The New England Patriots thought they had found the right guy to lead the post-Tom Brady era.
But Mac Jones’ regression in 2022 raised several questions about his potential going forward.
There were several reports about his character and leadership skills, as he was spotted throwing tantrums on the sidelines more often than not.
Also, some rumors claimed that his antics ‘rubbed some people inside the locker room the wrong way,’ and there was even speculation about a potential trade.
That’s why Patriots star Devin McCourty went in Jones’ defense, stating that Bill Belichick actually encourages team captains to step up and be vocal about the things they don’t like:
“What I love about Mac is that Mac came into a leadership role as a quarterback and he speaks to what he thinks,” McCourty said. “I think what people don’t always understand, in our locker room, Bill pushes that. We’re in the captains meeting every week, [and he’ll say] ‘If you don’t like something, tell us and we’ll throw it out.’ Because what’s the point of players going out there and saying, as soon as that call comes in, ‘I know we hate this call but…’ No one wants to be out there with that.”
“Sources say Mac Jones rubbing people the wrong way”@devinmccourty says… pic.twitter.com/LV4rNdFjik
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) February 27, 2023
McCourty also stated that Jones was a victim of the Patriots’ coaching staff last season.
Belichick refused to name Offensive or Defensive Coordinators, and what he expected to be a genius move wound up holding the team back week in and week out.
He’ll now get to work with Bill O’Brien — who knows him from their brief stint together in Alabama — so there should be more consistency in play-calling and offensive schemes going forward.
Jones has never been the most athletic player or the most impressive quarterback, but he seemed to have the traits to succeed in this league, especially within the Patriots system.
So, yeah, some may not like his character, but even one of his best veteran teammates agrees that it’s all a part of the so-called Patriots Way, so maybe we should wait a little longer before counting him out.
NEXT:
Boston Reporter Makes It Clear How The Patriots Feel About Mac Jones
