In the wake of a disappointing loss to the Texans, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been under intense scrutiny from media and fans alike. The Pats have been in an up-and-down season so far, but with a 4-game winning streak and a chance at the playoffs, is it time for Belichick to give Mac Jones a shot?
Mac Jones is putting an intense amount of pressure on Bill Belichick to name him starting QB for the New England Patriots. Read more in detail here: mac jones alabama.
Mac Jones was one of the most intriguing prospects entering the 2021 NFL Draft. He was rated as a late first/early second-round prospect by some experts, while others projected him to go third overall to the San Francisco 49ers. The Alabama product eventually signed with the New England Patriots.
Jones has given Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots no cause to lament their choice so far.
In his first two NFL preseason games, Mac Jones looked good.
Jones had his first taste of NFL play on August 12 against the Washington Football Team, and he put up a quiet but effective effort. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was a solid performance from a quarterback who has yet to be named the starting quarterback.
Jones completed 13 of 19 passes for 87 yards and no interceptions. It’s worth noting that Washington’s defense was outstanding in 2020 and is projected to be much better in 2021. While 87 yards on 13 completions may not seem to be very remarkable, the Patriots’ first-round pick might have fared far worse.
Jones followed up his promising debut performance by taking it to the Philadelphia Eagles a week later. Jones finished 13-19 for 146 yards, which was a nightmarish performance for the Eagles.
If wide receiver N’Keal Harry had caught a long ball down the left sideline, Jones would have easily surpassed 200 yards for the night. Jones made a near-perfect throw, but an extended Harry couldn’t get it as he dived to the turf.
The focus has shifted to Bill Belichick.
Mac Jones’ preseason drives are as follows:
10 plays for 70 yards and a touchdown 9 plays for 75 yards and a touchdown 17 plays for 91 yards and a touchdown punt 13 plays for 53 yards and a field goal punt 10 plays for 43 yards and a field goal
August 20, 2021 — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball)
Although it is only the preseason, Jones has already made an impact. He’s put in solid performances when called upon, and he seems to be at ease directing and commanding the attack.
The Patriots (Belichick) have stayed constant all offseason, announcing that Cam Newton would be the starting quarterback in Week 1. However, it’s getting more difficult to ignore Jones’s pressure on the organization to designate him the starter as soon as possible.
After all, Jones was chosen to be New England’s “second coming” of Tom Brady (this is an exaggeration, Brady is irreplaceable). The objective should be to get him on the field as soon as possible so he can start winning football games. As much as clubs prefer to give rookie quarterbacks learning years, if Jones is ready, he is ready.
Cam Newton isn’t going to give Mac Jones the starting position.
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/Mac Jones
Newton is the thorn in the side of this Patriots quarterback conundrum. He’s only signed for one year and isn’t likely to give the starting quarterback position to a rookie.
Newton’s performance against the Eagles was spectacular, as he threw for 103 yards and a score. As terrific as Jones has looked in his two preseason games, Newton is doing just enough to keep his job as the starter.
When New England eventually pulls off the band-aid, it will be fascinating to watch. Jones will have to begin at some point. Jones may see action as early as Week 1 if he has a third consecutive good preseason performance. Will the Patriots adhere to their original strategy of gradually integrating Jones into the scheme while Newton is active?
Only time will tell whether this is true.
ESPN provided all numbers.
RELATED: After igniting a rivalry during joint practices, Cam Newton ruthlessly gave an Eagles backup a hilarious nickname: ‘Oh, That’s Glitter.’
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