New England Patriots: Everybody hates Mac Jones
Is Mac Jones simply not the guy for the New England Patriots? Or is he unfairly taking criticism in a post-Tom Brady era in Foxborough where certain traits are expected out of the quarterback position.
Whether it was a change in play calling or offensive philosophy, a struggling offensive line, an early season high ankle sprain or flat-out frustration with how the season has gone, the Patriots second-year quarterback is going through the growing pains most young quarterbacks go through. It’s how he battles through that will determine whether he belongs in the NFL even if not with the Patriots.
If you are one who puts blame on Bill Belichick and the Matt Patricia, Joe Judge decision, then you are someone willing to give Mac Jones the benefit of the doubt and a pass for this season and understands his temper tantrums on the field.
If you are in the camp that believes Bailey Zappe can do more for this offense than Mac Jones, you are someone who has seen enough. If you are somewhere in the middle, you can see the blame in everyone on the offensive side of the ball.
New England Patriots: Mac Jones has played his role in his own regression
It starts with the Patricia and Jones relationship, but ultimately the offensive line’s inconsistency, the playmakers not making plays and self-inflicted mistakes have each played a role in Mac’s regression this season…at least as far as his statistics go. But with every Zappe chant, it is becoming apparent that there is starting to be a lot of dismay for the quarterback.
When things aren’t going well, the QB position is always where it starts. New England Patriots fans have seen a certain leader take over on the field for over two decades when the team needed a life. So far, they aren’t seeing that fire in Mac’s eyes or that leadership Patriots legend Vince Wilfork pointed to as a necessary trait Jones must have instead of the outward display of frustration, he has shown this season.
"“I’m tired of it, you know what I’m saying?” Wilfork said, as transcribed by CBS Sports. “I’m tired of it. You’re the leader of this team. You’re a quarterback, so you can’t be frustrated every single week and every single play. I don’t care if you’re getting the play call in late, or whatever it may be. At the end of the day, you have to show some poise because you operate the ship. You’re the head of the ship when you’re out there. Then you’ve got the teammates looking at you every week and every play. Every other play, it’s this, that, and the other.”"
What’s funny is that the leadership of Mac Jones was praised by teammates and former players all through his rookie year. This season, that aspect of his mental makeup has floated even more than some of his throws down the field. If it was just his struggles at play, a lot of people including Wilfork would say okay, he needs another season. But his antics on the field is making Mac hard to root for and easy to root against if you want a change at the position.
Everybody hates Mac Jones?
Fair or unfair, it is the reputation he is starting to get as the season concludes. He is also beginning to be labeled as a dirty player. Again, that may seem unfair, but after being fined over $11,000 for a low block on Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Eli Apple, it does appear opposing players are starting to feel that way. Calling him the “Grayson Allen” of the NFL is a bit much, but again, the Patriots quarterback is defending his actions on the field that impacted the game in a negative fashion instead of in a positive way.
"“I have all the respect for Eli and the Bengals. They played a great game,” Jones said, via WEEI. “So, there’s no hard feelings and definitely no intention to hurt anybody on that play. Nor do I believe that when I’m playing quarterback, that’s what – I get hit a lot, too. We’re all out there playing hard. It’s just part of the game.”"
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It’s just that when things aren’t going well, those types of negative plays are magnified. So, while saying everybody hates Mac Jones is a bit harsh and an overreaction, he is making it easier for critics to dislike him due to his negative antics on the field.
Now that there are a lot of people rooting against him, perhaps he can turn that energy into the fire he need to lead this team and be an impactful quarterback in the NFL.