Mac Jones Ready To ‘Get the Train Back on the Tracks’ With the Jaguars
In what might be the Jaguars’ most surprising move of the offseason thus far, the team decided to trade for New England Patriots’ quarterback Mac Jones. Jones, a former first round selection from Alabama, showed promise early on into his NFL career before being benched as he struggled in year two and three.
Now, Jones returns home to Jacksonville to hopefully revitalize his career. While he won’t compete as a starter for the Jaguars, the familiarity with the city and lessened pressure might set his career back on track.
Jones, a graduate of The Bolles School, committed to Alabama and would go on to become an All-American and National Champion. It was this success that led the Patriots to draft the Duval native.
Jones talked about finally being home, “Honestly, I haven’t spent as much time back here as I would like, so it feels good to be back and just going to Alabama, you get drafted up to the northeast, it’s a quick turnaround. You know how it is, and from there, life goes fast. It feels good to be back, obviously my parents live here and I went to Bolles and all of that.
“I have a lot of friends around the area, but my main focus is always going to be football. It just feels good, my grandma is here, she’s never been to a game so maybe we’ll get here to a Jacksonville game to watch me, and I think that’ll be awesome. You never know what happens, so it’s kind of full circle,” said Jones.
In a lot of ways for Jones, this is a dream come true. He grew up a Jaguars’ fan and gets to play for the team he rooted for his entire life. Even as a backup to Lawrence, it’s an opportunity to settle down and settle in.
Jones spoke about his dream of being a Jaguar, “Yeah, a little bit. Coming into the games and growing up as a fan and seeing all the good times and some of the bad times, it was obviously important for me to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL. I had a great opportunity in New England and I can’t thank them enough. I’m happy to be here as a kid from Jacksonville, it’s definitely a dream come true.”
During his rookie season, Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl, throwing 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His 67.6% completion percentage was also quite impressive for a rookie. Unfortunately, the yards, touchdowns and completion rate as a rookie remain career bests for Jones.
Jones is also excited for a reset, “Yeah, I think I always say to be where my feet are and this is a great opportunity for me to learn from Coach Pederson [Head Coach Doug Pederson] and the staff he’s assembled here a few years ago, Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] and C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard] and guys that have played a lot of football and played really well. I’m going to do everything I can just to get the train back on the tracks and get it moving in the right direction.”
It’s an exciting time for Jones, who figures to compete with C.J. Beathard for the Jaguars’ primary backup quarterback spot. Both have a decent amount of starting experience, however, Jones’ youth may ultimately give him the edge. Only time will tell.
Until then, it seems Jones will be welcomed home by his family and friends as he re-adjusts to life back in Duval county as he meets all his new teammates.
“I do know the area good, I don’t think I’ll be staying with my parents though. Maybe, we’ll see. My mom is coming to pick me up in about 30 minutes. It’s kind of nice when your mom can pick you up from work. It’ll be good, I think I’m just looking forward to meeting the guys and everyone, they’re all new here. It sounds like Gabe [WR Gabe Davis] is from not far down the road, so that’s cool. There’s some Florida ties here and there, so it’s a great state and a great city to be in,” Jones said laughingly.
The trade for Jones won’t be the flashiest or most spoken of moves, however, it provides extra stability to a position that suffered through numerous injuries last season. This trade might just end up benefiting all parties involved. If Jones can prove to be an excellent backup, he can both get himself back on track and give Jacksonville more security behind Lawrence.
