Devin McCourty Praises Mac Jones Plays as 'Haymakers' After Patriots Scrimmage
Jun 12, 2022
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 08: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) tosses a pass during Day 2 of mandatory New England Patriots minicamp on June 8, 2022, at the Patriots Training Facility at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones completed three deep balls into tight coverage during the team's final practice of this offseason's mandatory minicamp.
Pats safety Devin McCourty described the plays as "haymakers," per ESPN's Mike Reiss.
One of the knocks against Jones in his rookie year was that he managed games well and handled the pressure of playing in the long shadow that Tom Brady cast for every future Patriots' quarterback but didn't necessarily show the ability to beat teams down the field or hit his receivers in tight windows.
Some of that narrative further crystalized after Jones attempted just three passes in a blustery, 14-10 win in December against the Buffalo Bills.
Jones, 23, threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during his rookie season, completing 67.6 percent of his passes, and led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. He was also a Pro Bowler.
But he struggled in a 47-17 blowout loss against the Bills in the postseason, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns but also was intercepted twice and sacked three times.
One of the questions coming into his second year, then, was whether Jones would take the next step as a quarterback, and whether Bill Belichick and the coaching staff would trust him enough to open up the passing game a bit more.
So far, so good.
Highlighting a top observation from Patriots practice: Mac Jones’ growing comfort level with WRs to express what he is looking for route-wise.
This video from Tuesday, after DeVante Parker takes a rep, shows one example.
Question: How do you see Mac Jones in terms of taking ownership of the offense?
Jakobi Meyers: “That’s a capital YES, exclamation mark, exclamation mark. We’re all trying to catch up to what’s in his mind, his vision.” pic.twitter.com/zkhAvacsm7
"It's just at another level now," receiver Kendrick Bourne told Reiss last week about Jones' growing leadership. "He's more comfortable, more confident. He knows what's going on, and the muscle memory is there [from having gone through it]—OTAs, then camp, and the season. He's just more locked in, more secure in his position."
"He has great energy on and off the field," veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler added. "His confidence, his swagger—I love that about him."
Patriots QB Mac Jones' Leadership 'Just at Another Level Now,' Says Kendrick Bourne
Jun 5, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 06: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots warms up before the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on February 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Mac Jones isn't just stepping up in the weight room. New England Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne raved about the second-year quarterback's improvement as a leader during offseason workouts.
"It's just at another level now," Bourne told ESPN's Mike Reiss. "He's more comfortable, more confident. He knows what's going on, and the muscle memory is there [from having gone through it]—OTAs, then camp and the season. He's just more locked in, more secure in his position."
Jones' leadership has been so impressive that he's reportedly a candidate to become a team captain heading into his second season. Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty are the only other players who have captained the team in their second season under Bill Belichick.
"He connects with all the players really well. I'm proud of that dude, because it's not easy," Bourne said. "Going into his second year after having a year like that, it's going to be a challenge, but he's a guy that likes challenges, like all of us in that Patriot building."
Jones threw for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions during his rookie season, leading the Patriots to a wild-card berth. He finished second behind Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase in Rookie of the Year voting and was one of only four players to receive a vote.
While Jones has a long way to go in filling the Grand Canyon-sized shoes of Tom Brady, the Alabama product showed poise in the pocket and accuracy on his passes that make him a strong fit for Belichick's system.
The Patriots will need a major step up in terms of big plays and a cutdown on interceptions for Jones to become a bonafide franchise star, but he's making all of the right moves thus far.
Patriots' Mac Jones 'in the Best Shape of His Life,' Kendrick Bourne Says
May 23, 2022
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 02: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) before a game between the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 2, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne noticed an obvious change with teammate Mac Jones as the team prepares for the 2022 NFL season.
"He's in the best shape of his life," Bourne told reporters Monday. "He looks really good. His stomach is gone."
He added the second-year quarterback is "definitely a lot more in shape than he ever was, just dominating in conditioning."
In the case of a player such as Jones, who now has a full year in the pros under his belt, there's certainly a benefit to having a better understanding of what's required.
