The regression of the Patriots’ offense has become a bit of a national topic in NFL circles. A lot of those discussions center on the quarterback. At this time last year, Mac Jones was seen as a guy who could potentially be ‘the guy,’ the heir apparent to Tom Brady in New England. He had the best rookie season of any of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of his draft, which was seen as having an especially strong quarterback class.
That narrative has changed quite a bit in 11 months. With the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leading to the team’s senior football advisor and former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia stepping into the presumed play calling role, the team is averaging a touchdown less per game. Statistically and at times visually, Jones has dropped off in step with the offense as a whole.
While Patricia has publicly bore much of the fallout of that fall off, one former NFL quarterback sees this as a Bill Belichick issue. During an interview at Radio Row for this year’s Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, former Giants, Falcons, and Broncos QB and current radio host Danny Kanell shared his thoughts on the situation.
“I love what I saw and I liked his intangibles. Everything you hear about him is what you want to hear about a quarterback – make all the throws,” said Kanell, who also works as a college football analyst and watched Jones regularly at Alabama. “Last year we were optimistic, right? With Mac Jones – saw a really good foundation.”
“I’m more upset with the Patriots for putting him in this position, where I think Bill Belichick’s arrogance is why we are where we are,” Kanell continued, touching on Jones’ 2022 performance. “For two reasons – one, the arrogance of thinking you could just grab one of your guys from the defensive side of the ball and bring Matt Patricia over and just make him an offensive coach along with Joe Judge. I mean, that was a huge red flag coming in. And then, the lack of talent around him.”
“So for me, you’ve got two – in already what’s the hardest job in sports, playing quarterback in the NFL – you’ve got kind of two things going against you,” he added. “If you’re a ten year veteran, that’s hard enough. If you’re only in your second year in the league, good luck. And I think that’s why it’s hard to get a really good grasp of where Mac Jones is and where he should – how do you project him when I don’t think it’s a fair evaluation.”
Kanell also talked about his excitement for the Army-Navy game coming to Foxborough next year, and potential draft targets for the Patriots. You can hear the full interview above, or by subscribing to the 98.5 The Sports Hub Patriots Audio feed wherever you get your podcasts.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
