Mac Jones, Patriots’ offense not looking great in training camp?
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones 10) throws the ball during a game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Mac Jones looked very good as a rookie last season. But according to one reporter, he hasn’t looked quite as good to start training camp with the New England Patriots, and the problems are deeper than the quarterback.
NFL Network reporter Mike Giardi says that Jones has not looked as comfortable this camp as he did last year.
Mac Jones had some moments of uncertainty a yr ago in training camp but not nearly as many as you would expect for a rook. This summer? Far more. Yes, it is early August. There's time. However, the install started back in the spring & you'd like more comfort & success. #Patriots
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 6, 2022
“Mac Jones had some moments of uncertainty a yr ago in training camp but not nearly as many as you would expect for a rook. This summer? Far more. Yes, it is early August. There’s time. However, the install started back in the spring & you’d like more comfort & success,” Giardi wrote.
Giardi added that the Patriots’ offense hasn’t been able to run the ball at all in camp and that receivers haven’t been getting open.
To clarify, this isn't all on Mac. Blocking has been poor (they haven't been able to run the ball a lick in camp) and last night, there were a number of times Mac had to hold because receivers weren't open. Not a wonderful combination… https://t.co/LDqnDIaaW8
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 6, 2022
“To clarify, this isn’t all on Mac. Blocking has been poor (they haven’t been able to run the ball a lick in camp) and last night, there were a number of times Mac had to hold because receivers weren’t open. Not a wonderful combination…” Giardi wrote.
Giardi isn’t alone in this opinion.
ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss noted that there have been a number of “no chance” plays for the Pats’ offense in camp.
Cleaning out the notebook from the eighth practice of Patriots training camp. pic.twitter.com/10sZPKu9Q8
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2022
This is only the start of camp, and it’s possible New England’s defense is playing extremely well. But in a league that increasingly is focused on explosive offenses, the Patriots’ offense struggling in camp is a concern.
New England lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the Las Vegas Raiders. They seem to be replacing him with former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. This could end up being a big problem for the Pats.