Jones said he "probably learned more this offseason than I ever have about my diet, sleep, nutrition, wellness, all that stuff."
"I've learned more this offseason than I ever have about nutrition, sleep, wellness, so I'm kind of taking what I've learned that I feel will help me and apply it."
— Patriots Coverage on NBCS Boston (@NBCSPatriots) May 23, 2022
The 23-year-old didn't want to slim down too much, though, in order to "maintain my weight and be able to take hits."
Jones exceeded expectations as a rookie. He threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions en route to finishing second behind Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
After winning 10 games and earning a wild-card berth, New England knows it can be a playoff team with Jones at the helm. However, it's still a little unclear where his—and by extension the Patriots'—ceiling is.
A player's draft position certainly isn't the only indicator of their potential, but there was a reason Jones was the fifth QB off the board in the 2021 draft.
The 2022 season will continue to show how much more room Jones has to grow and whether the Patriots have their true successor to Tom Brady.
Mac Jones, Patriots QBs to Work with Joe Judge; Ex-Giants HC Unsure Who'll Call Plays
May 16, 2022
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks to pass during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
There appears to be more clarity regarding the role of New England Patriots offensive assistant Joe Judge.
Judge told reporters that he will be working with second-year signal-caller Mac Jones and the team's other quarterbacks. However, the former New York Giants coach added that he is not yet sure who will be calling the plays during the 2022 season.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has identified Judge and Matt Patricia as the leading offensive assistants for the 2022 season, but he hadn't specified their roles. A former Detroit Lions head coach and longtime Pats defensive coordinator, Patricia said Monday that he will be working again with the offensive line.
Judge and Patricia are expected to fill the void of former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was named head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. McDaniels acted as the team's play-caller previously.
"Look, I'll tell you directly and honestly right now, nothing has been declared or decided or voiced to me. ... In terms of who calls plays, to be honest with you, that's not the main focus right now," Judge said. "When Coach wants to go ahead and declare a role like that, he'll tell us."
Judge went 10-23 in two seasons as Giants head coach before getting fired in February. He had gotten an up-close look at Jones during a joint practice last team, and he also did extensive research on the 23-year-old leading up to the 2021 draft.
"There's a lot of things you're impressed with: the accuracy, the presence in the pocket, the decision-making, things of that nature," Judge said of Jones. "I like the way he handled and commanded the huddle and team when we practiced against him; that's something that really stood out to me."
Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Named 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year over Mac Jones
Feb 11, 2022
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 15: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders during the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner Thursday, beating out New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and several other candidates for the award.
Ja'Marr Chase wins AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Here's the voting: Ja'Marr Chase 42 Mac Jones 5 Creed Humphrey 2 Rashawn Slater 1
Chase was an obvious choice for the honor. The 21-year-old set the rookie record with receiving yards in a season (1,455) to go along with 81 receptions and 13 touchdowns.
He broke the record of his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, who set the previous mark (1,440 yards) last year.
"It meant a lot [to break the rookie receiving record]," he said on The Herd With Colin Cowherd inJanuary. "It was a goal of mine. I had written it down and stuck it on my mirror in college. It's been with me ever since. Now, I get to go back and call Justin and rub it in his face a little bit. That's my guy. This is something we always talked about. It's just a blessing to have the opportunity to be in this position."
He also set the rookie record for receiving yards in a game when he put up 266 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. And he not only helped the Bengals reach the postseason this year but also win their first playoff game since 1990 on the way to the Super Bowl.
Suffice to say, Chase is a Bengals legend after just one season. He may already be one of the top five wideouts in football. And it was basically a foregone conclusion that he would be named this year's Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He beat out Jones, who has an impressive first season at quarterback for the New England Patriots, going 10-7 as the starter and leading the team to the postseason.
In total, Jones threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, completing 67.6 percent of his passes.
But a poor finish to the season—the Patriots went 1-3 to close the regular season—and a bizarre 14-10 win over the Buffalo Bills in early December in which Jones only threw three passes because of blustery winter conditions likely hurt his case for this award.
