New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots QB Mac Jones geared to take more risks in 2022

By Andrew Marshall | Last updated 9/20/22

After a 17-14 win in Week 2 vs. the Steelers, Patriots QB Mac Jones talked about a risky, 44-yard TD pass he threw in the second quarter to wideout Nelson Algholor, who leaped over a Pittsburgh defender to haul it in.

"I think all of our receivers can do that," the second-year QB said.

"If they're 1-on-1, I'm going to give them the chance. Kind of a different philosophy, but that's what we need to do," he added.

Jones' quote was telling: New England's margin for error isn't what it used to be. Strictly playing a ball-control style of football and rolling out a top-five defense probably aren't in the cards this season. Timely deep shots are a necessary development in the offense, and it's already clear Jones has new directives from the Patriots staff.

Jones is pushing the ball farther downfield more, posting an average depth of target of 9.2 yards/attempt to start 2022 (1.2 yards/attempt more than his 2021 average). Sometimes the ball will bounce the wrong way, like it did on the opening drive interception against the Dolphins in Week 1.

Other times fortune appears to favor the bold.

Mac Jones & Nelson Agholor (44-yd TD)

Air Distance: 45.9 yards
Target Separation: 0.6 yards
Completion Probability: 26.2%

#25 Witherspoon was within 2 yards of #15 Agholor for 5.9 consecutive seconds, but failed to break up the pass.#NEvsPIT | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/BiM6dXu0Fo
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 18, 2022

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah posted this document outlining head coach Bill Belichick's criteria for the quarterback position, at least what it was in 1991.

I think you’ll enjoy this... We were given this handout during a scout school from my time with the Ravens. Coach Belichick has held true to almost all of this over the years. pic.twitter.com/pWB3oqo5JU
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 31, 2020

Jones showcased many of these traits in a successful rookie campaign that had New England in control of the No.1 seed in the AFC East into early December. Jones hasn't been perfect to start this season. Neither has his downfield decision-making, but his pocket presence, short-area accuracy and timing are arguably tops in his draft class and remain hallmarks of his overall game.

Growth is often painful, as we all know. Jones will have his share of pains this year expanding his decision-making process to all areas of the field. Thankfully for New England, he has a track record of systematically handling adversity dating to college.

If Jones does so, he should soar past skeptics' expectations.

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