Patriots: 3 things Mac Jones must improve before he can start
By Mike Luciano
2. Playmaking on the move
When Jones was being mocked to the San Francisco 49ers, the reason there was such an outcry was the comparison to Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields, where Jones was clearly the worst athlete of the bunch. Athleticism is becoming more important with each passing day.
In an age where less practice time means worse offensive lines, mobility is more important than ever, as evidenced by the fact Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes have been thriving over the last few seasons. Jones can’t be immobile in the pocket AND lead the Patriots for the next 10 years.
Patriots QB Mac Jones must get more athletic.
“But what about Tom Brady?” I hear you ask. The key factor missing in that debate is that Brady is TOM BRADY and Jones needs to prove he can even tread water in the league. Adding this new dimension to his game could help endear him to Belichick and the coaching staff by fixing a huge flaw.
We know Jones can spin the rock. You don’t put up those sorts of numbers and run the table in the SEC without some arm talent. The key to long-term success in the NFL starts and ends with his ability to improve on areas where he struggles, and becoming something other than a lead-footed pocket passer should be a goal he can aspire to.