NFL
By: Steve Atkinson
Mac Jones is heading into his second season with the Patriots. This one is a crucial one for his development. Jones, is coming off a rookie season with 22 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Also, passed for 3801 yards. He had an impressive rookie season with the help of wide receivers Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agohlor, and tight end’s Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Agohlor and Smith were unproductive in their first year with the Patriots but hope to rebound as they begin their second year. Another big change for Jones is Josh McDaniels is now the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders while Joe Judge, Matt Patricia, and Nick Caley will be working with the offense.
The trade last week for DeVante Parker was huge for Mac to get himself a wide receiver that can go deep. Yes, Parker has battled injuries however he is a better wide receiver than Agohlor and takes the pressure off Bourne and Meyers also. Jones was in Tampa this week along with Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agohlor, and DeVante Parker doing a throwing session. That is a great sign that Jones is working with his wide receivers to get a head start as they prepare for the season.
Mac Jones Heading Into A Crucial Second Year Of His Career
Then comes the NFL draft at the end of the month when the Patriots will most likely add a receiver at that time. They need to add maybe a teammate of Mac’s at Alabama or somewhere where the offense is similar to the Patriots. If you want Jones to take a second-year leap like Joe Burrow, then the Patriots need to draft a receiver that will have strong chemistry with Jones.
Some extended footage from this week’s Patriots throwing sessions, via Mac Jones’ IG. pic.twitter.com/lIvohZ036h
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) April 8, 2022
Robert Kraft spoke to Jeff Howe of the Athletic and said this will be a very big year for Mac Jones
“This year will be very telling,” Kraft saidTo come into something as new as this, as established, I think he got beat up pretty bad, and he kept coming back and getting up and really doing some great stuff. Just the way he handles himself, he took some real beatings and hopped up. He has developed a good relationship with the whole cadre of receivers. I’m very happy with what I’ve seen. But this is a big year, the second year.”
Mac Jones Will Take A Leadership Role This Year
I believe Mac has also taken notes on how to be a leader in the locker room. It seems players like being around Mac and he gives off good teammate and leadership qualities. That is what you want in your young quarterback. He seems to take the opportunity as it comes and strives for greatness. It also helps watching film of Tom Brady and what he meant and still means to the Patriots organization. Jones will not be Brady, but he can learn the leadership qualities he developed in the beginning of his career. Jones also can learn from leaders in the current locker room too such as Devin McCourty, Matthew Slater, and Brian Hoyer.
From a Mike Reiss article on ESPN, he explains what Teddy Bruschi said on NFL Live about the Patriots bringing in DeVante Parker
As Mac heads into his second season, you’ll see him probably post more workout videos and bonding with his teammates. As they prepare for offseason workouts leading up to minicamp and training camp.
