Demoted Quarterback Mac Jones Addresses Uncertain Patriots Future: 'I Let People Down'
FOXBORO — Judging from the large crowd of reporters surrounding his locker on Monday morning, the future of quarterback Mac Jones with the New England Patriots appears to be a hot topic.
In fact, the speculation surrounding Jones’ role with the club moving forward may be second only to that of coach Bill Belichick. The former first-round draft and Pro Bowl performer finished the season behind Bailey Zappe. And with the Pats owning the No. 3 overall pick in next April's NFL Draft, he could be totally out of the team's plans.
After starting 11 games this season, Jones was displaced by Zappe as New England’s starter prior to the team’s Week 12 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers — a game which they lost 6-0. He did not play a single snap for the rest of the season. In fact, Jones ended the season as the emergency third option on the depth chart for the Pats’ 17-3 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Speaking for the first time since his demotion, Jones offered his thoughts on the past and present, as well as his future.
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“I feel like I let a lot of people down with my play this year,” Jones said with contrition. “But, I’ve been working hard and I feel like I made progress in the last couple weeks.”
The Alabama product continued by saying that he “arrived early” and “left late” to the facility each day, while adding an estimated “seven-to-eight pounds of muscle” since his benching.
As for whether that progress will allow him to remain in New England next season, Jones reiterated that he remains focused on his individual development, while realizing that he has little sway over anything else.
“A lot of that stuff’s in my control, and some of it’s not,” Jones said. “I’m going to do everything I can for my next opportunity, whether that’s here, and really just push forward and continue to be Mac. That’s what it’s all about.”
Despite entering the year on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, the former 2021 first-round pick (no. 15 overall) has since struggled to recapture his previous success. During his inaugural campaign, Jones led all rookies with a 67.6 completion percentage and a 92.5 passer rating. He compiled 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns — while completing at least 70 percent of his attempts in nine of New England’s games. For his efforts, Jones earned a selection to the Pro Bowl, as well as a spot on the PFWA's All-Rookie team, while leading the Pats to the playoffs.
Jones’ struggles began to surface in earnest during his second season. From a high ankle injury sidelining him for three games last October, to his palpable his discontent with the Pats offensive system under de factor coordinator Matt Patricia, Jones toiled through a campaign in which he ranked in the bottom 10 of NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage and positive plays when pressured.
The hiring of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, prior to the start of this season, was expected to bring both Jones and the Pats offense back to the “basics” of football. In this case, New England would return to a timing-based scheme, predicated on vertical routes and completions from quick, accurate throws. During his time at Alabama, Jones was quite proficient at running this type of offense. It is also where O’Brien, shines as well.
However, Jones’ difficulties only continued to snowball. Through his 11 games in 2023, the 25-year-old completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Pats 2021 first-round (No. 15 overall) draft selection routinely exhibited an inability to make sound decisions when most-needed. His struggles led to a foundering of both his confidence and his mechanics — as well as his being benched in five of New England’s games.
Despite his removal from the starting role, Jones seemingly holds no ill will toward either the coaching staff or the organization. Instead, Jones expressed his admiration for the Patriots, while offering hope for the decisions which lay ahead.
“I really love this place and I have a lot of respect for this place,” Jones said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
