New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones silences critics in new viral video
By Devin Hurst
In a recent video posted on social media on Wednesday, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones put critics of a “noodle arm” to rest with an absolute strike.
Who says you’ve gotta wait two weeks to see some Patriots football, huh?!?
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) July 12, 2023
One lucky YMCA Metro West camper hauls in a bomb from Mac Jones — inside the Patriots bubble for a NOBULL youth clinic — that goes for a 70-yard touchdown he’ll never forget. pic.twitter.com/EHr1EU6tPL
In Jones's lead-up to becoming the Patriots' first-round pick in 2021 and even afterward, the 24-year-old gunslinger has been criticized for his arm strength.
Many media members, draft experts, and people involved in football thought his arm could not make it in the NFL. Throw in the poor weather conditions in Foxboro or other cold weather teams such as Buffalo, Pittsburgh, or New York and people thought his arm would never hold up.
I’m sure Mac Jones, from Jacksonville via Alabama, with the arm strength of a great high school prospect, will thrive in these conditions! https://t.co/sFN5l8EWhI
— nick wright (@getnickwright) December 6, 2021
In the video, Jones fires a perfect throw to a young camper going long. This throw was at the NOBULL youth clinic, where a YMCA Metro West camper made a catch he will remember forever.
While the caption in the tweet may be a bit misleading, as it looks as though the throw was much closer to 55 yards than 70 yards, this throw was on the money.
Aside from the throw, physically, Jones looks to be in much better shape ahead of training camp in two weeks.
In his sophomore campaign, Jones threw for nearly 3,000 yards in just 14 games. Most of the offensive struggles have been placed on the former offensive staff of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.
This offseason, however, the Patriots brought in former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien to replace Patricia as the offensive coordinator and Judge as the quarterback's coach.
With a new play caller in order on the offensive side of the ball, the pressure is squarely on Mac Jones this season.
O'Brien has proven he is a more than competent play caller, and after this season, management will have to decide whether they should pick up the quarterback's 5th-year option or choose to move on ultimately.
This season is a massive one for Mac Jones and the New England Patriots as a whole.
Will another unsuccessful season lead to ownership and the front office to look in a different direction at quarterback?
Does ownership begin to question if it is time to move on from their hall-of-fame coach?
Many possible scenarios are on the table following the 2023 season, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.