Patriots QB Mac Jones Ready to 'Run My Own Race'
FOXBORO — New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is hoping that his third NFL season carries for more charm than crisis, thus reversing a disappointing showing in 2022.
Though he entered last season on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, Jones struggled to rekindle his previous success in his second year. The Alabama product was sidelined for three games in October due to an ankle injury, while displaying notable discomfort within offensive system under the direction of offensive play caller Matt Patricia. Ultimately, he finished the season with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, as the Patriots limped to an 8-9 record. For the second time in three seasons, New England failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Needless to say, it was a difficult time for the former 2021 first-round pick — a fact which Jones acknowledged when speaking with reporters following Wednesday's OTA session.
“I think some of the learning experiences that I had last year really helped,” Jones said. “There’s a lot of things that I can do better as a person, as a player. There are things I can build upon, but it’s really about this year. We have new faces in the room. It’s all about earning the respect of everybody, every day."
Jones' remarks indicate that he is approaching the 2023 season with renewed fervor. He is not only excited to work with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien — with whom he briefly worked at Alabama — but he is also once again operating within a system which is expected to accentuate his abilities.
“It’s been really good. It’s been normal," Jones said of being coached by O'Brien. "He’s done a really good job controlling the room. I feel like everyone’s on the same page.”
O'Brien has essentially been charged with the duty of repairing what had become a fractured offense under Patricia. In his lone season at the command post, the Pats offense regressed from one showing significant promise (in 2021) to a subpar unit dwelling among the NFL's bottom teams. The 2022 iteration of Patriots finished 7th-worst in total yards while scoring only 21.4 points per game (17th in the NFL).
However, Jones' comments regarding O'Brien's unifying effect on the offense may be far more poignant. At times last season, the disconnect between the players and the coaching staff was so overt that Jones was observed hurling expletive-laden frustrations, believed to be in the direction of his coaches. With O'Brien establishing his control over the offense, the Patriots ship already seems to be sailing in the right direction with Jones at the helm.
While the Pats have yet to take any meaningful snaps in 2023, his drive to improve has already caught the eye of coach Bill Belichick, who praised his quarterback's diligence.
"I think Mac works hard every day," Belichick said prior to Wednesday's practice. "He puts in a lot of work in the weight room, in the classroom. His work ethic is really good; that hasn’t changed.”
Ultimately, New England appears content to take their chances at the quarterback position this season with Jones, as well as reserves Bailey Zappe — with whom Jones is expected to compete for the starting job during training camp — along with reserve options Trace McSorley and undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham. Jones' ability to maintain his spot as the Pats starter will be judged by his performance on the field. Yet, his desire to use last season's struggles as motivation may be what sets him apart from his competition. In the process, it is also likely to raise the collective eyebrows of his doubters.
"Really great people are formed through ups and downs,” Jones said with a grin. "I’m starting fresh, just like everybody else is. I’m going to run my own race and look at the end and see where I’m at."
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