In the bustling NFL arena, few stories capture the intricacies of a quarterback’s journey like that of Mac Jones with the New England Patriots. Initially hailed as the heir apparent to the legendary Tom Brady, Jones’ promising start quickly descended into a series of misfortunes, culminating in his trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mac Jones’ rookie year was nothing short of impressive. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he not only earned Pro Bowl honors but also finished a close second in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only behind Cincinnati Bengals’ sensation Ja’Marr Chase. This period marked a high point in Jones’ career, showcasing his potential to lead and excel at the professional level.
However, the departure of McDaniels to the Las Vegas Raiders marked the beginning of a downward spiral for Jones. The Patriots’ decision to replace McDaniels with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, both of whom had limited offensive coaching experience, proved detrimental. Patricia, a defensive specialist, and Judge, with a background in special teams and a stint coaching receivers, were unexpected choices to helm the offense.
Damien Harris Critiques New England Patriots’ Coaching Decisions
Damien Harris, a former teammate and running back for the Patriots, shed light on the struggles within the team’s coaching ranks. In a candid interview with “The Athletic Football Show,” Harris pointed out the mismatch in coaching expertise as a critical factor in Jones’ decline.
“What happened in New England to Mac Jones was because of the fact you took away an offensive coordinator who coached him to be a Pro Bowler and almost coached us to winning our division with a rookie quarterback in his first year,” Harris explained. The shift in coaching style and strategy under Patricia and Judge, he noted, was not conducive to Jones’ development.
Mac Jones’ Performance Declines After Coaching Changes
The statistical decline in Jones’ performance post-McDaniels era was evident. In the 2022 season, his numbers dropped to 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, a noticeable dip from his rookie season.
The following year, despite the arrival of Bill O’Brien as the new offensive coordinator, Jones’ struggles persisted. His 2023 season saw him throw for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 11 games, leading to multiple benchings.
The organizational shake-ups continued, with the Patriots parting ways with head coach Bill Belichick following the season. This move was seen as another attempt to reset the team’s direction, especially with the selection of quarterback Drake Maye in the subsequent NFL Draft.
A New Chapter in Jacksonville Jaguars
Now, as Mac Jones prepares for his new role as a backup to Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, the football community is keen to see if a change of scenery under coach Doug Pederson can revive his career. The importance of a reliable backup quarterback was underscored last season when backups stepped up across the league, proving pivotal for their teams’ playoff pushes.
In reflection, Harris’ remarks resonate deeply, highlighting a tenure in New England that could have unfolded differently with consistent and specialized coaching. “It’s like the breath of Mac Jones in New England, it came and went and it shouldn’t have [gone] the way that it went,” he lamented.
As Mac Jones embarks on this next phase, the NFL world watches with anticipation, wondering whether this talented quarterback will finally find the coaching synergy that eluded him in New England, and perhaps, write a redemption arc in the annals of NFL history.
Sources: Fansided
