Patriots
“I really want to enhance, clearly, and that’s what I’m going to deal with.”
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones appeared on WEEI’s “Jones & Mego” present on Tuesday, concerning quite a lot of matters together with his newest benching in opposition to the Colts on Sunday and his future because the group’s beginning quarterback.
Listed below are just a few highlights from Jones’ prolonged radio interview:
No readability on QB1 place
After yet one more pricey interception from Jones thwarted New England’s comeback bid in opposition to the Colts on Sunday, it stays to be seen if the third-year QB will throw one other go for the Patriots throughout the 2023 marketing campaign.
As soon as Jones’ ill-advised throw off his again foot was plucked by Colts security Julian Blackmon on the Indianapolis 2-yard line, Invoice Belichick opted to bench Jones for the third time in 10 video games this season — placing the ball in Bailey Zappe’s arms with beneath two minutes to go in regulation.
Because the Patriots returned from Germany following that 10-6 defeat, Belichick has remained mum in regards to the present structure of New England’s QB depth chart and whether or not or not Jones will stay because the group’s starter popping out of the bye week.
“We’ve received a whole lot of issues to work on this week as a group and we’ll work by means of these,” Belichick mentioned Tuesday morning about Jones’ standing as QB1. “That’s what we’re going to do that week.”
Chatting with WEEI afterward Tuesday, Jones famous that the Patriots haven’t knowledgeable him if he’s nonetheless the group’s starter.
“No, we haven’t talked about that,” Jones mentioned. “Actually, at this time we watched the sport movie and sort of talked in regards to the plans for the bye week, so we have now observe tomorrow. Simply see the way it goes there and the bye week is a good time to work on issues that you are able to do higher, so, that’s what I’m going to do. ”
The Patriots are anticipated to observe on Wednesday earlier than getting the following 4 days off throughout their bye week. Their subsequent recreation is ready for the next Sunday in opposition to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium — a recreation that might have main ramifications for each groups and their pursuit of a prime decide within the 2024 NFL Draft.
As for when Jones expects to listen to from the Patriots about his standing because the group’s starter?
“Um — I actually am not specializing in that and actually simply specializing in issues I can management,” Jones mentioned. “I’ve all the time finished that. I really want to enhance, clearly, and that’s what I’m going to deal with.”
A essential lens
Loads of elements have contributed to New England’s 2-8 begin to the 2023 season. A porous O-line, lack of elite playmakers on offense, accidents to essential contributors on protection, and years of poor drafting and lopsided roster development from Belichick have planted the Patriots within the basement of the AFC.
However Jones’ personal lapses in execution and poor decision-making have sapped a number of touchdowns away from an already lackluster offensive unit. By 10 video games this season, Jones has accomplished 65.4 % of his passes, however has solely thrown 10 touchdowns and has been knocked for 10 interceptions.
Solely Buffalo’s Josh Allen has thrown extra picks up to now in 2023.
“I feel everybody’s pissed off,” Jones acknowledged. “And clearly I’m too. And there’s a whole lot of issues that I want I may do higher. And I’ve sort of recognized these issues. And that’s the place all of it begins.
“And I do know I’m going to place the work in to do it and get the momentum shifting in the best route. So clearly that’s a giant image — sort of what you laid on the market. However on the finish of the day, I’ve to deal with the small image and work out what I can do higher.”
It’s been a stark drop-off for Jones in simply the span of some seasons. The previous Alabama signal-caller took residence Professional Bowl honors as a rookie in 2021, providing up hope that New England can retool on the fly within the post-Brady period.
However after trudging by means of a misplaced season in 2022 throughout Matt Patricia’s quick tenure as offensive play-caller, the outcomes have solely managed to worsen for Jones in his third NFL marketing campaign.
“I feel my confidence comes from my self-discipline and all of the issues I’ve finished all through the years simply to realize that,” Jones mentioned when requested if his perception in himself is waning following one other benching. “And naturally at occasions as an athlete, that’s going to be challenged. However on the finish of the day, I have to have faith in myself.
“That’s like the basis of the phrase, proper? It’s confidence, it’s perception in your self and others. In order that’s sort of what I learn about confidence. And that comes from placing the work in and being ready. So I do each of these issues. And I have to proceed to be assured.”
Invoice O’Brien’s wrath
One of the crucial damning sights throughout New England’s loss to Indy was Patriots offensive coordinator Invoice O’Brien dropping it on the sidelines whereas working by means of a play with Jones.
O’Brien’s tirade got here midway by means of the third quarter throughout Sunday’s showdown at Deutsche Financial institution Park in Frankfurt, Germany. Throughout a third-down play, Jones missed a learn and as a substitute tried to ship a shovel go over to Rhamondre Stevenson. Not solely was Stevenson not able to corral the throw, the go simply may have been intercepted for a possible pick-six.
Talking on WEEI, Jones mentioned that he nonetheless has a fantastic relationship with O’Brien.
“It’s good,” Jones mentioned. “I all the time have had coaches who count on a whole lot of their gamers and I really like that so there’s a superb relationship there and I’ve no points with him.”
Odds and ends
Jones confirmed that he did obtain X-rays following New England’s loss to the Colts, however mentioned it was nothing critical. “I feel in a recreation there’s issues that pop up however like I mentioned, there’s nothing critical that triggered any points,” Jones famous.
As for Jones’ relationship with Robert Kraft forward of what stands to be an offseason for change for New England?
“I’ve a fantastic relationship with Mr. Kraft and I’ve a whole lot of respect for him and his household and what they’ve constructed right here with the Patriots,” Jones mentioned. “I would like nothing greater than to attempt to get this factor again heading in the right direction for them and for the Patriots and the followers and all people. So I’ve a whole lot of respect for them, what they’ve constructed and I have to do a greater job of being the quarterback of the group.”
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