New England Patriots: 3 big questions Bill Belichick avoided this week
New England Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones has won everyone over, except Bill Belichick
Well, if Mac Jones has won over the coach, he isn’t letting anyone know.
After a strong performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second preseason game and what many in attendance label a very strong outing in the first joint practice against the New York Giants, the No. 15 pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft appears to be in the lead for the starting role…if Belichick and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels feels he is ready.
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With the way he can orchestrate the offense, it appears McDaniels already believes, but what about Belichick?
When asked about Jones and how he stood out in the first joint practice against the Giants, Belichick was…well…meh.
"“All the quarterbacks look good,” Belichick said Wednesday, via Patriots.com. “They’ll all get work. I think everybody got work yesterday. I think all the players that were out there. I don’t think Quinn [Nordin] kicked. Nick [Folk] kicked yesterday. I think Quinn will kick today, but all the players that are out there, they’ll all get work”"
Of course, the media didn’t back down. When the question about Cam Newton’s absence being a good opportunity for Mac Jones, Belichick doubled down on his previous answer by focusing on all players having good learning experiences.
Well, what gives Bill? Can the rookie get a little praise?
In over 20 years with Tom Brady as the quarterback, Belichick hasn’t really given him public praise. He is doing the same with Jones, which could be praise. The Patriots coach wants to keep his starting quarterback humble and striving to get better. He wants a quarterback who will stay within the game plan and not be greater than the team.
Notice I said starting quarterback.
Maybe Bill Belichick is telling us his decision without telling us his decision.
So, what about his praise for Cam Newton? Let’s go there next.