The New England Patriots are becoming Mac Jones' team. After simply going along for the ride with a solid rookie campaign last season, Jones is starting to emerge more as the identity and central figure of the team.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said that the team is changing its schemes to suit a more experienced Jones. Many of the team's wide receivers are taking notice not only of his improvements as a player but also as a leader during the team's offseason workouts. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Kendrick Bourne said that Jones is more confident and starting to get the muscle memory down on what he has to do.
“He's more comfortable, more confident. He knows what's going on, and the muscle memory is there [from having gone through it] — OTAs, then camp, and the season. He's just more locked in, more secure in his position.”
DeVante Parker, who the Patriots traded for this offseason, is already impressed with Jones' leadership. The veteran stressed that the team really needs it, per Reiss.
“He's a young guy but he's developed as a leader. That's what this team needs,” said receiver DeVante Parker, now in his eighth NFL season and first in New England after being acquired in a trade from Miami. “I've only been here a few weeks, but I still see it.”
The Patriots' offense last season leaned more on the ground than it did the air while Jones showcased some potential. Now, the Patriots are looking to build more around their second-year quarterback.
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