Patriots OC Josh McDaniels explains why Mac Jones is starting QB

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels explains decision to name Mac Jones starting QB

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/1/21

The New England Patriots surprisingly released veteran quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, making rookie signal-caller Mac Jones the team's starting quarterback.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels discussed the decision with reporters on Wednesday, citing Jones's improvement throughout the summer as part of why he's comfortable with the Alabama product as QB1.

"Really feel confident about his approach." Also cites his ability to learn from his mistakes. "Tries not to make the same mistake twice...he's really shown a strong aptitude at a young age to put those mistakes behind him." - McDaniels on Mac Jones #Patriots https://t.co/BQ7gCRiO2V
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 1, 2021

Head coach Bill Belichick had repeatedly said throughout the summer that Newton was New England's starting quarterback. However, he added that someone would have to play better than the former MVP to win the starting job. In Belichick's view, Jones did that.

The rookie finished the preseason 36-of-52 for 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, playing 107 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones had the highest-graded preseason by a rookie quarterback since 2013.

Highest-graded preseasons by rookie QBs in PFF Preseason Era (2013)

1️⃣ Mac Jones, 2021 - 92.2
2️⃣ Patrick Mahomes, 2017 - 91.8 pic.twitter.com/EKOkFIFLRN
— PFF (@PFF) August 31, 2021

Newton, meanwhile, started every preseason game but didn't play as much, 39 snaps. He finished the preseason 14-of-21 for 162 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The pick was his last play as a Patriot.

The Patriots selected Jones 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was one of the most successful quarterbacks in college football last year, leading the Crimson Tide to a national title.

With Jones named QB1, three of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2021 draft have been named starters, including Zach Wilson (New York Jets) and Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars). Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers) and Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) could very well be starters by the end of the 2021 campaign.

According to BetMGM, Jones has the second-best odds to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year at +500. Lawrence leads the way at +350.

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