The commentary around Mac Jones entering the season is almost uniformly negative. But Big Vince is optimistic.
Vince Wilfork said in a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Giles that he expects Jones to take a step forward in his sophomore campaign, despite the Patriots’ lack of an offensive coordinator and struggles trying to implement a new scheme.
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“I think he should be ahead of the curve,” said Wilfork. “I know Bill [Belichick] wants to do things to help him and protect him, but at some point, they're going to have to take the handcuffs off of him and let him kind of flourish.”
The Patriots were conservative with Jones at times last season, as the first-round pick only threw more than 35 passes in a game on five occasions. Now a team captain, it’s apparent the Patriots are tasking Jones with more responsibility.
Wilfork thinks Jones is up for the challenge.
“Everything I've seen and know about him is, he works hard,” said Wilfork. “He came to camp in good shape. He looked different, he looked mature, he looked bigger, he looked stronger. He's demanding respect from his teammates. ... He's demanding everything a quarterback should demand from his team. Now it's time for him and the team to play for each other.”
Wilfork knows what it takes to win in New England. The Patriots Hall of Famer bookended their dynasty, winning Super Bowls in 2005 and 2015.
The question is, do Jones’ new offensive coaches, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge? And can the offensive line protect him?
Jones’ sophomore season isn’t going to happen in isolation.