From the moment he was named the team’s starting quarterback in the preseason, Mac Jones was a difference-maker for the New England Patriots. Following a disappointing 2020 season where the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Jones stepped in during his rookie campaign and led the Patriots to a 10-7 record.
New England would ultimately appear to be a few pieces away from competing for a Super Bowl, as it was blown out on the road against the Buffalo Bills in the first round.
But the early success of Jones has stabilized a franchise that was believed to be in limbo after the departure of future hall of fame quarterback Tom Brady. As he now prepares to enter his sophomore season in the NFL, Jones has been putting in the work in the offseason to help the franchise take another step back to competing for a championship.
His work thus far has impressed his current teammates and wide receiver Nelson Agholor applauded Jones for his efforts during a video conference with local media on Wednesday.
“He’s definitely trained his butt off, I can tell you that,” Agholor said. “I see it every day when he comes in here. He works his butt off. He’s here every day putting the time in. And, obviously, when he throws the football, he throws the football well — really well. I’m impressed with what he does every day and how he works.”
In his first season Jones threw for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. As he continues to work on his game off the field, Agholor believes that Jones’ greatest strength is his ability to communicate on the field.
“I think Mac’s greatest strength is his ability to communicate,” Agholor said. “Obviously, he’s a great quarterback. I think he throws the ball amazing. But I love the way he communicates, and that’s something that allows you to grow together and work together, because communication is the key to every great relationship.
“He does a great job telling me what he sees. He does a great job of telling me what he likes about what I’m doing. He does a great job of (telling me about) some things that are hard for him to read when I move around and things like that. And once you know, there’s less gray area. … His communication is everything.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
