Mac Jones delivered a promising rookie season and led the New England Patriots to the playoffs in 2021.
He led all rookie quarterbacks for passing yards (3,801) and finished 13th in the National Football League among all signal-callers. Jones set franchise rookie records for the Patriots in passing yards and touchdowns (22) while having two 300-yard performances and eight games with 2+ touchdown passes. He made his first Pro Bowl and guided AFC to a 41-35 victory.
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Jones has looked great during the offseason.
The 6-foot-3, 217-pounder dropped weight, bulked up, and has more command of New England’s offense. He has become a more vocal leader, and his teammates are excited about this season. Jonnu Smith, a tight end for the Patriots, was featured Monday on Good Morning Football. He said what impresses him about Jones is he has “so much dog in him” and “has so much ability.”
“He has so much ability. So much dog in him. When he flips that switch, he’s a different person.”@Patriots TE @easymoney_81 on @MacJones_10 (via @gmfb) pic.twitter.com/qn71pNfnnN
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 27, 2022
“Honestly, just the way he can turn it on,” Smith said about what impresses him about Jones. “Mac is one of the most goofiest guys in the locker room, but he is a different character when he steps on the field. Once he flips on that switch, he’s a different person. Not many guys can do that. He has so much swagger. I love catching passes from him. That is my guy.”
Jones trained with Tom Brady’s throwing coach this offseason. He’s established a connection with Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, Nelson Agholor, and Jakobi Meyers as wide receivers. As an Alabama football alum, the two-time College Football Playoff National Champion is ready to take another step. New England is set to show it still runs the AFC East with Jones under center.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
