FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Mac’s support system: Patriots players have quarterback Mac Jones’ back.
That was one of the resounding themes of the past week as the Patriots (1-1) prepared to host the Baltimore Ravens (1-1) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, Fox).
Jones and the Patriots are coming off their first win of the season, although parts of the second-year quarterback’s performance – most notably an early interception and a would-be pick that was dropped in the second half — sparked some media-based criticism.
Some players didn’t seem fond of it.
A telling moment unfolded on Wednesday as longtime captain Devin McCourty was answering questions from reporters in the media workroom, and Jones was waiting in the corner for his turn.
Perhaps sensing the opportunity to boost Jones as he listened, McCourty returned fire to a respected, longtime Patriots reporter. The reporter asked a question about the scrutiny on young quarterbacks and Jones’ progress in 2022, drawing a parallel to how McCourty had a productive rookie season before dipping in Year 2.
“I would say, first and foremost, there’s not many people who watch football who understand how to play quarterback. No matter what. Including you,” McCourty responded.
“He would be crazy if he built his career off what people write and say about him, because for one, there’s not many who have played the position at a high level and can do that consistently. You come out, you play as a rookie, you have success, it sucks to say but everyone is waiting to write bad things about you. That’s just how everything works.
“I think he knows, in this building, every guy in that locker room believes in him. Everybody in…
Source : espn
