FOXBOROUGH – Mac Jones has had plenty of time to reflect over the past six weeks.
After being benched in Week 13, in favor of Bailey Zappe, the third-year quarterback now enters an offseason of uncertainty. On Monday, following the conclusion of the Patriots 2023 season, Jones spoke to reporters for the first time since his demotion.
The Patriots 2021 first-round pick said he doesn’t know if he’ll be back in New England next season. After a period of self-reflection, Jones feels like he let people down but aims to come back stronger – whether that’s with the Patriots or another team.
“I have a lot of respect for Mr. Kraft and his family, what they built here, the Patriots, and at the end of the day, a lot of that is out of my control, but I hope they realize I’m going to compete,” Jones said. “I’m going to do that wherever I’m at – on any NFL team – whether that’s here or somewhere else.”
In 2021, Jones had one of the best seasons for a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He finished with 3,801 yards to go with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Patriots were trending upward that season, finishing with a 10-7 record and a playoff birth. Jones also earned Pro Bowl honors as an alternate and earned a spot on the NFL Network’s list of Top 100 Players.
For Jones, it came crumbling down last year following the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. After longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia called offensive plays in 2022, Bill O’Brien was hired this offseason. Although Jones started strong (316 yards with three touchdowns against Philadelphia in Week 1), the Patriots had a laundry list of issues on offense.
Jones was benched four times against Dallas, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and the New York Giants. After playing the first half against the Giants, Jones didn’t appear in another game. His season ended with 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Patriots were 2-9 with Jones under center. Zappe finished the season with 1,271 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He finished with a 2-4 record as the starter.
Jones said he feels like he has room to grow and improve. Although he said he loves New England, he understands that his time with the Patriots might be over.
“We’ll see,” Jones said when asked about being traded. “I’m going to compete regardless. I’m really happy to be in the NFL and be a quarterback in the NFL. Obviously, this year didn’t go great and I’m going to do everything I can to get back on the right track.”
Jones’ situation with the Patriots took a strange turn on Sunday. After working as the Patriots backup quarterback, he was inactive as the team’s ‘emergency third quarterback.’ The Patriots opted to use Nathan Rourke as their backup behind Zappe.
That leads Jones into an uncertain offseason. He understands that change might happen, but for now, he’s going to get back to work.
“I feel like I let people down with my play. A lot of that stuff is in my control and some of it’s not,” Jones said. “I’m going to do everything I can for my next opportunity, whether that’s here and really just push forward and continue to be Mac. That’s what it’s all about and don’t let that waiver.”
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