Patriots news & rumors: McDaniels praises Mac Jones; Gronk to Buffalo?
Believe in Mac Jones. That is what former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had to say about the quarterback he helped groom in 2021.
Now, head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, McDaniels is obviously onto a new challenge, but he will always be linked to the rookie success of Jones, who is now faced with his own challenge of improving in Year 2 of his NFL career and proving the doubters wrong.
Josh McDaniels has a lot of faith in New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones
Speaking at the NFL Combine on Wednesday, McDaniels was asked about the future of Jones and he was all compliments.
"“I’m not sure I’ve been around a more mature, young football player in terms of understanding the game and being able to process at such a speed and such a level that Mac was,” McDaniels said, via Mike Reiss. “I don’t have any doubt that Mac is going to meet the challenge head on.”"
While the next offensive coordinator for the Patriots is up in the air, Jones himself has said he is accustomed to change and will adapt to whoever is calling the plays.
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In delivering a strong rookie season, throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, Mac Jones does have room for improvement. His maturity alone should spark growth in his second season in the NFL, but what will also help is getting more weapons around him.
With a supporting cast of Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry and Jakobi Meyers, the rookie did just fine. Add another explosive playmaker or two and the NFL may just see how good Jones can be.
Certainly, music to the ears of New England Patriots fans.
NFL rumors: Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski to Bills?
Speaking of adding playmakers, the Buffalo Bills are looking to add some spice to their rivalry with the Patriots and increase their Super Bowl chances in doing so.
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As reported by Tim Graham of The Athletic, the Bills are open to signing Rob Gronkowski in hopes of adding another playmaker for Josh Allen. Although the 32-year-old receiver has not yet decided about continuing his playing career, this potential union would add some drama to the 2022 NFL season for Patriots fans.
Just imagine Gronkowski in a Bills’ uniform returning to Foxborough?
As Gronk was injured when Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invaded Gillette Stadium in 2021, that would be some return for the most dominant tight end in New England Patriots franchise history.
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Although he is not as dominant, the Bills would be a harder team to defend with Gronkowski in the mix alongside wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Dawson Knox. While that would be tough to swallow for Patriots fans, Gronk would get an opportunity to finish his career playing for a team he grew up cheering for and a team he has torched throughout his career.
Another story to watch as NFL free agency approaches.