Mac Jones put on an absolute show throughout the New England Patriots’ three preseason games.
If he doesn’t earn the starting role in Week 1, it’ll likely come sooner rather than later in the 2021 season. The only thing holding Jones back is Cam Newton — who had a solid string of games, with less snaps to work with. Jones finished his first three NFL outings throwing 36 of 52 passes (69%) for 389 yards and a touchdown.
The recurring message from surrounding players about Jones is regarding his leadership. Devin McCourty discussed it, Trent Brown explained how “special” he can be and former Alabama OT Alex Leatherwhood even expressed this sentiment.
Running back J.J. Taylor was the latest player to use this description of Jones.
“His leadership,” running back J.J. Taylor said to reporters, via NESN. “He’s came in he’s been a great leader. Keeping us motivated, talking to the guys and just holding himself to the highest that he can.”
On top of his leadership, Jones’ work ethic has also been a huge point of discussion.
“Mac has come in here and worked hard,” Bill Belichick said on Monday. “He’s put in a ton of work every day. I think that has paid off and it’s showed up in the things he’s been able to improve on. If he makes a mistake he learns from it and works hard at it — he works hard in the first place so he doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe he gets it right the first time, which is sometimes hard at that position. His work ethic is very good.”
Whether or not Jones will bring that leadership to the field during Week 1 is still unknown.
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