Former NFL GM impressed by QB Mac Jones taking accountability for Patriots struggles
Mac Jones is proving why he is a strong leader for the New England Patriots, and one former NFL General Manager is impressed by the quarterback's efforts. Jones struggled last season after a strong rookie year, but is looking to put that all in the past. NFL Network analyst Scott Pioli applauded him for his […]
Mac Jones is proving why he is a strong leader for the New England Patriots, and one former NFL General Manager is impressed by the quarterback's efforts.
Jones struggled last season after a strong rookie year, but is looking to put that all in the past. NFL Network analyst Scott Pioli applauded him for his public accountability of his actions.
"I absolutely loved his candor and I loved his humility," Pioli said on Good Morning Football. "What he had done is he came out and put public accountability on himself, not only to the media but to his team and his teammates."
Jones was the NFL’s top rookie quarterback in 2021 under the direction of former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He had 352 completions for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns.
However, with McDaniels leaving to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and Matt Patricia become the main play caller for the Patriots, Jones took a serious step back. He appeared in 14 games, having to sit out for an injury, and threw for 2,997 yards (288 completions) and 14 touchdowns.
With the struggle being clear last season, the Patriots brought on former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien for the 2023 season, who is no stranger to the Patriots organization.
While he didn't know this for a fact, Pioli suspects that Mac Jones had a conversation with the team, explaining that he "wasn't the best version of himself" last season.
Despite the clear disconnect in the offense last season, Jones stepped up and took a lot of the blame.
"I love leadership when people admit their flaws or their shortcomings or mistakes and then try to do better and be better," Pioli said. "So, I absolutely love what Mac Jones did."
Featured Image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
