadium glory days is back, baby!
But is it fun for Mac Jones? Is this a good thing for him and the 2023 Patriots? The Patriots will actually be on the field trying to kick off a crucial season against the defending NFC champion Eagles, arguably the most talented team in the NFL?
Maybe not.
Probably not.
For Jones, Bill O’Brien and a revamped, if not rebuilt or revitalized New England offense, Brady represents the measure of what they are all trying to accomplish.
The GOAT is the embodiment of the Patriots’ new offensive direction, putting the frustrating dysfunction of Matt Patricia’s turnovers in the rearview mirror and the defensive coach once again donning the Eagles’ coat.
Jones and company are struggling to find their collective way, and their way will never come close to the Brady way or the Patriot way of yore.
That’s okay, but it probably won’t feel that way this Sunday. If Jones and his fellow playmakers struggle, keeping Brady in the building will only rub salt into the offense’s wounds. This will magnify the mistakes and shortcomings of Jones and his brethren.
As we learned last fall during the “Zappe!” era, Foxborough’s “loyalty” slogan is actually fickle. If they’re willing to call up a rookie mid-round backup when the Flying Elvis’ hat falls, what the hell are 60,000 more people going to do if Jones struggles with Brady on the floor?
Even in his first game week out of retirement, with all due respect to Philadelphia star Jalen Hurts, Brady, 46, may still be the best quarterback in the building on Opening Day. Of course, he’s just here for the glory. Maybe stand atop a newly rebuilt lighthouse like a conquering god.
But he will always represent New England’s glory days, when a quarterback should play the way a quarterback should and lead his team to victory, no matter the opponent or environment. Lost lovers, people who fled. In the minds of many, this remains a realistic option.
While Kraft is clearly “thrilled” about his team being voted by many to be the last-place team in the AFC East in 2023, he’ll be rolling out the red carpet for Brady for the “special” and “unique” honor .
He deserves it. I made a profit, of course I made a profit.
But why does it have to be the first week? Why does it have to be in this game against a loaded Eagles team? Why can’t Jones and his teammates find their feet late in the season and lay the foundation for their future?
Jones and the entire Patriots organization have been saying the right things all week. Pay verbal flowers to the Brady legend. As well-prepared professionals, we expect the same.
But Sunday will be a different story and a very different environment.
While it would be fun for Brady, Kraft, fans and the football viewing world to have the greatest NFL player of all time back in New England, it’s far from ideal for Jones and the Patriots.
Not only does the current quarterback have to deal with an uncertain offensive line that matches up with the best pass rush in the league, but he also has to deal with Brady’s disdain for him, perhaps both literally and figuratively.
Good luck, Mac. You may need it.
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