A number of other rookies, including Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (1,200 rushing yards, 10 total touchdowns), Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (68 catches for 1,026 yards and a score) and Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle (rookie-record 104 receptions, to go along with 1,015 yards and seven total touchdowns) had fantastic seasons.
But they were all chasing Chase. Nobody caught him.
The 2021 NFL season is set to culminate Sunday with a showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI...
Patriots' Mac Jones Accepts Alternate Player Invitation to 2022 NFL Pro Bowl
Jan 31, 2022
Foxborough, MA - January 2: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) celebrates as the Patriots scored their second touchdown during the second quarter. The New England Patriots host the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL game on January 2, 2022 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
New England Patriots rookie Mac Jones was named to the 2022 Pro Bowl after some of the AFC's quarterbacks opted out of playing in the annual event, the team announced Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott was the last rookie quarterback to be named to the Pro Bowl when he was selected in 2016.
It's a nice ending to the 2021 season for Jones, who won New England's starting quarterback job in training camp over veteran Cam Newton and led the team back to the postseason with a 10-7 record.
Jones, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft, completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during his rookie campaign.
The Alabama product was so successful that's he's up for the Rookie of the Year award alongside Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
The Pro Bowl will be a nice opportunity for Jones to showcase his talent before officially entering the offseason and preparing for the 2022 season in which he's expected to take a significant step forward.
The initial Pro Bowl roster had Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert, Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore Ravens veteran Lamar Jackson as the AFC's three quarterbacks.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen declined an invitation to the Pro Bowl last week, saying he wanted to let his body recover. In addition, Jackson won't participate in the event because of an injury, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Aside from Jones and Prescott, other rookie quarterbacks to previously be named to the Pro Bowl include Jameis Winston (2015), Robert Griffin III (2012), Andrew Luck (2012), Russell Wilson (2012), Andy Dalton (2011), Cam Newton (2011), Vince Young (2006), Dan Marino (1983), Bob Griese (1967) and Joe Namath (1965).
Mac Jones became the fifth quarterback taken in the 2021 NFL draft when he was selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 15 overall pick. Trevor Lawrence (No. 1 to the Jacksonville Jaguars ), Zach Wilson (No...
Josh Allen, Bills Rout Mac Jones, Patriots for Dominant Win in 2022 NFL Playoffs
Jan 16, 2022
Orchard Park, NY - January 15: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) lifts up Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26) after his rushing touchdown in the second quarter. The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in a AFC wild-card game Saturday night January 15, 2022 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills defeated their archrival New England Patriots 47-17 in the AFC Wild Card Round on Saturday at Highmark Stadium to reach the divisional round for the second straight season.
It was the third meeting between the two teams over the last seven weeks. While the Patriots took the first meeting 14-10 on Dec. 6 in Buffalo, the Bills have now defeated New England in two straight and have won four of their last five against Bill Belichick's squad.
Star quarterback Josh Allen and tight end Dawson Knox paired perfectly to attack a depleted New England secondary, which was without Jalen Mills because of COVID-19 protocols. In addition, it was one of Buffalo's most balanced performances of the season, with the defense, running game and special teams all coming up big.
Notable Stats
Josh Allen, QB, BUF: 21/25 for 308 YDS, 5 TD and 6 CAR for 66 YDS
Mac Jones, QB, NE: 24/38 for 232 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT and 2 CAR for 18 YDS
Devin Singletary, RB, BUF: 16 CAR for 81 YDS, 2 TD and 3 REC for 13 YDS
Kendrick Bourne, WR, NE: 7 REC for 77 YDS, 2 TD and 1 CAR for 14 YDS
Stefon Diggs, WR, BUF: 3 REC for 60 YDS
Damien Harris, RB, NE: 9 CAR for 30 YDS
Dawson Knox, TE, BUF: 5 REC for 89 YDS, 2 TD
Bills Show Super Bowl Ceiling
The Bills reached the highest of highs and lowest of lows during the 2021 regular season. They obliterated the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins early in the season, but they also suffered an embarrassing 9-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, got blown out by the Indianapolis Colts and lost in a heartbreaker to the Tennessee Titans.
