Patriots Mac Jones responds to former quarterback’s harsh take

The Patriots have received a lot of criticism this season, particularly Mac Jones, over the last several weeks. Whether it was about his on-field performance or his frustration during a game, the media and fans left nothing unsaid about the New England quarterback.

Although he’s seemed to keep his emotions in check during the last two games, Jones’ behavior is still the topic of discussion for some, the latest being former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason.

During an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Monday morning, Esiason was asked about the Patriots’ performance offensively in Sunday’s game against Miami. When prompted about Jones’ demeanor halfway through the game, the CBS analyst ripped the quarterback, revealing what he hasn’t liked about Jones this season in unflattering terms.

"“Here’s the thing that I really dislike about Mac Jones if you want to get to the root of it: His body language, his facial expressions, his gyrations on the field piss me off. There’s a douchiness to them. I don’t know how else to explain it. Here’s the deal: Tom Brady can be douchey too, at times. He can be yelling at his players and everything else, but Tom Brady then goes out and backs it up. He goes and plays his ass off and gets his team to the playoffs again yesterday.”"

Esiason continued detailing what has explicitly been his issue with Jones, harping on the importance of body language for the team’s leader.

"“So, all I’m saying is that, I don’t necessarily know that he’s earned the right to act the way that he does at times, like frustrated, looking at the coaches and screaming and yelling, putting his hands to his head. Body language for a quarterback is so important. And I hate when quarterbacks sulk on the sideline; they have to be above all of that. They have to have the backbone. They have to have the leadership bone. They have to be able to look guys in the face and know what they’re doing. Don’t come off with your hands in the air.”"

Jones was asked on Monday afternoon if he had a response to Esiason’s critique, especially as his on-field antics have remained in the conversation surrounding the Patriots this season, during his weekly appearance on WEEI.

"“For me, it’s just trying to channel my competitiveness in a good way, and continue to be Mac. For me, it’s all about my teammates and people in the building. Obviously, I wanna have respect for everybody that plays in this league, and coaches in this league.There’s definitely things I can get better at, just like with execution and football plays. It’s the same idea, just trying to grow, and earn the respect of people, obviously and most importantly, in the building. That’s my main focus. Getting better every day and getting ready to play this Bills team. It’s going to be a big challenge.”"

After getting a big win on Sunday to take down the Dolphins, Jones and the Patriots prepare for their biggest game yet in week 18 against the Bills in Buffalo.