If there’s a worst-case scenario for the Patriots this season, it would be watching their former first-round pick, Mac Jones, who was once seen as the successor to Tom Brady, thrive as the Jaguars’ starting quarterback. Trevor Lawrence is the starter in Jacksonville, but Jones is the clear backup. On Saturday, Jones demonstrated that the Jaguars can trust him in that role.
Throughout the preseason, Jones has been remarkably efficient. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars’ 31-0 win over the Falcons in their preseason finale, earning a quarterback rating of 106.9. Over three games, Jones completed 38 of 52 passes for 421 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, boasting a rating of 115.9, second among qualified quarterbacks.
What stung even more was Jaguars coach Doug Pedersen’s post-game comments, where he took a direct shot at the Patriots’ handling of Jones during his tumultuous three-year stint in New England, which started with a Pro Bowl selection and quickly went downhill. Pedersen’s remarks only add fuel to the argument that Jones was always a good quarterback, but it was Bill Belichick and his revolving door of offensive coordinators who hindered his development. The Patriots’ methods are easy to criticize after 2023.
Here’s what Pedersen said after the Jacksonville win, as reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss:
“Mac has played extremely well in the last couple of weeks and has really bought into what we do. He’ll still revert back to his Patriots ways every now and then, and we have to remind him he’s in Jacksonville. But he’s done a good job managing and running the offense, getting everybody involved. He sees the field well, throws a good ball, so he’s done a good job.” Revert back to his Patriots ways.
Ouch.
Indeed, last season, Jones showed that his Patriots habits weren’t sustainable in the NFL. He threw for 2,021 yards in 11 starts, with a 2-9 record. He was benched four times in those 11 starts and permanently lost the starting job for the last six weeks to Bailey Zappe. It was clear that Jones’ confidence was shattered; he was jittery in the pocket and made poor decisions.
Jones finished the season with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. During the offseason, the Patriots traded him to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick.
Mac Jones ‘Just Being Mac’ With the Jaguars
The lasting memory of Jones for Patriots fans may be the many moments of frustration he showed with the team’s offense, which was plagued by a lack of wide receiver talent, poor offensive line protection, and inconsistent coaching.
While not entirely his fault, Jones developed a reputation for being hot-headed, often seen yelling at coaches and teammates when things went wrong.
However, during training camp, Jones said he was experiencing a rebirth in Jacksonville.
“It feels weird, honestly,” Jones told the Florida Times-Union. “Just being Mac and being my own guy. Being the quarterback that everyone wants to play with. I like to have fun, like to talk a little smack, and I don’t want to feel bad doing that. It’s just my personality, and I think everyone here is embracing it.”