Will the Patriots make enough improvements on offense to be a better team next year? How will Bill O’Brien perform after a shaky Alabama departure? Can Mac Jones elevate his gameplay in a prove-it season?

On Thursday’s Toucher & Rich program, Joe Murray and Ted Johnson discussed expectations for the 2023-24 Patriots.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION BELOW

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  FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 24: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during pregame against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

• Ted Johnson: I think this team is a playoff team already. But are they even close to being a championship team? No. That’s where we’re at right now. Playoff team? Yes. But that doesn’t mean what it used to be anymore. They are still far away from the top teams in the AFC.  

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  Jan 22, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after defeating the Tennessee Titans 19-16 during the AFC Divisional playoff football game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

• Joe Murray: For the people that tweet me about the Alabama offense, please do your own research. I watched the games. Bill O’Brien’s play calling was questionable. Fans in Alabama are happy he’s gone.  

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  Alabama Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien during warm ups before the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the 86th Cotton Bowl in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. (Tuscaloosa News/Gary Cosby Jr.)

• Joe Murray: I’ll say this one more time because I said it on the night and weekend shows that maybe people don’t hear. So, I’ll say it on the morning show. The Patriots picked up Alabama’s trash, now it’s their treasure, and they’re celebrating it.  

  So, everything is great now, right? Bill O’Brien and Mac Jones. Everything’s great. You got Alabama’s trash. (617)779-0985. 

• Full Segment

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