Mac Jones, the New England Patriots quarterback, embarked on a journey of self-improvement following his rookie season in 2021. Recognizing the need to elevate his game, Jones dedicated himself to a stricter offseason workout regimen and a healthier diet. This commitment to physical conditioning has resulted in a noticeable transformation, with teammates and observers noting his leaner physique and improved fitness.
Self-Diagnosis and Dietary Changes
Jones acknowledged the importance of evaluating his physical condition after his first year in the NFL. "I think every year you want to do a self-diagnosis of how you felt for the games, your body fat, all that stuff," Jones said. This self-assessment led him to focus on refining his diet, sleep habits, nutrition, and overall wellness.
"For me, cleaning up my diet -- I've probably learned more this offseason than I ever have about my diet, sleep, nutrition, wellness, all that stuff," Jones explained. He emphasized that he is applying the knowledge he gained to optimize his performance.
Striking a Balance: Maintaining Weight and Absorbing Hits
While Jones has focused on trimming down his body fat, he is also mindful of maintaining the necessary weight to withstand the physical demands of the NFL. "At the same time, I need to maintain my weight and be able to take hits," Jones noted. "It's a fine line for every player. Every player is different. For me, I've definitely trimmed down on the body fat a little bit."
He recognizes the importance of bulking back up before the season starts to ensure he can absorb the hits. "There’s a fine balance," Jones said. "For me, I’ve definitely trimmed down on body fat a little bit and I’ll get a chance to bulk back up before the season starts to be able to absorb the hits.”
Read also: Retirement Bodybuilding Journey
Teammate Observations and Conditioning
Jones's dedication has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Receiver Kendrick Bourne praised Jones's improved physique and work ethic. "He's in the best shape of his life," Bourne said. "I think he's been here all offseason with (strength and conditioning coach) Moses (Cabrera). He looks really good. His stomach is gone, and he looks really good."
Bourne added, "He’s definitely a ‘pros-pro’ now. He’s just dominating the conditioning, which is dope to see. He’ll be able to endure more during the game and go through more.”
Addressing Arm Strength and Accuracy
In addition to his physical transformation, Jones has also focused on improving his throwing abilities. He has worked with renowned throwing coach Tom House, who has previously worked with Tom Brady. This collaboration aims to enhance Jones's velocity and accuracy on various throws.
“I worked on throwing the ball,” Jones remarked. “Deep … short … intermediate … doesn’t matter. There are ways to improve. Fine-tuning each throw. I worked on throwing in all conditions and increasing my knowledge on that"
Observers will have a better opportunity to see how Jones' arm looks during training camp when he's moved off his spot and occasionally under some duress.
Read also: Discover Lawrence Jones' inspiring story
Focus on Team Improvement
Ultimately, Mac Jones’s journey towards self-improvement is designed with one goal in mind - to help the team move forward. “My body feels good,” said Jones. “I feel a lot better."
Rookie Season and Areas for Improvement
During his rookie campaign in 2021, Jones led the Patriots back to the playoffs, earning a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie team. However, he faced challenges down the stretch, struggling with accuracy and decision-making as defenses adjusted to his tendencies.
New England lost four of its final five games following the team’s Week 14 bye, as well as its Wild Card playoff game to the Buffalo Bills. As a result, Jones is back to work for 2022; singularly focused on making improvements for the upcoming season.
OTAs and Early Impressions
Along with several of his Patriots teammates, Jones returned to the practice field for day one of voluntary organized training activities (OTAs) on Monday. The 23-year-old had a productive day, overall. He completed 11 of 14 passes in 7-on-7 drills, while connecting on 7 of 9 in full team drills. His synergy with receiver Kendrick Bourne was on full display during an enthusiastic celebration of the wideout’s one-handed catch. Jones and Bourne also hooked up on a well-placed deep shot during 11-on-11 drills. While it may be early to make any meaningful evaluations, especially in non-contact drills, Jones seems intent on avoiding the dreaded ‘one-hit-wonder’ moniker.
