If you ask captain and special teams standout Matthew Slater, the New England Patriots shouldn’t lose faith in quarterback Mac Jones, even after he threw two interceptions in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday in the postseason.
Jones had a rough stretch over the last five games, with two turnovers in all four of the team’s losses. But the rookie and former 15th overall pick did more than enough during the course of his rookie season to reassure the Patriots — players, fans and coaches — that he’s the answer for 2022.
“I think the future is bright with this organization with that young man, not just with his play on the field but with the character that he possesses,” Slater said on Saturday after the game. “He’s the type of player you hope to build around.”
Jones finished the year completing 67.6% of his passes for 3,801, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with the Patriots enjoying 10-7 record. New England started 2-4 but Jones and the Patriots managed a seven-game win streak that turned the team around and landed them in the playoffs. Though he had his growing pains, Jones seems to have earned Slater trust. Jones appears poised to correct the mistakes in the offseason and come back stronger in 2022.
“I know my kids and I will watch be watching him a long time to come,” Slater said in the postgame press conference. “It’s certainly been an honor for me to play alongside him and see him grow over the course of the year. Patriots Nation — they should be excited about having No. 10 as a quarterback.”
