Some members of national media now see Mac Jones as the best quarterback from the recent draft class.
He had the harshest criticism, especially from those who did not see him as athletic.
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People credited the coaching, offensive talent, and protection he had at the University of Alabama as what built him. Jones had these things, but he carried the Crimson Tide with his production to a national championship in 2020.
He has started seven games for the New England Patriots, and its fans are seeing a star on the rise. Jones leads all rookie quarterbacks for completion percentage (70.4), passing yards (1,779), touchdown passes (nine), passer rating (92.8), and quarterback rating (53.5).
He ranks in the top-10 for all signal-callers in completion percentage (No. 4) and passing yards (No. 9).
Jones has a decent quarterback rating for a rookie; however, it is higher than Matt Ryan’s, Ben Roethlisberger’s, Jared Goff’s, and Jimmy Garoppolo’s. All four quarterbacks led their respective teams to at least one Super Bowl matchup, while Roethlisberger is a two-time Super Bowl champion. New England is 3-4, but part of the blame is on Bill Belichick. The six-time NFL champion head coach has not put the ball in Jones’ hands during crunch time.
New England’s defeats against the Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Cowboys were by one possession. The Patriots could easily be 6-1, yet an opportunity at the playoffs remains available for it. He encountered a lot of doubters, but Jones continues to silence the harshest of critics with his play.
Jones will face Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend.
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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.
