Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai reacts to Mac Jones locker-room rumors

New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai poured cold water over rumors suggesting that quarterback Mac Jones has lost a significant portion of the locker room with the Patriots at 2-8 during their bye. 

"Of course, I’m a believer in Mac. I don’t know who said that, but no, he hasn’t lost us," Tavai insisted during a Thursday appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," as shared by Sean T. McGuire of NESN. "...He hasn’t lost any of us on the team. So it will be a good week for him to just get away from football. And when he gets back I hope he knows all 52 other guys are ready to get after it with him."

It was reported before New England fell to the Indianapolis Colts 10-6 in Germany this past Sunday that Jones had "lost some players in the room" going back to the 2022 campaign. After Jones was benched for a third time this season versus Indianapolis, it was said that at least some Patriots players have lost faith in the 25-year-old and also claimed that "at least 80% of the Patriots' locker room is out on Jones." 

Tavai defended Jones even as ESPN stats show the 2021 first-round draft pick began Thursday ranked 26th in the NFL among qualified players with a 38.9 adjusted QBR and 27th with an 80.2 passer rating on the season. 

"I mean, if somebody out there in the world thinks that they can do a better job, they can try and sign up," Tavai remarked. "...He’s working his tail off to improve himself every week and that’s just from what I’m seeing. So, I have nothing but respect for Mac. All the outside noise, you know, I really, I truly don’t really care about it. Like, I just want him to know that we got his back." 

There were hints Wednesday that Jones will start over backups Bailey Zappe and Will Grier when New England plays at a possibly tanking New York Giants (2-8) side on Nov. 26. Of course, plans could change by early next week, especially if teammates "out on" Jones approach head coach Bill Belichick regarding the subject before Belichick speaks with media members following the weekend.