NFL executive shares concerns about Patriots QB Mac Jones

An unnamed "top executive from a team that played" the New England Patriots this season touched upon the struggles of quarterback Mac Jones across the campaign's first four games. 

"It does look hard for him [physically]," the executive said about Jones during a conversation with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "Mac came from Alabama—they ran the ball, they had the weapons outside, they had the play-action pass game, the anticipation, all those things. And the Patriots aren’t doing that with him because they don’t have the personnel. They’ve run some three tight-end stuff, and most people just run the ball from there, but they’re doing it looking for matchups, and throwing the ball with it, and that should tell you something." 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick benched Jones during this past Sunday's 38-3 loss at the Dallas Cowboys after the 25-year-old lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and threw an awful interception that turned into a pick-six. Jones hasn't yet improved, as hoped, playing under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. ESPN stats show the 2021 first-round draft pick ended Week 4 ranked 25th in the NFL among qualified players with a 44.7 adjusted QBR and an 80.8 passer rating. 

Jones is without a legitimate superstar wide receiver, and tight end Hunter Henry currently leads the Patriots with 17 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns this season. It's also worth noting that New England ranks 24th in the league with an average of 93.5 rushing yards per game. 

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Belichick recently acknowledged that "nothing would help pass protection more than running the ball." That's all well and good, but the executive suggested Jones simply may not be the right quarterback to carry any team on his shoulders. 

"He’s a quick-trigger, efficient, rhythm-and-timing passer," the executive added about Jones. "If you’re playing a quick game and play-action with him, that’s great. If you have him sitting there processing, and throwing into tight spots, that’s not great. … And New England hasn’t drafted great. The offensive line is 'ehhhh.' The receivers are 'ehhhh.' And now they’re expecting a miracle from someone who needs good things around him. You can win with him. He won’t be the reason you win." 

Jones is on track to start when the 1-3 Patriots host the 2-2 New Orleans Saints Sunday. What happens after that as it pertains to his short-term and long-term futures is anybody's guess.