Mac Jones set rookie franchise records as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2021, but New England struggled in 2022.
Jones did not force the offense to struggle; however, Matt Patricia was not the best move for an offensive coordinator.
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He had been a defensive assistant under Bill Belichick. One cannot expect a defensive mind to magically become an offensive guru, but New England played itself into thinking it. Jones was visibly frustrated with the offense and Patricia’s lack of wanting to stretch the field in the vertical passing game. As a rookie, he totaled 3,801 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns under Josh McDaniels. Jones got the Patriots back to the playoffs at 10-7 and earned an invitation to the NFL Pro Bowl.
He recorded 2,997 passing yards and 14 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2022. New England let go of Patricia and hired Bill O’Brien to run the offense next season. Jones helped O’Brien learn Alabama’s offense before heading to the 2021 NFL Draft.
As a University of Alabama alum, Jones wants to be coached hard.
O’Brien will provide him with hard coaching, and he’ll push the passing game. Jones has been working all offseason with Nic Shimonek, a former Texas Tech quarterback, to prepare to have a bounce-back season in year three.
More Mac! The #Patriots QB is getting to work:
(IG: nicshimonek) pic.twitter.com/E2s9jrj88W
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 17, 2023
More offseason work from #Patriots QB Mac Jones:
(IG: nicshimonek) pic.twitter.com/AwiwW5pioS
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 16, 2023
Next fall is make-or-break time for Jones, but he is set for the challenge.
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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.
