If the quarterback competition that’s currently picking up steam in Patriots training camp is about the future, then it’s not much of a competition at all.
The future is No. 15 overall pick Mac Jones.
If the QB competition that Bill Belichick believes will lead to a “hard decision” when he must pick a starter in time for the Sept. 12 opener against the Dolphins is about the past, then that is also not much of a competition.
The past favors Jones as well, with Cam Newton coming off a losing, playoff-free season in which he threw just eight touchdown passes. Not only was the former MVP one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL in 2020, he put forth one of the worst passing seasons in Patriots history. Meanwhile Jones was lighting up the college football field with historic numbers, including 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions, on the way to an undefeated National title campaign.
But the QB competition this summer in Foxborough – which has been more volatile than the value of cryptocurrency and analyzed daily as ardently as the stock market – isn’t about the past. It’s also probably not about the future for Mr. The-next-game-is-the-most-important-game head coach of the Patriots.
Nope, it’s about the present. And as each passing day goes by, it seems the present is all about Jones as well.
Most recently and presently, Jones has shown that he’s indeed a gifted young quarterback. A guy with not only a potentially bright pro future, but a present that’s growing more undeniably impressive by the day on the practice field. By no means has Jones run away with the quarterback competition. But neither has Newton, even though on the whole the energetic returning veteran has probably had the better first week-plus of training camp.
But of late, Jones has begun to turn the tide just a bit. He’s been given more reps to work with by Belichick and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and has certainly made the most of them over the last couple days, including Thursday’s second padded practice of the summer in wet and at times rainy conditions. Despite the tough environment, Jones was nearly perfect in terms of accurate throws, quick decisions and simply looking like the leader of the Patriots passing game that the rebuilt, retooled team needs.
He looked like the guy capable of dumping the ball off swiftly and confidently when nothing more palatable develops. Capable of hitting his playmakers – like athletic tight end Jonnu Smith – in stride in space to maximize run-after-catch opportunities. Capable of even getting the ball down the field to Nelson Agholor and others for occasional big-play shots.
An extended no-huddle, hurry-up drill? No problem.
All that in just the second day of padded practice. In the rain.
Jones has also attached himself at the proverbial hip of McDaniels when he’s not actually getting physical reps, trying to be “a sponge” to soak up any and all information that may allow him to reach his now-obvious potential at a quicker rate.
He’s even gotten a few one-on-one conversations with Belichick, the Hoodie’s hand on his hand-chosen pupil’s shoulder while passing along some key detail to his young would-be playmaker.
What will Jones look like in six days when he’s taking the game field against Washington in his first taste of preseason action with another week of preparation and growth under his belt? What will he look like after a couple weeks of joint practices against the Eagles and Giants with which to grow his game? What will he look like at whatever point Belichick actually decides it’s time to pick and maybe even name a starting quarterback for the Patriots?
Jones will probably look like an NFL starting quarterback. Because that’s what he’s looked like over the last couple practices, picking up momentum on his development. Jones, recall, was indeed dubbed the most “NFL ready” QB in the draft when rumors swirled this spring that he was going to be the No. 3 overall pick to San Francisco. The last few days it certainly appears he’s living up to that description, every bit the leader, decision maker and thrower of the football that it takes to be an NFL starter.
Even the seemingly self-aware Jones knows that ultimately the decision regarding his immediate status isn’t about the past or the future. He needs to – stop us if you’ve heard or read this before – do his job. He must to be better than Newton and be Belichick’s best option right now.
And he’s certainly doing his best to make a legitimate argument that’s very much the case.
“I kind of use the mentality not to look ahead,” Jones said after his impressive Thursday practice in the rain. “And a lot of people on the team do the same thing cuz that’s what the coaches tell us. Take today, for today.”
Simply put, today it indeed feels like Jones is the better quarterback option for the Patriots in 2021.