The two visions of New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones
While the biggest question going into Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers is whether New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones will play or not, there’s a bigger question facing the second-year quarterback…is he the man in Foxborough or just another average quarterback in the path to finding that next guy?
Depending on whether you are a Mac Jones lover or nonbeliever, that question will be easy to answer, but there’s always the realistic vision of a young quarterback growing into the position. That vision is simply patience, which is hard for a fanbase and media to have when the Patriots dominated the NFL for so long.
Off to a 1-2 start in the 2022 NFL season, Bill Belichick and crew not only have to find an identity, but now must allow time for Mac’s high ankle sprain and mind some time to heal. Whether he plays Sunday against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers or not, it is Mac Jones who needs to find his identity. Is he the cerebral, accurate quarterback or is he a gunslinger who will be a turnover machine.
New England Patriots need to see growth in Mac Jones
While both of those aspects played out on the field in the Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, there are really two visions of the Patriots quarterback battling out against one another. Yes, coaching is a factor and the players around him are factors, but ultimately it comes down to Mac Jones.
Let’s be blunt, for every dime he dropped to DeVante Parker against the Ravens, there was an equally bad decision that contributed to the loss. That is what sparked the following rant by former NFL executive and Belichick loyalist Mike Lombardi this week.
"“As much as I like Mac Jones, I thought Mac Jones would protect the ball and play smarter than he’s played,” Lombardi said, as transcribed by WEEI. “To me, he was in danger of either changing what he did, or he is going to lose his job. You’re not going to play in the NFL if you keep turning the ball over the way he was.”"
In representing the bad vision of Mac Jones, Lombardi was a little too harsh there, but wasn’t really saying anything beyond what any frustrated New England Patriots fan would say in live viewership of the game. It is a rant that obviously has Mac critics such as Nick Wright smiling and nodding his head in agreement, but more of a wakeup call to the quarterback to get back to what he does best.
"“Part of the allure for me with Mac Jones is that he was going to be a smart player. Protect the football at all costs. But he’s playing out of control. What does he think he is?,” Lombardi continued. “He’s throwing the ball up for grabs. Seriously. You’re not overly skilled.”"
Ouch!
Mac Jones has thrown some head-scratching interceptions, but part of that blame must go on Matt Patricia, Joe Judge, Belichick or whoever is masquerading as an offensive play caller. Jones is smart, but he is still very new to the NFL and is still learning and perhaps Lombardi and the Patriots are putting too much on him too quick.
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Again, depending on how quick he gets back on the field after suffering the high ankle sprain, there is a good vision of Mac Jones that can mature along with the entire offense as the season moves forward. We saw great glimpses of that on Sunday against the Ravens.
Not only did he push the ball downfield, but he also made plays and kept plays alive with his pocket presence and feet.
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That is the caliber of NFL quarterback Mac Jones could be.
The only thing I agree with Lombardi about is that he does need to limit the out-of-control version of Mac Jones because that will be what stands in his way and would eventually lead to the New England Patriots looking for a new quarterback sooner rather than later.