Mac Jones Is Becoming A Leader For The New England Patriots
According to several teammates, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is taking his leadership qualities to another level this offseason.
“He connects with all the players really well. I’m proud of that dude, because it’s not easy,” receiver Kendrick Bourne told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Going into his second year after having a year like that, it’s going to be a challenge, but he’s a guy that likes challenges, like all of us in that Patriot building.”
Full quote via NFL.com
It is promising to see a player like Kendrick Bourne go to bat for your young quarterback. Having a quarterback that connects with fellow players is crucial in the NFL. It is probably even more important in a place like New England where culture is everything.
“It’s just at another level now,” Bourne said. “He’s more comfortable, more confident. He knows what’s going on, and the muscle memory is there (from having gone through it) — OTAs, then camp, and the season. He’s just more locked in, more secure in his position.”
Full quote via NFL.com
Taking that leadership role onto the field may be the toughest thing for a lot of young quarterbacks. It is always important to connect in the locker room. With that being, all is lost if you do not produce on the field. By Jones improving on the field, his ability to lead the Patriots will be quite easier
Coming out of college, a lot of teams loved the maturity of Jones. This helped him win the quarterback job for the Patriots last season. Now, entering year two, Jones has cemented his role as the Patriots starting quarterback and is now establishing himself as a leader in the locker room.
“He’s a young guy but he’s developed as a leader. That’s what this team needs,” DeVante Parker said. “I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I still see it.”
Full quote via NFL.com
Jones coming into New England and attempting to fill the shoes of Tom Brady was never an easy task. However, he has seemed to come into favor with his teammates. If Jones can take another leap on the field, the Patriots will have their quarterback and team leader for years to come.