On Saturday, Buffalo proved what many believed to be true entering the 2021 season: They are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
The Bills asserted their dominance early and entered halftime up 27-3 on the Patriots thanks to four consecutive touchdown drives. It was the first time New England had allowed touchdowns on four straight drives in the Bill Belichick era.
This is the first time the Patriots have given up a touchdown on four consecutive drives in a game under Bill Belichick, per @ESPNStatsInfo.
The Bills' defense also got the job done in the first half, limiting rookie quarterback Mac Jones to just 106 passing yards. In addition, Micah Hyde picked off the Alabama product in what was one of the most impressive interceptions of the year.
Stop everything and watch this interception by Micah Hyde.
Micah Hyde covered 21.4 yards in 2.9 seconds to intercept Mac Jones' deep pass. Hyde was 14.4 yards away from Nelson Agholor when the pass was thrown, and 0.6 yards away at arrival.
The Bills kept up the pace in the second half, too. Allen led three more touchdown drives, and the defense forced another turnover. Their performance could arguably be one of the best of Wild Card Weekend.
Based on how inconsistent the Bills have been this year, many took the time to acknowledge that if the team can just stay persistent, they'll have a great chance to come out of the AFC and play in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993.
The Bills at their best can beat ANYONE! It’s just about being consistent. If they can ride this momentum, the AFC is going to be in trouble.
It should also be mentioned that Saturday's game was one of Buffalo's most balanced of the season. From the passing game, to the running game, defense and special teams, everything clicked for the Bills. It's something head coach Sean McDermott had been looking for all season long.
Patriots Have Bright Future Ahead With Mac Jones
Jones didn't have the best game on Saturday night, but things could have gone a lot worse for the rookie in his first career playoff game. Facing Josh Allen and the Bills in freezing temperatures was a tough task, and while Patriots fans are undoubtedly disappointed, they should be very excited for the future.
Sure, the Alabama product tossed two interceptions at Highmark Stadium. However, one was an unbelievable pick by Micah Hyde, and the other was tipped.
Jones' arm looked pretty good as he completed 24 of 38 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He also showed the ability to get out of the pocket and make plays on the ground when necessary, rushing for 18 yards on two carries.
We haven't seen Jones run much this season. It's not something he's particularly good at, but the fact he recognized moments where he could run for a first down and move the chains is a great sign that he's adjusting and developing.
Mac Jones taking yards with his feet is a great sign for next year, carry that lesson over. Nothing to do with this game outcome obviously, but it’s great to see him be assertive that way, show that he’s capable of taking what’s given.
As the game went on, and the Patriots offense seemingly woke up a little bit, many took the time to remind everyone that Jones has been very good this year, and things can only improve for New England moving forward.
Mac Jones is really good. Will only get better. Don’t let that get lost in the debacle.
Looking to next season, if the Patriots can put a true No. 1 receiver with Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Henry, the passing attack should make some really big improvements. Mac Jones is for real, and so is the OL/RB group.
The #Patriots roster and Mac Jones will get better. The most disturbing thing about these last two games against the #Bills is that Josh Allen is only 25 and will be in your division for the next decade.
2021 autopsy: The Patriots were better on offense than I thought they'd be. Did a great job figuring out what Mac needed throughout the year. If they retain McDaniels and get a real WR1 in the building (easier said than done), they'll be for real next year.
Looking back on the regular season, Jones had one of the most impressive rookie seasons by a quarterback in recent memory. He completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Obviously the 2021 season didn't end how he would've hoped, but Jones is expected to improve next season and once again lead New England back to the playoffs. If Belichick can bring in some reinforcements on both offense, like a No. 1 receiver, and defense, the Patriots will be a difficult team to play against in 2022.
What's Next?
The Bills will move on to the divisional round, while the Patriots will go back to the drawing board and begin preparations for the 2022 season.
Buffalo's opponent has yet to be decided. The No. 1 seeded Tennessee Titans will face the lowest remaining seed in the AFC next weekend after this week’s games.
The New England Patriots achieved the most success against the Buffalo Bills in the regular season on the ground. Damien Harris produced two 100-yard performances in two different styles of games between the AFC East rivals...
