Patriots rookie Mac Jones knows he’s got to ‘produce’ after being named starting QB
Last week, the New England Patriots elected to part ways with three-time Pro Bowler Cam Newton.
The move effectively placed rookie Mac Jones into the starting job to begin his rookie campaign. The Alabama product holds the tough task ahead of proving he can be a franchise cornerstone out the gate to his NFL career.
Despite all those factors, Jones voiced this week that he’s taking the approach of making the most of the opportunity.
“Doesn’t mean much. The label is the label but you gotta go out there and produce. That’s what it comes down to,” Jones said, via Phil Perry of NBCSportsBoston.com.
Head coach Bill Belichick is taking a significant risk by handing the offensive reins to a rookie quarterback. It’s not something he’s done throughout his tenure with the Patriots.
He’s typically gone with experience over youth to guide the team forward, as he did last season with Newton. However, the rookie showed enough in training camp and the preseason to garner Belichick and the coaching staff’s confidence.
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Jones holds the strong trust from the Patriots to push them forward in 2021. New England will likely lean on the running game to ease some of the offensive pressure.
Meanwhile, the defense is expected to be among the better units in the league. New England will have a few familiar faces returning, such as Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy.
All the pieces are seemingly in place for the Patriots to push their way back into playoff contention.
