Why Patriots' Hunter Henry is excited by Mac Jones ahead of season

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry indicated Wednesday the version of quarterback Mac Jones who earned a Pro Bowl nod for the 2021 season as a rookie is back.

"Mac’s always been consistent in who he is," Henry explained while speaking with media members, per Patriots beat reporter Zack Cox of NESN. "But this year, I feel like he’s just been super, super consistent at all times. In the building, outside the building, on the field, off the field. He’s a great leader, and he’s fun to go out there and compete with. We’ve had a lot of good competition this last month with our defense, and it’s been fun, so I’m excited to go out there and begin that journey with him through the season this year." 

Henry was among those who spoke this summer about members of the New England offense receiving "a fresh start" with new coordinator Bill O'Brien after Jones and company routinely failed to produce positive results last season under then-assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. It was thought in July that 2022 fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe would compete with Jones for the starting job, but it's since been reported that Zappe "never truly threatened" the 2021 first-round draft choice. 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said earlier this week that Jones "made a lot of improvement over the course of the spring and training camp" in multiple areas. Henry noted Wednesday that Jones has "always had my respect" even amid the signal-caller's antics last season that earned him a fair share of criticism throughout the NFL community. 

"All the stuff in the past, it doesn’t matter," Henry added. "Obviously, it helps me process things and do things, but I’ve got to earn it again every single day. So you kind of have to take that approach, and I think he’s done a great job of doing that. I’ve always had respect for him, and he’s doing a great job." 

Jones and the Patriots open the regular season with a home game against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. As of Wednesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Eagles as the favorites (-180, -4) to win the contest, one that will feature the Patriots honoring retired club legend Tom Brady.