Mac Jones' teammate responds to rumors he is 'rubbing people the wrong way' in Patriots locker room
After suffering a sophomore slump where he was criticized for his on-field posture and potentially dirty plays, Mac Jones needs to find a way to bounce back. However, with rumors that the Patriots don’t see much difference between him and his backup, Jones needs to figure things out quickly.
Still, defensive captainm=, Devin McCourty isn’t buying any of these rumors and actually denies that Mac Jones is rubbing people the wrong way.
“I’d like to remind people in New England in 2014 it was put Jimmy Garoppolo in, get Tom Brady out, it’s over,” McCourty said. “2022, he just retired and everyone is sitting there like he threw 50-something passes almost 60 passes his last game. He could really play.”
“So, I wouldn’t go too hard off what the people in New England are saying.”
For his part, McCourty wants to make it clear that he believes in Mac Jones. He pointed out that there is stability and he’s expecting the team to build around him. That includes bringing in new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
“I’m excited for Mac, I think sky’s the limit. I think he’s the future of New England. Any doubts, I think you’re wrong. He’s in that building right now, doing different things — meeting with guys, talking with guys. That’s what he wants.”
When pressed on the idea that Mac Jones rubbed anyone the wrong way by his on-field actions, McCourty pushed back.
“As a teammate, I don’t care who he trips out there. He wants to win, and I think that’s what it’s all about. He comes from a winning pedigree at Alabama. But I think some of the rumbling that comes out … did he run somebody the wrong way in a meeting? Probably, before. Have people left meetings and said, ‘Dev’s an A-hole today?’ Yeah!”
McCourty finished by emphasizing that Jones is a leader and that he’s become a leader at a very early stage of his career. Now, just let him grow.
Mac Jones is reportedly very excited about Bill O’Brien
Bill O’Brien will be Mac Jones’ third offensive coordinator in three seasons at the NFL level. That’s not, generally, a recipe for success. He clearly struggled with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge teaming up to call the plays in his second season.
Luckily, according to a report, Mac Jones is excited to play for Bill O’Brien.
Jones has a real offensive coordinator, now. That means it’s time for him to take the next step forward on the field.