Category: Mac Jones

Drew Brees believes Mac Jones is most ‘NFL-ready’ rookie QB

Drew Brees believes Mac Jones is ready for the NFL.

Quarterback Mac Jones is set to make his NFL debut in just five days. As Week One gets closer, endorsements are continuing to pour in. Late Monday, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees gave praise to Jones, and believes Jones is the most NFL-ready player of the 2021 NFL draft.

Brees took part in an NBC Sports conference call this week, and gave phrase to the quarterback. Jones’ execution as well as his understanding of the game and ability to make accurate throws are just some of the reasons why Brees loves what he sees. He believes Jones is the steal of the draft.

“So as I was watching the draft, the minute the Patriots took Mac Jones at 15th, I said, that’s the steal of the draft,” he said. “It’s probably the guy who is most ready to play NFL quarterback right now, of all the guys who were taken before. His level of execution last year at Alabama, and I know we can sit here and argue he’s got the best players on the field on his side, on both sides of the ball, but in watching the National Championship game, that’s where it became very evident to me.

“This guy’s level of execution, his understanding of offensive football, his timing, his rhythm, his ability not only to make the routine throws, but to make throws that you’re going to need to make at the next level in order to win games and take care of the football the way he did, I felt like he was the most NFL ready.”

With this rookie quarterback class full of talent, Jones may have a chance to make a major impact of his own.

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ESPN’s Todd McShay compares Mac Jones to this former No. 1 overall pick

Mac Jones is drawing big-time comparisons already.

Mac Jones has garnered a lot of attention throughout this offseason.

The No. 15 overall pick won the starting role for the New England Patriots, ultimately leading to the release of Cam Newton. Jones was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie quarterback following the preseason — which is a huge feat considering the talent surrounding him in the draft.

Jones was originally projected to be drafted with the No. 3 pick by the San Francisco 49ers, but he fell drastically considering his potential. In ESPN’s Mike Reiss’ recent column, he noted Todd McShay’s thoughts about Jones the loaded draft class at quarterback.

“They’ve been up and down with draft picks over the years, and this might be the best class they’ve ever had,” McShay said.

Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Justin Fields are the big-time prospects that landed ahead of Jones. One quarterback in recent history that had similar hype was Joe Burrow, who was drafted in 2020. Burrow had a legendary year at LSU and proved himself in the NFL before getting injured. McShay went as far as comparing Jones to Burrow.

“To get a starting quarterback at 15, you rarely get that,” McShay continued.

“It was only one year (as a starter) instead of two years (like Burrow), and he’s not as mobile as Joe, but it’s the same kind of pocket presence and ability to feel where the rush is coming from,” McShay said. “And the accuracy and toughness — mental and physical. He’s a special cat, he really is.”

The Patriots start their season off against the Miami Dolphins and it’ll be the first chance to see Jones under the pressure of a regular season game.

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Rob Ninkovich says Mac Jones was teaching Cam Newton the Patriots’ playbook

Different potential reasons for Cam Newton’s release continue to trickle in.

Cam Newton’s release from the New England Patriots was a surprise to many.

The 32-year-old started in all three preseason games and Bill Belichick was clear in naming him the starter when Mac Jones was drafted with the No. 15 pick. Obviously, Jones surpassed all expectations and won the job with stellar and consistent performances throughout both training camp and the preseason.

Jones’ quick understanding of the Patriots’ playbook may have been a key factor in his rapid growth — while also hurting Newton’s chances for the starting role. According to Rob Ninkovich on The Dan and Ninko podcast, Jones was helping Newton with the playbook.

“From everything that I understand now, Mac was basically helping Cam learn the playbook,” he said. “So, imagine that. Learn that. Learn that right now. Absorb it. Learn it. Because Mac was having less M.E.’s — mental errors, that is what M.E. is in football, mental errors. He was having less mental errors in having a better understanding of the offense. We didn’t see Cam run any two-minute. We didn’t see him run any no-huddle. … You have to run no-huddle. That’s vital.”

It’s hard to pinpoint this as the reason for Newton’s release, but it could’ve played a factor if it’s entirely accurate. Newton’s vaccination status, his age and a myriad of other factors were all considered while trying to understand the reason of his release.

