Every Friday, we will be releasing a Patriots mailbag, so if you have any questions on all things Patriots and the NFL, feel free to ask. You can tweet @sophieewellerr or reply to the weekly mailbag post on the "New England Patriots – A to Z Sports" Facebook page.

In Week 9, the Patriots face the Washington Commanders, who just last week went toe to toe against the Philadelphia Eagles. It should be a fun one.

Let's get into your questions in this mailbag.

If the Patriots lose the next game with the defense giving up 20+ points, is it still Mac Jones' fault? – Richard Boffo 

None of the losses have been entirely Mac Jones' fault. The third-year quarterback has made his fair share of mistakes this season, but the receivers have also not helped him. And the Patriots' top receiver – Kendrick Bourne – is now out for the season after tearing his ACL in the loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The offensive line has also dealt with many injuries, and with a group that relies on working together and as one unit, this is less than ideal. 

Throughout these losses, Mac Jones has played some part, but he hasn't been the entire reason. So while some of it may be his fault, there are plenty of other players that should get some of the blame as well. But because he is the quarterback and one of the leaders on the team, people turn to him and Bill Belichick after a loss. 

With no movement at the trade deadline, what do you think this means for the offseason? Is it more of the same, or will this be near a total restart from the top down? – Jonathan Parker

While many expected the Patriots to be sellers at the deadline, they opted to stick with the players they had. Whether that was because their asking price for trade candidates was too high or they were confident in what they have, the deadline has passed and now it's time to focus on the rest of the season. 

Based on that, I don't think the Patriots will look to do a total restart from top down. Instead, they will probably look to pick up some top rookies in the 2024 NFL Draft (including a quarterback hopefully), and look to build the team around some of the younger players. 

The Las Vegas Raiders were officially done with Josh McDaniels after he was fired late Tuesday night (or early Wednesday morning depending on the time zone).  

McDaniels, who was hired as the Raiders head coach before the 2022 season, finished with a record of 6-11. And the team lost their beloved quarterback, with Derek Carr leaving after that season too. 

That seemed to really be the breaking point, and with Jimmy Garoppolo being named the starting quarterback it wasn't the best look for the former Patriots offensive coordinator. 

So far during the 2023 season, they are 3-5. The Raiders' reaction in the locker room after the news broke was proof enough that the team was ready to part ways with McDaniels.

There’s a basketball hoop now in the #Raiders locker room and it certainly looks like Davante Adams is having fun. ??

Watch this with sound on.

(? @loganreever)
pic.twitter.com/prmpJydWU3

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 2, 2023

Why isn't Josh McDaniels signed yet? – Josh Schneider

McDaniels agreed to a six-year deal in 2022, set to make around $10 million a season. With over four years left on the contract, the Raiders are still obligated to pay him, which means he will roughly make $40 million. 

So with all the drama from this past year, McDaniels could (and even should) take the time to relax and take a step away from football. 

But Devin McCourty does think it's possible McDaniels eventually ends up back in New England. 

Devin McCourty believes Josh McDaniels could end up with Patriots again

Anything is possible in New England.