Bill Belichick comments on Mac Jones’ progress throughout offseason

This is a big year for Mac Jones and the New England Patriots offense. After struggling in his second season as the Patriots quarterback, head coach Bill Belichick made changes to the offensive staff for what many think could be a make-or-break season for the former first round pick out of Alabama.

For Patriots fans who are worried about the offense this season, the normally reserved Bill Belichick shared praise for how Mac Jones has developed this offseason.

“Mac’s had a really solid spring and camp,” Belichick said on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. “Very similar to what we talked about with [wide receiver Kendrick] Bourne. Out there every day, ready to go. [He’s] in excellent physical condition and, I would say, made a lot of improvement over the course of the spring and training camp in reads, decision-making and timing, getting more work timing with the guys he’s throwing to.”

At one point this offseason, it seemed like New England was going to have a quarterback competition involving Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones. However, Belichick ended up cutting Zappe who was later re-signed to the team’s practice squad. Instead, the Patriots recently claimed Matt Corral off waivers to back up Jones.

Overall, it’s a major vote of confidence in Jones going into the season. That comes in large part because of the improvement that he’s shown in camp.

“He seems like he — again, similar to what we talked about with KB — had a good camp, works hard, ready to go. I’m looking forward to the season here with Mac.”

In 2022, Mac Jones completed 65.2 percent of passes for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Across the board, those numbers were down from his rookie season in 2021.

Later, Belichick noted that Jones “understands the offense, how it works, how to get his teammates involved, how to help them be productive.” He also added, “It’s been pretty consistent all the way through.”

Mac Jones on replacing a legendary quarterback

When Mac Jones got to New England, he had a nearly impossible task in front of him. He had to replace Tom Brady, who most people consider the greatest quarterback ever. That means he joined an organization that is used to Hall of Fame quality play at the position while he is still adjusting to the NFL.

“Yeah, I think Tom Brady’s the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL,” Jones said this offseason.

“So, to follow up on him, it’s just trying to chase the standard that he set, every day. Honestly, we’re definitely two different players. And that’s the only advice I’d have [for Jordan Love]. Just continue to grow and be yourself, right? That’s all you can do, is put your best foot forward and compete. But yeah, it’s definitely big shoes to fill.”