Curran: The idea that Belichick was ‘forced’ to draft Mac needs to be doused originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones once again had an abysmal week, completing just 12 of his 21 attempts for a mere 89 yards in Sunday’s 10-7 loss to the New York Giants. After two interceptions and a fumble, the third-year QB was benched for the fourth time this season in favor of Bailey Zappe.
Jones is off to a career-worst season, posting only 2,120 passing yards on a 64.9 percent completion rate, 12 interceptions, and 10 touchdowns. The 2021 first-round pick has also been responsible for three fumbles through the first 11 games of the season.
Patriots’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien took full blame for Jones’ poor performance, but who is really to blame for his struggles? Our Patriots insider Tom E. Curran broke down how head coach Bill Belichick is solely responsible for all things Jones-related on the latest edition of Quick Slants.
“Here’s what’s interesting, as we try and relitigate what the Patriots should have done,” Curran said. “There were conversations on draft night, ‘Well the Patriots didn’t move up to get Mac [Jones], how much did they really want him?'”
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In what was once considered a loaded draft class for the quarterback position, the Patriots selected Jones at No. 15 overall, making him the last QB off the board in the first round of the 2021 draft. Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance went top three — in that order — with Justin Fields falling to 11th.
Did the Patriots just select Jones with the thought process of taking the best available player for the position they needed?
“Bottom line is this,” Curran added. “The Patriots had Cam Newton, who couldn’t throw overhand — Mac [Jones] beat him out during training camp, decidedly. Additionally, they had a team that had no…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/curran-idea-belichick-forced-draft-013042535.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2023-11-29 01:30:42
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