Mac Jones is learning from legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady.
The New England Patriots quarterback claimed watching Brady’s tape has helped his continued evolution at the position in his third NFL season.
Jones is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2022 season that saw him record 2,997 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Life in the NFL is about improving, and Jones has been doing that with Brady’s help both directly and indirectly.
“I’d say it’s more, like, the learning experiences — just from film and things like that,” Jones said, when asked how Brady has helped mentor him, via NESN’s Dakota Randall. “And then, obviously, getting a chance to talk to him a little bit. He’s definitely a great player. Has done everything right here. Won a lot of games, won a lot of championships.”
Brady was a model of consistency during his time in New England, while Jones has had an up-and-down run with the team so far.
After making promising strides in his rookie year, he struggled last season. However, he was able to take away one particular thing from watching Brady’s film, as he told the assembled media on Thursday.
“Yeah, I think it was really his ability to overcome bad plays,” said Jones. “There’s a lot of good plays, but whenever he maybe didn’t have a great play, the next one was always really good. And I feel like that’s a key for a really good quarterback.
“So, definitely learned that from him, but he didn’t make a lot of bad plays. He made a lot of good plays. So, try to apply that to my game, too.”
This season will be a crucial one for Jones, as New England tries to right the ship and get back to winning football. Following in the footsteps of Brady is never a bad thing, even if it comes with high expectations.
Jones will try to start the trend on Sunday when his team takes on the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener.
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