Everyone can agree that the 2019 season didn’t go as planned for Alabama. Not only did they not make it to the CFB Playoff, they lost the majority of their starters on defense to injury throughout the season, and lost their star quarterback too. But that didn’t stop Mac Jones from stepping up and going 3-1 as a starter.
In fact, he did a lot better than many thought he would, including myself. He exceeded my expectations of how he would perform, especially against Auburn. And at the end of the season, he had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020. Which is amazing, considering his only 4 starts ever, were this season. Simply put, Mac Jones proved that he is more than just a backup quarterback.
In his first career start against Arkansas for an injured Tagovailoa, he went 18-22 for 235 yards and 3 TDs. Two weeks later, he was back in the “back-up” role against LSU. The following week against Mississippi State, he went in to replace an injured Tua Tagovailoa again, but this time, he would be the official starter for the rest of the season as Tagovailoa suffered a season ending injury.
Against Western Carolina, Jones went 10-12 for 275 yards and 3 TDs, but he only played the first half. And then came the Iron Bowl. Although the Crimson Tide lost a heartbreaker, the team showed resilience, especially Mac Jones. Even after throwing 2 costly interceptions, Jones regained his composure and leadership as he finished the game with 335 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 2 INT.
Before the Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan, Jones had already racked up 939 yards passing and 10 TDS in just 3 games ( 2 full + 2 (half) games.)
During the Citrus Bowl, Mac Jones showcased his abilities not only as a quarterback, but as a leader. He finished the game completing 16 of 25 passes for 327 yards and 3 TDs against 15th ranked Michigan.
Jones finished the season with 1,503 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 3 INT.
But it wasn’t just his stats that impressed me, it’s how he won over the team. It’s how he handled pressure in big games. It’s how he kept his composure after throwing a costly interception in the Iron Bowl. It’s how he was the first to take blame after a bad play. And it’s how he made sure his team ended on a high note, even after a hard season.
Jones spoke at the QB Club Annual Banquet and shared about his relationship with DeVonta Smith, one of Alabama’s star wide receivers who decided to return for his senior year:
“Me and Smitty, we’ve become really close throughout the years but specifically this offseason. We’ve already been throwing a lot and eating together, stuff like that. We are bonding great, he’s a great addition, he’s a great overall player all around. It’s good to have him back.”
Jones also made it clear… he’s not finished yet:
“I think I got some respect from my teammates and they did a good job helping me and having my back. Credit to all my teammates, they made it a lot easier, but that’s obviously in the past and we are looking forward to moving forward and me taking over the team and helping us win games.”
I think it’s Mac Jones’ spot to lose.
Is Bryce Young talented? Absolutely.
Will this be a fun QB battle to witness? Of course.
But at the end of the day Jones has experience, leadership, and the respect of his teammates who witnessed him take over as QB1, and lead the team to a Citrus Bowl win, and that is priceless.
Don’t get me wrong, Bryce Young may just be the best quarterback Alabama has ever recruited… but it doesn’t mean he’ll automatically start over Mac Jones.
If Mac Jones improves over the spring and summer like I know he can, Mac Jones may be the guy to lead Alabama back to the CFB Playoff.
After all, we all remember Blake Sims’ incredible transformation between seasons, and we also remember watching Jake Coker, the following season, lead Alabama to a national championship.
Anything is possible. Just don’t count Mac Jones out just yet…