Mac Jones Cracks the NFL Top 100 List
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones checks in at No. 85 on the NFL top 100 list. Jones has clearly earned the respect of his peers because the list is voted on by current NFL players.
“Mac is a field general,” said Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon. “From day one he came in yelling to get in the huddle. On his first touchdown, like he didn’t even want the ball. He’s not a big me guy, he’s a we guy.”
“The best thing about Mac he came in a leader,” said Patriots defensive lineman Lawrence Guy. “He built that relationship with his teammates. The offensive line love him. You can see the respect they have with him. He has broad shoulders, every game you saw him, wins or losses, he got better. If I had a bad game, how do I get better from that bad game. If I had a good game, how do I get better from that good game. That’s the kind of player you want as a young player cause he’s that leader you want.”
The 23-year-old signal caller was exceptional in his season under center. His 3,801 passing yards were the fifth most all-time for a rookie quarterback. He threw for a Patriots rookie record 22 touchdowns and his 67.6 completion percentage is the second highest all-time by a rookie behind Dak Prescott.
Jones was the first rookie in NFL history to complete at least 80-percent of his passes in back-to-back games. He led the Patriots back to the playoffs after missing them in 2020 and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.
Many of the attributes that he displayed at Alabama in his lone season as the starter carried over to the NFL. His timing, anticipation and pocket awareness were that of a seasoned vet. The moment was never too big for Jones and he embraced the big stage just as he did when leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios was complimentary of his division rival.
“The way he goes through progressions, he doesn’t make many crucial errors and mistakes, he’s gonna be a player in this league for a long time,” said Berrios.
The Patriots open the 2022 season on Sunday, Sep. 11 against the Miami Dolphins.