Patriots' Mac Jones gives advice to Packers' Jordan Love about replacing a legend

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones knows something about what Green Bay Packers starter Jordan Love is experiencing this summer as it pertains to replacing a living legend atop the depth chart. 

"I think Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL," Jones told reporters Wednesday afternoon, as shared by Chris Mason of MassLive.com. "So to follow (after) him, it’s just trying to chase the standard that he set every day. Honestly, we’re definitely two different players. That’s the only advice I’d have: Just continue to grow and be yourself, right? That’s all you can do. Put your best foot forward and compete. But yeah, it’s definitely big shoes to fill." 

Of course, the two situations aren't identical. The Patriots turned to the likes of Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer during the 2020 season after Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of that year. New England then grabbed Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Love, meanwhile, joined the Packers as a 2020 first-round draft choice and then spent the majority of his first three pro seasons serving as a backup behind Aaron Rodgers before Green Bay officially traded Rodgers to the New York Jets in April. 

Jones acknowledged Wednesday he's still trying to understand how he "can set the standard that (Brady) had already set" across TB12's 20 seasons with the Patriots. 

"For us, it’s just, every year is a new year," Jones added. "You’ve gotta go out and earn it. He did that every year. And I’m going to continue to do that as well." 

Neither Jones nor Love are guaranteed roster spots, let alone starting jobs, with their current employers beyond the upcoming campaign. How they handle that reality will go a long way in determining if they can follow in the footsteps of two all-time greats. 

The Packers host the Patriots for a preseason game this coming Saturday evening.