Mac Jones is taking the next step towards becoming a franchise quarterback. After an impressive rookie season, he’s now seemingly asserting more control over the offense.
And the Patriots love it, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
“This shouldn’t be very surprising, but the Patriots sound ecstatic with quarterback Mac Jones’ offseason dedication,” Howe wrote in his column Friday. "Jones has spent long hours at Gillette Stadium, often beating the coaching staff into the building to get a jump-start on film study for the day. He is also taking ownership of the offense, willing to vouch for plays and concepts that he likes and pump the brakes on the stuff that hasn’t worked.”
It’s apparent Jones is taking on a leadership role. He held a practice with Patriots receivers last month in Florida and hosted a draft night party at his house (complete with a full hibachi set up).
Howe's note about Jones echoes reporting from ESPN's Mike Reiss, who recently wrote that people close to the quarterback say he's "on a mission" this offseason.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft hasn’t been shy about setting the expectations high for Jones in year two. “I’m very happy with what I’ve seen,” Kraft said in March. “But this is a big year, the second year.”
There’s been a lot of rightful consternation about the Patriots’ lack of an experienced offensive coaching staff, and how that might impact Jones. Joe Judge confirmed earlier this week he’s been working with Jones and the other quarterbacks.
Maybe Jones is the one who will wind up teaching Judge a few things.