NFL insider reveals how Bill Belichick is using Tom Brady's example to rescue Mac Jones’ career
For Mac Jones, last season was one to forget. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star had a slight drop compared to his rookie season, where he finished second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year Voting. One such explanation could be seen in head coach Bill Belichick's treatment of the New England Patriots quarterback.
As mentioned by Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Belichick treated former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady differently than Jones. Howe noted how the 70-year-old coach told the staff how to handle Jones last season.
Howe said:
"Belichick instructed the coaching staff not to be too hard on Jones last season, according to the same sources. If Jones made a mistake or needed to be corrected, instead of yelling at him, the coaching staff generally took a more constructive approach."
Howe added:
"That’s atypical. Belichick used to loudly chew out Tom Brady in an attempt to set the tone for the rest of the team. The rationale, Belichick believed, was that if the rest of the players knew Brady was in the coaching crosshairs, no one was untouchable. That ran counter to his approach with Jones."
Jones noted during a news conference last season that he wanted to be coached harder. He is used to dealing with demanding coaching with Nick Saban at Alabama and at The Bolles High School with Corky Rogers.
A major move made by the Patriots this offseason could turn around the 24-year-old signal-caller.
The Patriots bring back a familiar face to both the organization and Mac Jones
Belichick and owner Robert Kraft chose to revamp the offense this offseason, hiring Bill O’Brien last month as offensive coordinator. O'Brien replaces Matt Patricia, who was in charge of the team's offense in the 2022 season.
The former Houston Texans head coach was on the Patriots' coaching staff for five seasons (2007 - 2011). He was also the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator for two seasons and was an assistant while Mac Jones was there.
A likely reason for the hire is to resolve the disconnect that the Pro Bowler had with Patricia and the coaching staff last season. Let's see if O'Brien can help Mac Jones and if Belichick will treat Jones like Brady next season.
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