Jeff Howe, NFL insider at The Athletic, is covering the NFL Combine from Indianapolis. 

On Friday’s Toucher & Rich program—Howe joins Fred, Rich and Wallach to discuss the latest on Mac Jones and the NFLPA survey. 

Parts of conversation abbreviated for clarity.

• 

  Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) checks with head coach Bill Belichick, left, and senior football advisor Matt Patricia, second from left, during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

• Why does everybody give Mac Jones a pass for last season?

   

  Jeff Howe: Mac Jones isn’t absolved from all the blame for things that went sideways last year. The system and the coaching all needed to be a whole lot better. My biggest takeaway from this past NFL season is how much coaching truly matters. You can’t be a good quarterback or have a good offense if your coaching is not up to par. 

  Look at Trevor Lawrence improve with Doug Peterson, compared to how he was as a rookie with Urban Meyer. Tom Brady played great in Tampa, but without Bruce Arians that offense fell apart. Look at San Francisco and everything Kyle Shanahan has done with a third-string rookie quarterback. 

  Everybody will learn more about Mac Jones and his potential this coming season. 

• 

  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Senior football advisor Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots speaks to quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

• What are your thoughts on the NFLPA survey?

   

  Jeff Howe: In terms of the facility, I’ve never noticed an issue with it. I’ve never heard about issues with the facilities, planes or anything like that. I don’t know how many teams have their own private jet they’re using to send to the players on the road. In terms of the hotels, everybody stays in the same circuit of places on the road. 

  It’s one of those things. Belichick has said many times that he’s not easy to play for. If you’re playing for a coach that’s not easy to play for and the results aren’t adding up, then you’ll have a tough year. 

• This is shaping up as a career-defining year for Patriots QB Mac Jones.
  
  Sources say it's Jones’ job to lose, but backup Bailey Zappe will at least have a chance to push him.@jeffphowe on the level of disconnectedness that must be resolved.https://t.co/rdfdvJg3kw pic.twitter.com/Da1Wti2ACj

  — The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) March 3, 2023

• Jeff Howe: Belichick is the greatest coach of all time. He’s going to be hard on you. He’s going to be demanding, but he’ll probably get you 12 or 13 wins and a chance at the playoffs. Things will be more difficult when you only win eight or nine games. I truly wonder if that factored into the voting process. 

• Full Segment

• Ryan Beaton is a producer for 985thesportshub.com. You can follow Ryan at @ry_beaton on Twitter.

  Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.