NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
*All stats/grades are via PFF
I considered writing about this earlier in the offseason after reports said there was tension between Mac Jones and Bill Belichick. However, it didn’t seem serious enough so I decided not to. Fast forward, and new reports say Belichick had been taking trade calls on Mac Jones.
Even if the trade rumors aren’t entirely accurate, there are undeniable issues between Jones and Belichick. Due to this, Washington might want to think about giving the Patriots a call to check on Jones’ availability before the draft.
Here is why the Commanders should inquire about Mac Jones.
Washington’s Current QB Situation
Sam Howell is slated to be the starting quarterback next season. While Rivera says there will be a competition between Howell and Brissett, I don’t buy that. Unless Howell seriously struggles, he will be under center come week one.
I am a big Howell fan and had him ranked as QB1 in last year’s draft. However, entering a season with a 5th-round quarterback as your starter is far from ideal. Trading for Jones and having the two compete for the starting job would double their chances of finding a long-term solution at quarterback.
Jones’ Rookie Season
Mac Jones was the best rookie quarterback in his class by a wide margin. He finished 2021 with a 78.5 passing grade, ranking 11th highest in the NFL. The next highest rookie was Justin Fields with a 60.8 passing grade. Mac did this with very limited weapons. His top two targets were Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne. Both would be a #3 or #4 on most teams.
During the pre-draft process, many criticized Jones for not having elite physical traits and questioned how many big plays he could make at the next level. In 2021, Mac had 26 Big Time Throws (a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window – PFF). This was tied for the 12th highest. He did this while still being safe with the football. His 2.5% Turnover Worthy Play rate ranked 6th lowest in the league.
“Noodle Arm” Mac Jones #Patriots pic.twitter.com/X8sdCq6Bp8
— Joshua Terry (@_joshuaterry) February 8, 2023
Jones’ 67.3 completion percentage ranked 7th highest (tied with Mahomes). This is even more impressive considering Mac’s average depth of target was 8.3 yards, the 13th highest among 38 qualifying quarterbacks.
His Sophmore Slump Wasn’t His Fault
Many will look at Mac’s 2nd year and say it was a complete failure. While it wasn’t pretty, I believe putting any blame on him is ridiculous. Belichick created the perfect blueprint on everything not to do with your 2nd-year quarterback.
After Josh McDaniels departed to Vegas, Belichick decided to give the offensive coordinator position and play-calling duties to Matt Patricia (a defensive coordinator). It was clear early on that Patricia calling plays wasn’t going to work. To make matters even worse, Mac’s new quarterbacks coach was Joe Judge (a special teams coordinator).
His supporting cast on the field was not much better. New England’s receiving core had no remnants of a #1 receiver. Looking in that same division, Tua had Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Josh Allen had Stephon Diggs and Gabe Davis, and even the Jets had the 2022 offensive rookie of the year in Garrett Wilson.
Believing a second-year quarterback should/will find success with an abysmal offensive coaching staff and no weapons is irrational. Even the offensive line struggled at times. Jones was pressured on 29.2% of his dropbacks, a higher rate than even Joe Burrow (27.7%).
Conclusion
Mac Jones has a cap hit of just $4.25 million in 2023. Washington currently has $2.4 million in available cap space. It wouldn’t take much to maneuver money around to make room for Jones’ contract. Jones would also be in a much better situation in Washington with Eric Bieniemy as his OC and a WR room that includes Mclaurin, Dotson, and Samuel.
I believe Howell can be a good quarterback in this league. However, the odds are stacked against him. According to the Draft Network, from 2000 to 2020, there were 122 quarterbacks drafted in rounds 5-7. Only 5 of these quarterbacks have made a pro bowl. The 4.1% hit rate does not bode well for Howell.
For this reason alone, Washington should call New England to see if there is any truth to the Mac Jones trade rumors. Jones flashed his potential in his rookie year before Belichick completely mishandled his sophomore season. Having Mac and Howell compete for the starting job is likely Washington’s best course of action right now when looking for a long-term solution at quarterback.
