Patriots legend voices support for Mac Jones after viral video
A lot has been said about the Patriots since their most recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, primarily focused on the issues surrounding the team’s offense. But the most discussed aspect of the game has come from a viral video of Mac Jones’ sideline outburst, where the quarterback is shown voicing his frustration with the play-calling during the game.
Matt Patricia’s performance as the offensive play-caller has been thoroughly scrutinized throughout the season, particularly as it relates to the regression of Jones in just his second season. Although that’s a highly debatable topic, most can agree that the frustrations shown by the quarterback on Thursday night were not shocking to see, as he is the latest Patriot to voice his displeasure with how the offense has performed.
Kendrick Bourne supported Jones during his post-game media availability, expressing his feelings regarding the team’s play-calling and game planning. Hunter Henry has also made his thoughts known in recent weeks, proclaiming that the offense has not been “good enough” through the last few games.
But the support for Jones hasn’t stopped at just his current teammates.
During a recent appearance on The Ringer’s podcast, Off The Pike, recently retired James White shared his opinion upon watching the now infamous video of Jones. Because he had been a part of some of the most successful teams in Patriots history, and one of the worst, during his eight years in the NFL, he said he understood what led to Jones’ frustrations.
"“I think what he was saying, obviously I agree with it. Maybe I wouldn’t have done it like him, but he’s the guy playing. He’s frustrated. I’m sure the entire offense is frustrated. It’s not just (Patricia). I think it’s the entire offense as a whole has been completely inconsistent aside from Rhamondre (Stevenson). He’s been the only consistent guy on that offense all year long.”"
How much of the blame for the offense’s issues should be placed on Matt Patricia’s shoulders is debatable, and it’s doubtful that White would ever speak negatively about anyone working within the organization. But because most of the issues lie within the two parts of the offense that Patricia coaches, it wouldn’t be entirely unfair to fault him the most for how the offense has performed thus far. And to take it a step further, he could also be held responsible for Jones’ unexpected yet apparent regression this season.
White continued showing support for Jones, revealing he could relate to how the quarterback felt in the moment, especially regarding the predictable play-calling.
"“It’s definitely a problem, for sure, when your quarterback is coming to the sideline and he’s not necessarily agreeing with the play-calling, or the design of the plays that are being called. There was definitely a whole lot of ‘quick game’ being called. Defenses after a while get a hold of what you’re doing. If you’re throwing slants and pop passes, they’re going to get a bead on it. Eventually, you’re going to have to switch it up a little bit and take some shots down the field.”"
The former running back mentions one of the most voiced problems fans and media members have had when watching the Patriots this season.
Although many felt Josh McDaniels’ play-calling was vanilla and needed updating, Patricia’s game planning has remained problematic through 13 weeks of the regular season. The predictability factor has been a talking point all year but became a more prominent topic when it was revealed defensive players on both the Colts and Jets were calling out offensive plays before they happened.
Bill Belichick (and even Dante Scarnecchia) defended the play-calling, noting that defensive players are doing their job if they can anticipate the next play. But the lack of creativity, proper execution, and failure to adjust in-game have made it nearly impossible for the offense to accomplish anything successfully all season long. And is likely what prompted Jones’ exasperation on the sideline Thursday.
With White becoming the latest to voice agreement with players’ frustrations, it will be intriguing to see if Belichick takes any of it into account from now on. As the Patriots prepare for a tough road to end the season, it’s more apparent than ever that the offense needs to figure things out if they plan on making the post-season.