Former Patriots RB offers advice to QB Mac Jones

Former New England Patriots running back James White offered some advice to Mac Jones ahead of what could be a career-defining year for the young quarterback. 

"Move forward," White said about Jones during the latest edition of "Tom E. Curran’s "Patriots Talk" podcast, as shared by Conor Ryan of Boston.com. "Obviously, everybody’s gonna bring up last season and what they saw. Some people are gonna be wanting [Bailey] Zappe to be the starting quarterback. But move forward. Put your blinders on. Come in the same way you did your rookie season — put in the work, earn that trust (from) your teammates once again." 

Jones was the subject of numerous trade rumors throughout the spring amid multiple reports claiming that some within the locker room were "split" between wanting the 2021 first-round draft pick and Zappe, a 2022 rookie, as their starter last season.

It was also said late last month that Jones "has a ton of support in the locker room," and new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien made it known ahead of the draft that "everybody is starting with a clean slate." 

White believes Jones may have something to prove via his on-the-field performances beginning in September. 

"Everybody in the locker room who’s gotten the opportunity to be around him or play with him knows what type of player he can be," White continued about Jones. "I think if he just goes out there and earns the trust of his teammates once again, I think he’ll be just fine." 

White insisted Jones doesn't need to "re-earn" trust but should work toward eliminating any lingering doubts teammates may have about their QB1 knowing that the Patriots could've either pursued Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson when he was available or spent a valuable draft pick on a rookie such as Will Levis. 

With Zappe hoping for an opportunity to compete for the starting job this summer, Jones' spot on the depth chart will come into question if team captains think Zappe could give New England the best chance to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.