The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired quarterback Mac Jones in a trade with the New England Patriots earlier this offseason, and head coach Doug Pederson is liking what he is seeing from Jones thus far.
“He’s the ultimate pro,” Pederson said, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here, spending time studying the offense, getting caught up in the offense. … I liked him coming out of college when looking at quarterbacks back then. We’re excited to have him. It gives us a great room with he and C.J. [Beathard] as kind of competing in that role. And he’s done a nice job.”
Obviously, Jones will not be starting for the Jaguars. That title belongs to Trevor Lawrence. But, if Jones can carve out a role as a backup quarterback in Jacksonville, it may pave the way for him to eventually get a chance to start again somewhere else.
“I think a change of scenery sometimes is good for players, for coaches,” Pederson said. “For him to get back here around family and friends has been good for him. I think he’s embraced it since he’s been here.”
Jaguars' Mac Jones is looking to forget his time with the Patriots
The Patriots originally selected Jones with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft and were hoping that he would be Tom Brady's successor.
Early on, Jones looked promising, as he started every game during his rookie campaign and threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 67.6 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 92.5. He actually made the Pro Bowl that year, and most importantly, he led New England to a playoff appearance.
But then, things unraveled for the University of Alabama product.
The following season, Jones missed three games due to a sprained ankle and ended up totaling 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 picks. He completed 65.2 percent of his throws and registered an 84.8 passer rating in what represented a massive step back for the 25-year-old. The Pats went just 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Jones' spiraling descent continued this past year, as he finished with 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 64.9 percent of his passes and recording a passer rating of 77 over 11 starts. He was benched in favor of Bailey Zappe and went just 2-9 as a starter.
It was becoming more and more clear that Jones simply was not the answer for the Patriots, and they proceeded to trade him to the Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick.
At this point, we don't really know if Jones can effectively play quarterback on the NFL level. Right now, the answer is probably no, but some feel that New England may have sabotaged him by not providing him with adequate weapons and placing him behind a terrible offensive line.
Of course, Jones cannot be absolved of blame, as there really wasn't much of a silver lining anyone could take away from his disastrous 2023 campaign.
Perhaps with less pressure on him in Jacksonville, Jones will be able to regain some confidence and use it as a springboard moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe
