Patriots news & rumors: Mac Jones his biggest critic; Marlon Mack buzz

The mark of a good, young quarterback is his recognition of where he needs to and can improve even after a win.  In leading the New England Patriots to a 25-22 comeback victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, rookie quarterback Mac Jones continues to be tough on himself.

Although there is enough criticism to go around between Rex Ryan and Cam Newton fanatics, Jones has become his biggest critic even with success.

In all, Jones finished the game 23-for-30 passing with 231 yards and a touchdown, but it is the interception he threw on the opening drive of the second half that has him critical of his performance, despite recording his first game-winning drive of his young career.

Patriots rookie Mac Jones his own worse critic

During an appearance on WEEI’s Merloni & Fauria on Monday, Jones lamented on his mistake and how he needs to work on eliminating such miscues going forward.

"“I think I let the other team touch the ball too much,” Jones said, via WEEI. “Whether I was throwing it away or not, or just the attempting to pass needs to be better. Either our guy touches it, or nobody touches it. I can work on that, but I am not going to be gun-shy or anything like that. Just there’s a more methodical way to go about it in trying to get the guys the ball. And if it’s not there than go to my next read or throw it away so that there’s no place I can put the ball. I did that far too many times [Sunday].”"

Mac Jones only had the one interception, but there were a few occasions where he could’ve thrown another and that is where he needs to improve.

Although those types of mistakes are necessary in growing and becoming a better quarterback, Jones if focused on making more positive plays to help his team win games.  He did do that on Sunday, but the mistake he did make could’ve also cost the Patriots a victory.

NFL rumors: Patriots need to kick the tires on Marlon Mack

Following another loss on Monday night, it may be time for the Indianapolis Colts to make some changes in preparation for next season.  That includes trading running back Marlon Mack for draft capital.  Bill Belichick should be on the phone to see what it takes to add the 25-year-old running back to the mix.

As running back was supposed to be one of the team’s strengths heading into the season, an injury to James White and ball security issues for Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor has propelled special teamer Brandon Bolden into the mix.

Besides the ball security issues, the Patriots are also an injury away from really being thin at the position.  They dodged a bullet with Harris this past Sunday, but he has already proven to be injury prone through his three seasons in the league, so it is almost inevitable that he miss a game or more through the long season.

That is where a running back like Marlon Mack comes in to play.

Every Patriots fans knows how Belichick likes to target talented players who need a fresh start and a player like Mack fits the mold.  In publicly requesting a trade, Mack is a player seething to be rejuvenated.

In 26 games between 2018 and 2019, this man rushed for nearly 2,000 yards with 18 total touchdowns.  He also has an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which should be enticing for the Patriots.

In all, a possible deal should only require the Patriots sending a late-round pick in return for Mack, who could help energize the running attack as much as the new scenery will energize him.