Patriots QB Mac Jones reveals what he worked on this offseason

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones revealed Wednesday he focused on improving his leadership qualities this offseason. 

"Just making sure you're honing in on everything you can do to be a great teammate, be a great leader, learn from people," Jones explained during an appearance on the NFL Network "Inside Training Camp Live" program. "You can learn from whoever it is, Navy Seals, whatever. People who do the toughest things all the time. I just want to learn, and I feel like I've done that this offseason, but I want to apply it every day to the field and just continue to be a leader." 

Jones is attempting to put his woeful sophomore NFL campaign he spent playing under offensive assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in the past as he also looks to prove he's worthy of a second contract from the organization. The 2021 first-round draft pick will be eligible for an extension after this season, and the Patriots must decide about the fifth-year option attached to his rookie deal next spring. 

Jones' supposed rocky relationship with head coach Bill Belichick made for fascinating trade rumors and reports throughout the winter and springtime months. The 24-year-old remained with the organization, reportedly has the support of team owner Robert Kraft and is hoping to earn his second Pro Bowl nod in three seasons while working with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. 

"I feel like he's done a great job communicating," Jones said about O'Brien. "That's been the number one thing for us -- open, honest communication. From there you just correct the things you need to get better at."

Belichick allegedly could be on the hot seat if the Patriots miss the playoffs for the third time in four years and Jones fails to perform like a franchise quarterback throughout the fall. Whatever did or didn't happen between Jones and Belichick behind the scenes, they now need to work together to secure their statuses with the franchise beyond the upcoming campaign.