The 2023 campaign has not been kind to New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, so much so that it is almost a given that the Patriots will employ a new signal-caller next season.
But a former New England does not think it’s all Jones’ fault.
During an appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show this week, former Pats safety Devin McCourty blamed head coach Bill Belichick for Jones’ struggles.
“You have three different offensive coordinators in three years,” said McCourty. “They had different receivers, and I would say impact players kind of each year. All have been kind of moving parts.”
In 11 starts this season, Jones has thrown for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 64.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 77. He was benched in favor of Bailey Zappe last weekend.
Jones, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by the Patriots with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He started all 17 contests during his rookie campaign, totaling 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 picks while completing 67.6 percent of his throws and registering a passer rating of 92.5. He even made the Pro Bowl for his efforts.
The following year, Jones showed some regression, playing in 14 games and throwing for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 65.2 percent of his passes and recording a passer rating of 84.8.
Jones’ decline has obviously continued this season, but it has been very sharp.
While McCourty may have a point that Belichick has not exactly done Jones any favors, it’s also pretty clear that Jones has looked very uncomfortable under center.
The 25-year-old has one year remaining on his rookie deal. The Patriots actually shopped Jones last offseason, so it would not be the least bit surprising if New England attempts to trade him this coming spring.
The Pats are just 2-10, representing their worst mark since 1993. They will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.
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