The reason behind Mac Jones’ downfall

“He’s not a bad character guy, but as a guy that wasn’t quite the leader of the group.”

In less than three years, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has gone from potentially being the face of the team to a forgotten figure.

Jones, a 2021 first-round pick, had an incredible rookie campaign and appeared ready to take Tom Brady’s place as the team’s leader.

Freestar
According to MassLive, Jones will become a free agent following the 2020–21 season since the Patriots will not pick up his fifth-year option.

How is this possible to occur? In their extensive investigation on Jones’ fall from grace, MassLive.com spoke with over a dozen Patriots insiders. Jones’s shifting fortunes had several well-known causes. It’s no secret that he and former head coach Bill Belichick didn’t get along.

Yet, the MassLive analysis discovered a few unexpected elements.

For instance, a few sources noted that Jones did not assume leadership roles, characterizing him as a “happy-go-lucky” individual who was reluctant to confront colleagues.

In terms of his actions and character, he was a contributing factor to the issue. One witness told MassLive, “He’s not a bad character guy, but as a guy that wasn’t quite the leader of the group.” “All he wanted was to fit in with the guys.”

The Patriots’ lack of communication regarding their plans for Jones also left him feeling disappointed. He was shocked to find out ninety minutes prior to kickoff of the 2023 season finale versus the New York Jets that he would be sidelined.

That was not an unusual instance of non communication. Before that game, in fact, Jones expressed his appreciation to a Jets staff member for the way the team handled the decision to bench quarterback Zach Wilson.

There are more reasons for Jones’ demise in New England.

• Jones had three offensive coordinators in his first three seasons, in Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia and Bill O’Brien. One source told MassLive “what the Patriots did with the offensive coaching staff was a recipe for disaster for a young quarterback.”
• Once Jones tried to play outside his “comfort zone,” struggling to make plays where nothing existed, the mistakes compounded.
• Personnel issues also hurt Jones. The report notes that the team’s offensive line featured 10 different combinations in 17 games this season.However, the fatal factor was the communication gap between Jones and Belichick.

  According to the story, “Belichick and Jones’ relationship ended so badly that if Belichick had returned, sources virtually assured Jones would not be back with the Patriots.”

  Nonetheless, some believe Jones was unfairly held responsible for issues that run much deeper.

  One starter declared, “It’s a team sport.” “It was challenging, particularly at quarterback. There wasn’t just one victim.