Regardless, Jones is the Patriots’ starting quarterback now and he’ll quickly get a taste of the NFL pace.

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Michael Lombardi: Mac Jones gets Josh McDaniels ‘back to his comfort zone’

Quarterback Mack Jones allows Josh McDaniels to feel comfortable with the offense.

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As the New England Patriots get set to take on the Miami Dolphins, rookie Mac Jones will be under center. As analysts around the country weigh in, one in particular thinks that the rookie quarterback puts offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in the perfect situation.

Speaking to NESN on Wednesday, former Browns general manager Michael Lombardi believes that Jones will put McDaniels in his comfort zone. More specifically, he believes that the play style of Jones allows McDaniels to work on skills that will benefit both parties.

Lombardi believes that the organization will take the same path they chose in developing Tom Brady. Ultimately, the analyst believes that will lead to success.

“I think Josh McDaniels can get back to his comfort zone,” Lombardi told NESN. “I think Josh McDaniels is one of the best coaches in the National Football League. He’s one of the brightest offensive minds in football. And I think he’ll understand how to utilize a rookie quarterback. He won’t take him too far down the road. He’ll make sure he protects first and lets him execute.
But this also gives Josh a chance to go back to his roots, go back to the offense that he developed along with Brady and all the other coaches that have been on the New England staff and kind of build their consensus and builds their comfort level. I think that’s ultimately what we’re going to see from the Patriots offense this year.”

With anticipation building for the season opener, Jones’ development will be crucial for 2021 and the future of the organization.

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Julian Edelman explains why he’s not surprised by Patriots starting Mac Jones

Julian Edelman agreed with New England’s decision to start Mac Jones

With the New England Patriots naming Mac Jones the starting quarterback, reactions are pouring in. Now working for Inside the NFL, former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman offered his opinion on the move Wednesday.

During a conference call, Edelman indicated that he was not surprised by the move New England made. Jones becomes the first rookie quarterback to start for the New England Patriots since Jacoby Brissett did so back in 2016.

Edelman indicated that Jones’ ceiling is one of the reasons why New England went with the rookie. He also cited command of the offense as another contributing factor. Here’s what Edelman said:

 “I think the kid came out and did very well. You could see in his eyes, see in his reads, that he felt very comfortable in the pocket. He was looking at the right areas. He ran the no-huddle well,” Edelman said. “I don’t think he beat (Newton) out, but the ceiling is so high and after spending the 15th overall pick on him, they’re going to go with him. It didn’t surprise me.”

All eyes will be on Jones beginning on September 10, as New England opens up at home against the Miami Dolphins.

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Charlie Weis says ‘the similarities are unbelievable’ between Mac Jones and Tom Brady

Mac Jones is already drawing comparisons to Tom Brady.

Mac Jones was officially named the New England Patriots starting quarterback on Tuesday. Comparisons between him and another former starting quarterback are already taking shape.

Appearing on the Greg Hill Show Thursday morning, former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis indicated that he saw similarities between Jones and Tom Brady. Weiss was the offensive coordinator in New England from 2000 to 2004, and had a front row seat in seeing Brady develop. Being a part of four Patriots Super Bowl teams, he was able to work closely with Brady as the latter became the centerpiece of the Patriots offense.

He indicated that the similarities between the play styles of Jones and Brady are ‘unbelievable.”

“The two most important things are do you have the it factor and are you accurate? And he has the it factor and he’s accurate,” Weis said. “Now, just like Tommy, Tommy as we know was not the most athletic person in the world, but what did he have? He had that feel in the pocket. He knew how to move in the pocket. He knew how to step up. He knew how to shuffle. He knew when to go down — there are times you’re just going to get hit and you have to go down. That’s what this kid is. That’s who this kid is.

“I think it would be premature to start building his bus for Canton at this time. He hasn’t played a down. But, the similarities are unbelievable.”

As New England enters a new era of football with Jones at the helm, lofty comparisons are already being made.

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The 3 most impressive stats from Mac Jones’ preseason performances

Mac Jones had several stellar statistics throughout the course of the preseason.

It has been a whirlwind couple of months for New England Patriots rookie quarterback Max Jones. From being the 15th the overall pick in April’s draft, to being named to the starter on Tuesday, things have happened quickly.

