Just over a week ago, Bill Belichick showered Mac Jones in praise. He claimed the second-year gunslinger was âmaking significant stridesâ and that he was far ahead of where he was at this point in his rookie season.
Jones also raved about new eating habits and a revamped workout routine. The word around the league was that he bulked up and was ready to take a leap forward in his sophomore season.
Now, however, it seems like that may not be the case. Reports from the Patriotsâ 10th day of training camp claim the offense has been nothing short of a disaster as they try to get by in the post-Josh McDaniels era:
NFL News: Pats Offense Struggling In Training Camp
âThey couldnât run block. They couldnât pass block. There was miscommunication with offensive targets,â wrote Mike Daniels of The Providence Journal. âThere was an interception on an errant throw. More often than not, Jones had little time to throw the ball due to the relentless Patriots pass rush. It didnât take a football expert to see that Jones and his offensive teammates were frustrated throughout Mondayâs practice.â
Mac Jones Had Several âMoments Of Uncertaintyâ
âMac Jones had some moments of uncertainty a yr ago in training camp but not nearly as many as you would expect for a rook,â Mike Giardi reported.âThis summer? Far more. Yes, it is early August. Thereâs time. However, the install started back in the spring & youâd like more comfort and success.â
âTo clarify, this isnât all on Mac,â Giardi added.âBlocking has been poor (they havenât 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 werenât open. Not a wonderful combination.â
This is far from ideal, obviously. And the fact that the Dolphins and Jets look much better ahead of this season only makes things worse. But then again, one knows better than to count out Bill Belichick this early in the season.
