New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones growth and performance in OTAs are turning his skeptics into believers in a hurry this offseason. Jones “lit it up” in the recently concluded mandatory minicamp sessions (why they were curtailed is a bit of a mystery here) and anyone who had any doubts whatsoever about the young man’s talent is coming around.
Why there should have been any concern is puzzling. By all accounts, Jones’ rookie season, which culminated in a Pro Bowl selection and a playoff appearence, was a huge success. Jones started the season on a high note, averaging a completion percentage of over 70 percent for much of the season before the training wheels fell off late for Jones and the rest of the Pats.
The late-season collapse didn’t diminish the fact that Jones finished the season with a 67.6 completion percentage, which is still very good. Jones also racked up 3801 yards in the air to go along with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. That TD-INT ratio will almost certainly improve this season, as should his completion percentage. Let’s explore why in more detail.
Mac Jones will be even better for the New England Patriots in 2022
There will be loads of wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth among NFL general managers who passed on Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. They made a mistake, a big mistake. Assigning Jones’ otherworldly success in his final year at Alabama to his supporting cast (certainly a contributor, but …) they missed the boat and allowed him to slide down to New England at the 15th pick.
Jones then did what some predicted subsequently, and he was outstanding. He’s the best of the five 2021 first-round quarterbacks drafted to this point. That situation isn’t going to change anytime soon. It’s been reinforced by Jones’ dedication to improving his conditioning and his craft in the offseason. He’d been challenged to do just that and he responded brilliantly.
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He’s in great shape, is seeking out learned teachers, and is clearly dedicated to being all that he can be. That portends well not only for the precocious second-year “veteran”, but for his team and Patriot Nation, as well. A new and improved Jones, who can run as well as be a pinpoint passer, is a huge plus for the Patriots’ offense if they can figure out how to utilize these talents.
Jones’ commitment to bettering himself should bode well if his teammates carry the same attitude, and by all accounts so far, that’s been the case. The 2021 Patriots brought a lot of new faces into town, and now that they all have a full season of experience together, they should all be looking to improve together. That doesn’t bode better for anybody than Jones himself.
The New England Patriots beefed up their offense around Mac Jones
New England made it their mission to get Jones more help on offense this offseason. They pulled off an excellent trade with the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver DeVante Parker, who, if healthy, could be the Patriots’ #1 wide receiver. In addition to Parker, the team drafted a speedy wideout with their second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether they selected the right one in Tyquan Thornton is yet to be determined.
That decision has been questioned widely in the media. It’s a wait-and-see issue. They rolled the dice on a lesser-heralded option than others who were available. That tactic hasn’t worked in the past, but who knows, maybe it will this season.
They also added two additional running backs after having lost Brandon Bolden in free agency. Pierre Strong Jr. is a lightning-fast runner although he does have a history with fumbling issues. Big back Kevin Harris is a not-so-fast runner who never fumbles. We’ll see who contributes more. With James White’s injury situation still iffy, Strong is a hedge against his not returning to full strength early or maybe at all.
Jones will still have Hunter Henry at tight end and hopefully a much-improved version of Jonnu Smith who seems to have impressed early on. After those two, the cupboard is bare. The Patriots need to add a serviceable third tight end who can either block or catch.
The reasons noted bode well for an improved New England Patriots offense led by Jones in 2022. The thought here is that Jones and co. have the wherewithal to be superb. And they’d better be. The defense is weaker after having cut ties with two of their best players in J.C. Jackson (their best defensive player) and Kyle Van Noy.
The next step is training camp in late July. The offseason, such as it was, is essentially over. More moves will eventuate, but the basic building blocks have been set in place – or not. We’ll see in about six weeks how things will shape up. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. That’s why they play the games. You just never know.