Jones's Background and Early Career
Michael McCorkle "Mac" Jones, born on September 5, 1998, played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. During his junior year, he set NCAA season records for passer rating and completion percentage, leading the team to win the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. He received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Davey O'Brien, and Manning awards.
Read also: The Transformation of Lindsay Jones
Jones played high school football at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. In the 2018 season, Jones appeared in 14 of the Crimson Tide's 15 games, mostly as a holder on special teams. Jones served as the starting quarterback near the end of the 2019 season after Tua Tagovailoa suffered a severe hip injury.
NFL Career
One of the top quarterback prospects of the 2021 NFL draft, Jones was selected 15th overall by the New England Patriots. Following the preseason, Jones was named the Patriots' starter for 2021. In his NFL debut, Jones completed 29 of 39 passes for 281 yards and made his first touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor in a 17-16 loss against the Miami Dolphins. He also set the NFL completion percentage record for a debuting rookie at 74.4. His first win came the following week over the New York Jets and he became the first rookie quarterback to convert over 70% of 60 passes in his first two starts by obtaining a 73.3 completion rate.
Jones struggled during a Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints, in which he had three interceptions, including his career first to safety P. J. Williams. The following week, Jones made his Sunday Night Football debut against defending Super Bowl LV champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by Super Bowl LV MVP and former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The Week 7 victory began a seven-game winning streak for the Patriots, with Jones completing 69.4% of his passes for 1,397 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jones also became the first NFL rookie quarterback to have a completion percentage of 80+ in consecutive games, which he obtained in victories over the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. Amid the streak, he was named Offensive Rookie of the Month for November. In the seventh consecutive victory, he attempted only three passes against the Buffalo Bills due to heavy wind conditions, the second-fewest by a winning team since the Bills in 1974. New England's winning streak ended with consecutive losses against the Indianapolis Colts and Bills, which saw Jones record two interceptions in each game. After a Week 17 rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones became the first Patriots quarterback other than Brady to clinch a postseason berth since 1998.
Jones returned for the Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup with the Chicago Bears, but after going three-and-out on his first two drives and throwing an interception on his third, he was benched for Zappe in the 33-14 defeat. Despite the benching, Jones started the following week's game against the Jets, completing 24 of 35 passes for 194 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the 22-17 victory. He also had an interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Michael Carter II, but a roughing the passer penalty on defensive end John Franklin-Myers negated the play. In a Week 9 victory over the Colts, he completed 20 of 30 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, ending a seven-game interception streak. Jones had his strongest performance of the season in the Thanksgiving Day game against the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for a career-high 382 yards and two touchdowns, but the Patriots lost 33-26. The Patriots would win only two more games to finish the season 8-9, with Jones throwing for 1,229 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions in his last six appearances.
In Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jones was replaced by Zappe after posting a 39.9 rating with three turnovers in a 3-38 blowout loss. In Week 5 against the Saints, Jones completed 12 of 22 passes for 110 yards and two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, and lost a fumble. The Patriots snapped a three-game losing streak after Jones completed 25 of 30 pass attempts for 272 yards and two touchdowns in a 29-25 comeback victory against the Bills. In a Week 8 rematch against the Dolphins, Jones completed 19-of-29 passes for two touchdowns and one interception in a 17-31 loss. In Week 9, Jones went 24-of-44 passes for 220 yards, a touchdown, and a late game-losing interception in a 17-20 defeat against the Washington Commanders. The following week against the Colts in Frankfurt, Jones was sacked 5 times in the first half, and threw 15-of-20 passes for 170 yards and an interception. Due to his performance, he was replaced by Zappe for the third time that season in the final drive as New England lost 6-10. In Week 12, playing his final game as a Patriot against the New York Giants, Jones completed 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards and two interceptions before being replaced again by Zappe at halftime in the 7-10 loss.
On March 14, 2024, Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. On September 12, after first-string quarterback Brock Purdy was ruled out with left shoulder and toe injuries, Jones was named the starter against the New Orleans Saints.