In a surprising turn of events, it was quarterback Mac Jones rather than Tom Brady who played a pivotal role in the strained relationship between former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team ownership. The rift reportedly began when Belichick let Brady leave in 2020, leading to owner Robert Kraft's dismay as Brady went on to win his seventh Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to an ESPN.com report delving into the downfall of the iconic "Patriot Way," Belichick had expressed doubts about Brady's ability to continue playing at a high level. Kraft was quoted as saying, "Bill had told me he couldn't play anymore." Following Brady's departure, Belichick drafted Mac Jones from Alabama in the next NFL draft.

Jones made an impressive Pro Bowl debut as a rookie, but Belichick's decisions regarding the offensive coaching staff hindered his development. Belichick entrusted the future progress of Jones to defensive coach Matt Patricia and special-teams coach Joe Judge, a move that many predicted would result in disaster.

As the relationship between Belichick and Jones crumbled, reports emerged in April that Belichick had explored the possibility of trading the young quarterback during the offseason. However, team ownership was keen on keeping Jones, showcasing a difference in opinion between Belichick and the higher-ups. While Belichick had the authority to trade Jones, ownership viewed him as a valuable asset worth retaining.

The ESPN.com article further suggests that Belichick continued to play Jones, even when it seemed apparent that benching him would be the wiser choice. This decision by Belichick is speculated to have been a not-so-subtle message to Kraft, serving as a gesture of defiance.

It should be noted that the full content of the ESPN.com article cannot be verified, but it does shed light on the real tension surrounding Mac Jones. Belichick's miscalculations regarding the offensive coaching staff led to a regression in Jones' performance and may have been the tipping point for Robert Kraft, who likely began considering a new direction for the organization.

Although the Patriots have now moved on from Belichick, Mac Jones remains with the team for the time being. He is currently under contract for another year, and a decision on exercising his fifth-year option looms on the horizon. The post-Belichick era will reveal how the Patriots handle Jones, and if they can successfully turn his career around, it would serve as a fitting response to Belichick's actions.

The tension surrounding the quarterback position has given way to a new chapter in the saga of the New England Patriots, bringing excitement and uncertainty about the future of Mac Jones and the decisions that lie ahead for the team.