Former Patriots linebacker shares his take on Mac Jones
The bulk of conversation surrounding the Patriots over the last several months has focused on Mac Jones and how his second season in the NFL will go. Outside of the usual media members that discuss the team regularly, several former Patriots players have begun to share their opinions as well.
The newest voice to join the conversation is former Patriots linebacker turned football analyst, Rob Ninkovich. He appeared on NBC Sports Boston’s, Next Pats Podcast hosted by Phil Perry this week and had a lot to say about the current state of his former team.
Because there is such a focus on quarterback play and Jones’ performance has been heavily scrutinized this summer, Perry would ask the former player if he still believes Jones is THE guy for New England to build their team around.
"“I do believe he is still the guy. I’m kind of taking everything that I’m watching with a grain of salt considering I don’t know if they necessarily put him in a great position this offseason.”"
Jones had a successful rookie season and impressed those around the league with not only his performance but also his veteran-like demeanor. He came in as a natural leader and was extremely focused on improving and doing what was best for the team, all things very familiar to the Patriots from a certain former quarterback.
Coming into his sophomore season, Jones has faced an uncommon amount of changes. Although he worked with three different offensive coordinators during his college career, getting a new OC in the NFL is never easy, especially as a young player in the league. The bond he and McDaniels shared was clear and their working relationship was incredibly successful.
On top of McDaniels’ departure, Bill Belichick began implementing a new system and scheme into the offense, throwing a wrench into the mix for Jones. The Patriots are known to have had a difficult playbook before the changes, but now Jones is working to navigate even more challenges given to him this year.
Considering all of what Jones has faced since the end of his rookie season, he’s bound to need time to catch up and acclimate. Ninkovich would mention the difficulty a quarterback has in needing to learn so much, so quickly
"“You have to understand, when you go from Josh McDaniels to a new staff or a new style, you have Matty P (Matt Patricia), Joe Judge, Bill Belichick, those three guys are probably making the rounds trying to implement an offensive system that’s different. A new scheme, new terminology, new protections. All things that as a quarterback you have to be on every single thing that’s going on. You have to know what’s coming, you have to know what’s next.”"
Ninkovich would go on to say that he doesn’t feel the team is “there yet” but feels they are working in the right direction. He emphasized that a relationship between a quarterback and offensive coordinator doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time. And urges others to allow those new relationships to develop before concluding how their season will go.
He would also discuss the fascination with watching “electric and dynamic” quarterbacks right now and understands the desire to have your quarterback play that way. But said it’s not what every team needs to be successful, noting Jones already has the characteristics needed to be a good quarterback in the NFL.
"“He’s still a very young player and experiencing new things. The arm accuracy is there. The smarts are there. So he has all those intangibles.”"
As for all those concerned with what they’ve seen in just the first two games of the 2022 season? Ninkovich would reiterate to give the team time to figure things out, but also be comforted with who they have playing under center.
"“You have Mac Jones, a capable, smart quarterback who can put your team in the position to win football games. Would I like to see a little more zip on the throws? Sure, why not. But at the same time, I still like what I see and the way he carries himself.”"