New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has not shied away from giving praise to newly-hired coaches, Bill O’Brien and Adrian Klemm.
When asked about how far along the offense is, and what we can expect on Thursday, Jones said, via Patriots.com, “I think we have a lot of stuff in. I think we’re trying to just expand and try things, and keep the things that we like in and take the things out that we don’t like.”
Those comments are a welcoming sign of the collaboration and trust between O’Brien and Jones. Last season didn’t have much collaboration in the offense for Jones and company.
“I’ve been very happy with Coach [Bill] O’Brien and all of us have. We’re just trying to raise the standard here and just do it right every day. I feel like just trying to be consistent is our biggest thing,” said Jones.
Jones has been playing behind a banged-up offensive line missing three of the five projected starters, and he has faced pressure early and often from a stout Patriots defense led by Matthew Judon.
When asked about the communication along the line, Jones quickly gave praise to the unit.
“I think the offensive line is doing great,” said Jones. “I think right now, obviously there’s some injuries and stuff, but those guys are doing a great job trying to fight to keep the pocket clean, and it all starts with those guys.
“I feel like they have made a lot of progress. Coach Klemm and Coach Billy (Yates) have done a great job explaining everything to them. And obviously David (Andrews) does a great job leading. You never know when there is going to be an injury in a game, and you have to make it work with the five that are in there, and I feel like they’re doing a great job.”
“I feel like they’ve made a lot of progress. Coach [Adrian] Klemm and Coach Billy [Yates] have done a great job just kind of explaining everything to them. Obviously, David [Andrews] does a great job leading. …You never know when there’s going to be an injury in a game. You’ve just got to make it work; the five that are in there have to work together, and I feel like they’re doing a great job.”
Jones went on to claim David Andrews is “the ideal Patriot” and “a team leader”.
One thing that has been clear throughout training camp is that Jones is comfortable and confident, which are two things we failed to see in the horrendous 2022 Patriots offense.
Things have been pointing up with Jones continuing to look strong in practice, despite even the tough weather conditions at times.
Rain doesn’t seem to be affecting Mac Jones much
Throwing with good accuracy and velocity
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 7, 2023
On Thursday, we will finally get to see the Patriots’ new-look offense against someone other than the Patriots defense when they take on the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Even with the projected starters likely sitting out, we should have a better understanding of where the unit is at after that game.
