The New England Patriots veteran quarterback Mac Jones is in love with his team’s new offensive coordinator and wide receiver pointing out a great season for the Patriots family ahead of the regular season.
The Patriots team had a difficult season last year, however, the 24-year-old in particular had to deal with the persistent rumors that the team would sell him this offseason. Now, those rumors have died down, he is working hard to help the Patriots achieve their best results this year with the help of their new offensive coordinator and wide receiver.
Mac Jones weighs in on working with Bill O’Brien
Jones had a lot to say about his team’s new offensive coordinator on Wednesday, particularly regarding his amiable and encouraging demeanor. According to Mac, Bill O’Brien possesses all the knowledge and mental qualities necessary for a coordinator to identify a player’s weaknesses, talk to him in depth and with encouragement, and also be able to positively influence all players. This ability helps O’Brien win the team’s loyalty.
“It’s been normal. I think everything he’s done so far has been really good,” he said. “I think the communication is the most important part, and trust. I think it all starts with that when you’re with a new coach. He’s done a great job in controlling the room. I feel like everyone’s on the same page. We’ve just got to continue to do it; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Mac Jones on working with Bill O'Brien: "It's been really good, it's been normal… I feel like everyone is on the same page" pic.twitter.com/EawTDjXk7M
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) May 31, 2023
The offense is an obstacle for the Patriots in spite of having one of the stronger defensive units in football. O’Brien is the only coach who truly understands the Patriots’ offense, having started with the team in 2007 as an offensive assistant before moving on to coach wide receivers, quarterbacks, and quarterbacks in 2009, 2010, and 2011. In 2011, the 50-year-old was promoted to offensive coordinator.
What special name did Jones give to WR JuJu Smith-Schuster?
JuJu Smith-Schuster, the new wide receiver for the Patriots, is already a fan of Jones as he considers playing with the quarterback to be one of the most exciting aspects of being a member of the team. Meanwhile, the veteran quarterback of the team gave the wide receiver the moniker “Football nerd” after recognizing his great strength in the offensive lineup upon his addition to the squad this season.
“Obviously when he gets on the field, that’s going to be great. He has the experience, and he loves talking about football,” he said. “He’s a football nerd, I guess. Kind of like me, so we kind of hit it off in that regard.”
Jones called new #Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster a fellow “football nerd.” Also called him a “great leader.”
On new #Patriots TE Mike Gesicki, Jones praised his “playmaking” ability.#ForeverNE
— Conor Roche (@ConorRoche27) May 31, 2023
Smith-Schuster previously served as the Steelers’ successful captain. He demonstrated during his time with them that he was a selfless leader by listening to all team members, respecting their decisions, and never making a choice based solely on his own judgment. The quarterback was a big fan of the 26-year-old’s leadership style, and he didn’t hesitate to mention Julu’s outstanding performance that day.
“I think JuJu’s done a great job, also from a leadership standpoint by just coming in,” he added. “That’s someone who adds veteran leadership from different places. He just came off a Super Bowl team. What a great value to our offense.”
For the duration of his stay in New England, MJ felt accountable for every team victory and defeat; however, his excitement over the two is now giving the team great cause for optimism.