Raiders' Josh McDaniels praises Patriots' Mac Jones

Current Las Vegas Raiders head coach and former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels remains a big believer in New England quarterback Mac Jones despite Jones' struggles following McDaniels' departure. 

"He’s a very talented player," McDaniels told media members about Jones, as shared by Mark Daniels of MassLive. "Accuracy has always been a huge part of his game, touch, anticipation. He has all those things at a very high level...This is a guy who’s a very capable passer in every situation." 

A 2021 first-round draft pick, Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie playing under McDaniels before the then-coordinator headed to Las Vegas. The 25-year-old regressed working with assistant coaches Matt Patricia and Joe Judge last season and hasn't yet turned things around with Bill O'Brien now serving as his offensive coordinator. 

According to ESPN stats, Jones begins Week 6 ranked 26th among qualified players with a 40.2 adjusted QBR, 31st with a 74.2 passer rating, 25th with a 62.5% completion percentage and 30th with an average of 6.0 yards per pass attempt. He recorded zero touchdown passes and four interceptions across the past two games en route to being benched during both of those contests. 

McDaniels nevertheless insists Jones will produce better performances, perhaps as soon as when the 2-3 Raiders host the 1-4 Patriots this Sunday. 

"He’s played big and big games," McDaniels added about Jones. "He’s battled against really good teams, made some high-level throws and hung in there. Very tough in the pocket, gets hit and gets right up and goes to the next play. So, a lot of respect for him, a lot of admiration for what he did when I was there. It’ll be a big challenge for us this week." 

As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Raiders as two-and-a-half-point favorites to beat the Patriots at home. If Jones has even a bad first half at Allegiant Stadium, head coach Bill Belichick reportedly could turn to unproven backup Will Grier over Bailey Zappe against the Raiders.