Transitioning from college to the NFL can be a daunting task, as few rookies manage to make an immediate impact. However, Mac Jones defied expectations and left a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches.
The Patriots No. 2 quarterback Brian Hoyer was astounded by Jones’s rapid grasp of the Patriots’ system. He candidly shared his initial impression on Jones rookie season.
“[2021]… at least to me felt similar to what it was. Obviously without Tom [Brady]… and then Mac comes in and I remember thinking like, ‘God, they have to be telling the guy like where— what to do out here at practice.”
“He was learning so quickly… I’ve never seen a rookie pick up a system like this and it became pretty apparent that he was gonna be the starter. I will always be a firm believer in the fact that Josh McDaniels gave Mac Jones the best opportunity to be a starting-caliber quarterback in the league.”
Jones flourished under the guidance of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He led the Patriots to a commendable 10-7 record and secured a playoff berth in his rookie season. He faced several adversities, including the pressure of following in the footsteps of Tom. However, the signal-caller remained composed and focused on his goals.
Jones went 24-of-28 for 232 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his only postseason appearance on Jan. 15, 2022, according to NFL.com. However, his struggle started in the last season. The quarterback’s journey with the Patriots has now come to a close with his recent trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Why did the Patriots release Mac Jones?
The Patriots’ decision to trade Mac Jones to the Jaguars came after a period of stagnation and disappointment for both Jones and the team.
The Patriots’ lack of support for his development over the past two seasons became evident as the quarterback struggled to make significant progress on the field. His absence from the final six games of the season and being inactive for a crucial Week 17 matchup proved the disconnect between him and the team’s coaching staff.
Even with the arrival of Bill O’Brien, optimism for Jones’ improvement waned as his struggles persisted. Multiple benchings throughout the season highlighted the depth of his challenges. The young star finished his lackluster 2023 season with 10 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, along with a 77.0 passer rating. He completed 66 percent of his passes for the Patriots while throwing 46 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.
