The New England Patriots have made a few personnel changes this off-season and Mac Jones is in position to take on a more significant role as the team finds themselves with some injury issues. He has already started practicing again, but he still needs to prove himself before taking over for Dont’a Hightower.
Mac Jones is in position to expand leadership with the New England Patriots. Jones has been a backup quarterback for the team since 2014. Read more in detail here: mac jones bills.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS — At this time last year, quarterback Mac Jones had yet to take his determined walk across the stage as the New England Patriots’ first-round choice in the 2021 NFL draft.
Jones is spending this week in Tampa, Florida, working out with three of the team’s top returning receivers (Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers) as well as newcomer DeVante Parker, in what could be viewed as a decisive reflection of his willingness to expand his leadership within the organization.
It’s what many people, even those at the top of the company, want to see happen.
“I think he has a bit more edge than we’ve seen thus far. But he’s been considerate of the fact that he’s a rookie “Last week, at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, owner Robert Kraft said.
Jones’ on-field exercise with teammates in Agholor’s hometown of Tampa is likely to be the first of many this offseason. Jones is anticipated to be a full participant in the Patriots’ official voluntary offseason program, which starts April 18 at Gillette Stadium, but there are no restrictions against players from convening on their own to create more rapport.
Bourne shared a sneak preview of what’s going on in Tampa this week on Instagram.
Mac Jones is connecting and working on the field with WRs Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers, as well as RB J.J. Taylor, according to today’s story about a quarterback with Patriots connections in Tampa.
courtesy of @BournePoly11 Instagram: pRhtCN2BNi pic.twitter.com
April 5, 2022 — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
Parker’s injury history was discussed on ESPN’s NFL Live on Monday after the Patriots acquired him from the Miami Dolphins in a trade last week, with commentator Tedy Bruschi underlining the significance of Jones in Parker’s success.
“You put a receiver in the offense who you need to get the most out of when you bring him in, and who plays a huge role in that? The quarterback, to be precise. In terms of developing a connection with this individual, Mac must now take on the role of quarterback. You’ve outgrown your rookie status. Those serious chats, receiver to quarterback, ‘I need you out there,’ guy.”
When questioned about longstanding franchise stalwarts like safety Devin McCourty, special teams ace Matthew Slater, and running back James White returning in 2022 as they reach the conclusion of their careers, coach Bill Belichick hinted at Jones’ possible greater role within the club.
“Like some of the great players in the past, like Tedy Bruschi and Logan Mankins, and all the way down the line to Willie McGinest and Vince Wilfork.” Mayo, Jerod. Brown, Troy. We all know it won’t endure indefinitely. Other leaders must grow as well. These men were all filling in for someone who had gone before them. And someone will take their place in the future. It’s the National Football League.
“I believe Mac will ultimately fill those jobs. Begin with that.”
Last season, the Patriots had two offensive captains: White and center David Andrews. The other three captains were on defense (McCourty and linebacker Dont’a Hightower) and special teams (McCourty and linebacker Dont’a Hightower) (Slater).
So Jones might become a captain in only his second season, and White, who is returning for his eighth season with the Patriots, saw early hints of that potential last year.
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“You could see the kid was going to be a fantastic football player as soon as he walked into the facility, and I believe he improved week after week. As a rookie, he assumed the leadership role “White said. “To begin with, being a rookie and starting every game is not an easy task. He’s a fierce competitor who puts in long hours and attacks every day.”
Coach Nick Saban noted that Jones’ body language and avoiding negative emotions when things went wrong were barriers for him to overcome throughout his undergraduate tenure at Alabama.
Late in the 2019 season, Jones demonstrated his development by throwing two pick-sixes in an Iron Bowl defeat, but fighting back each time to lead touchdown drives and eventually put the team in position to tie the game (if not for a missed field goal attempt). Jones’s ability to take large knocks and not falter won him further respect among teammates when he was named team captain.
“He displayed a real attitude to his teammates in which he didn’t take himself too seriously in his last season at Alabama in 2020,” said Mike Rodak, who covers Alabama for AL.com. That bond with teammates was evident during Alabama’s second pro day, when receiver DeVonta Smith, a probable top-15 selection, put his body on the line to catch passes from Jones.
Jones’ improvement as a leader may continue this year, according to Kraft, and the workouts with teammates in Tampa seem to be a positive indicator.
“These young quarterbacks, especially the excellent ones, have often matured a lot in their second year. Mac Jones is one of my favorite musicians. You can see how diligently he works. He wishes for things to go well. He puts in the time and effort, and his nature as a team player helps him succeed “According to Kraft.
“He’s a wonderful guy who is also modest. I go in there on the weekends or early in the mornings, and he’s there working out, watching movies, and doing things that I wouldn’t expect someone with his background to do given his history. He has a lot of fans in the locker room. I believe the staff did a fantastic job picking him, and I have big hopes for him. We’re fortunate to have him as a part of our future.”
The “mock draft patriots” is a mock draft for the upcoming NFL Draft. It has Mac Jones in position to expand his leadership with the New England Patriots.
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