New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick isn’t going anywhere. The same may not be true for quarterback Mac Jones.
“I think Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league,” Belichick responded Monday when asked if Jones’ status as the team’s starter could be reevaluated this offseason, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. “We have to all work together to try to find the best way — as a football team, which obviously quarterback is an important position — to be more productive than we were this year.”
Belichick, who confirmed he’s returning for at least another season, was speaking less than 24 hours after the Patriots lost 35-23 at the Buffalo Bills to finish their campaign at a disappointing 8-9. Jones isn’t only to blame for the team’s offensive woes this season, but he often seemed to be more so part of the problem than a potential solution.
The second-year pro looked out of sorts during the preseason while working with assistant coaches Matt Patricia and Joe Judge following the departure of former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who became Las Vegas Raiders head coach last winter. Jones failed to find the form that helped make him a Pro Bowl selection a year ago, and the 24-year-old repeatedly earned criticism for his antics and outbursts during games.
According to ESPN stats, Jones finished the regular season 26th among qualified quarterbacks with an 84.8 passer rating and 28th out of 31 players with a 35.9 total QBR. In 14 games, Jones threw 14 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
“Every decision that we’ve made has always been with the intent to do the best thing for the football team. That’s the way it’s always been, and that’s what it will be going forward,” Belichick said about coaching-staff moves that seemingly did Jones few favors. “At different decision points, you have different opportunities. As those go along, or come along, we’ll continue to evaluate them.”
As far back as November, NFL insiders began speculating that Belichick could embrace a reunion with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady this offseason. Brady is set to hit free agency when the new league year opens in March, but it’s unknown if he and/or Belichick are interested in working together once more before the seven-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller rides off into the sunset of retirement.
