The New England Patriots enter this season under a lot of pressure.
It seems like no one’s job is safe, which is why they can’t take any risks.
With that in mind, Mac Jones is living up to his promise of earning his teammates’ respect back, being the first guy to arrive to practice and the last out on the field.
As he told Scott Pioli of the NFL Network (via Tom Pelissero), the speed of the pack is the speed of the leader, so he’s trying to lead by example and get to work with all position groups ahead of the upcoming campaign.
“The speed of the pack is the speed of the leader.”
Fun conversation with me, @scottpioli51 and a rejuvenated Mac Jones at #Patriots camp: pic.twitter.com/t5GHHi61Rp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 2, 2023
Jones is fully expected to be under center this season, despite what HC Bill Belichick may have said.
Belichick hinted at the possibility of Bailey Zappe also getting some run at QB, but he has yet to take snaps or reps with the first-team offense, so it seems like he was just bluffing — as per usual.
Zappe fared much better in limited action last season, but it’s not like Jones set the bar quite high.
He regressed worryingly from his impressive rookie season, and while Belichick and Matt Patricia didn’t do him any favors, some of the blame for their offensive shortcomings was also his.
But he’s vowed to get back to his usual self, become better, and lead the team going forward.
The clock is ticking in Foxborough, and team owner Robert Kraft’s patience is running out, so both Jones and Belichick will need to be at the top of their games if they want to be back next season.
NEXT: Patriots WR Credits Mac Jones For Leading The Offense
