NFL
“We have to remind him he’s in Jacksonville.”
Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is making the most of a fresh start in Jacksonville so far.
Jones finished the preseason 38 for 52 (73.1 percent) with three touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a passer rating of 115.9. On Friday, Jones was 13 for 18 (72.2 percent) for 113 yards, a TD, and no picks, as the Jaguars steamrolled the Falcons, 31-0.
While he’s the clear backup behind proven starter Trevor Lawrence, Jones has certainly turned some heads this preseason.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson praised him for managing and running the offense and getting everyone involved. At the same time, Pederson — who steered the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII triumph over the Patriots in 2018 — said some of Jones’s old habits occasionally surface.
“Mac has played extremely well in the last couple of weeks and has really bought into what we do,” Pederson told reporters. “He’ll still revert back to his Patriots ways every now and then, and we have to remind him he’s in Jacksonville.”
Whether it’s a not-so-subtle jab or not, Pederson’s remarks certainly elicit some questions about whether he feels New England maximized Jones’s talent.
“He sees the field well, throws a good ball, so he’s done a good job,” Pederson said.
Sign up for Patriots updates🏈
Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during football season.