Mac Jones Has 'Fresh Start' for 2023 Season, Patriots OC Bill O'Brien Says

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is getting a clean slate in 2023.

While speaking with reporters for the first time since being hired as the franchise's offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien said Tuesday that Jones' disappointing 2022 season is in the past.

"Fresh start," O'Brien said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. That's one of our themes on offense—to move forward."

O'Brien added, per NFL.com's Nick Shook:

"I think this year is no different than any other year relative to each year in the NFL is different, right? So, what you did in the past, whether it's a player or coach or anybody in the organization, really has no bearing on what happens moving forward. So, like, we just started yesterday, and we're looking forward to having a good Phase 1 and then a good Phase 2 and then a good Phase 3, and that's kind of what it's all about."

Jones, who was selected by the Patriots 15th overall in the 2021 draft, had an impressive rookie season under former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The 24-year-old completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 17 games. He led the Patriots back to the postseason after the team missed the playoffs during the 2020 campaign, though they fell to the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round.

Jones entered the 2022 season with high expectations after such a strong rookie year, but the departure of McDaniels to the Las Vegas Raiders coupled with the hiring of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge as the team's offensive play callers didn't help the developing quarterback.

The Alabama product completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 14 games. The Patriots went on to finish the season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Entering 2023, there has been speculation about whether or not Jones will serve as the team's starting quarterback. He's been included in trade rumors, and Bill Belichick has been noncommittal on him starting next season.

It's possible Jones and Bailey Zappe could engage in a quarterback competition during training camp this summer after the 2022 fourth-round pick impressed while starting in replace of an injured Jones last season.

If that happens, at least one Patriot is confident Jones will win the duel.

"Mac's not afraid of competition. That's all he wants to do: compete," a Patriots player told NFL insider Mike Giardi. "I think people are underestimating him and that can only help us."

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the New England offense is expected to be better in 2023 under O'Brien.