Before being named the starter, he had to go through a preseason in which he was constantly one of the top rookie quarterbacks from his class. He was able to put up numbers, while moving the offense down the field. In what was a deep 2021 quarterback draft class, he was able to make himself stand out.

We look at Mac Jones’ three best statistics from the 2021 preseason

Michael Lombardi offers thoughts on Mac Jones winning starting role for Patriots

“You never make a quarterback shift this dramatic unless the team really believes in the guy that you go with.”

Cam Newton’s release on Tuesday was a surprise to many.

The 32-year-old appeared to be leading the quarterback race against Mac Jones, as he started all three preseason games, and at minimum he appeared to be a roster lock. The No. 15 pick is currently the only quarterback on the 53-man roster and he overcame all odds to become the clear-cut starter as a rookie in New England.

There’s speculation on the factors that led to Newton’s release — but, the overall consensus points to the fact that Jones just won the job. Former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi joined the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and reiterated this sentiment.

“Did he think that Mac would come along this quickly? Obviously, I don’t think that’s true,” Lombardi said, transcribed by WEEI. “I think he felt like Cam could get them through. Now, I do know that in 2022 they felt really good that Mac Jones would be the starter based on what they saw, but this kid kind of has developed. … I do think they moved quicker than they anticipated. I don’t think they wanted to do this. They guaranteed $3.5 million to Cam, but they had to make this decision because this is basically the best player who won the job.”

Jones’ leadership, which has been heavily discusses by those around him, was one of the biggest factors in the decision.

“I think it’s been organic, but look, let’s face it, Cam is a natural born leader and so is Mac Jones. But, Mac’s ability to win over his teammates, Mac’s ability to resonate. You never make a quarterback shift this dramatic unless the team really believes in the guy that you go with,” he said. “This is not Belichick making a decision, or Josh McDaniels. This is the team sees it. And you can’t fool the team. You can’t fool the team. The team knows who the best players are. They know who should be playing quarterback, particularly. Because they are at every practice, they watch every throw. They see the team being led.

“So, this was a situation where it became crystal clear and obviously, particularly after the five days against the Giants where he was really good. And then in the preseason game against the Giants where he was really good that Belichick was forced to make a decision.”

Jones is now preparing for a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins and his former Alabama Crimson Tide teammate, Tua Tagovailoa.

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Mac Jones’ jersey sells out within two hours of Cam Newton’s release

The Mac Jones era in New England has officially began.

The Mac Jones era has officially began in New England.

The Patriots released Cam Newton on Tuesday morning following a quarterback battle that lasted the duration of the offseason. Jones, the No. 15 overall pick, was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie quarterback in the preseason and that was enough to solidify himself as the starter.

Jones’ poise and ability to command the pocket is reminiscent of Tom Brady within the Patriots’ system, which drew comparisons from many people around the league — starting with the draft day comparison photos.

Another comparable accolade both quarterbacks have is their ability to sell out jerseys. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Jones’ jerseys at the Patriots Pro Shop sold out less than two hours after Newton’s release.

Jones’ Week 1 matchup will be against the Miami Dolphins and his former Alabama teammate, Tua Tagovailoa.

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Patriots’ Mac Jones finishes preseason as PFF’s highest-graded rookie QB

Mac Jones didn’t disappoint in the preseason.

Mac Jones didn’t disappoint this preseason.

The New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback did everything he possibly could to earn the starting role over Cam Newton. The decision is now in Bill Belichick’s hands, and he’s still unsure of the Week 1 starter. Jones finished the Patriots’ three preseason games, all of which they won, throwing 36 of 52 passes (69%) for 389 yards and a touchdown.

The Alabama product showed confidence and poise through every game, but most importantly in the final preseason match when he was sacked four times. Jones led the Patriots on back-to-back touchdown drives in the third quarter to pull away with the 22-20 win over the New York Giants.

Pro Football Focus recognized Jones’ above-average play and labeled him as the highest-graded quarterback out of a stacked rookie class.

As aforementioned with his confidence, Jones threw his first NFL touchdown between three defenders without hesitation.

The Patriots were patient in the NFL draft and, as it appears right now, walked away with one of the best choices on the board.

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