In the 2023 season, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones faced yet another challenging campaign. Initially expected to be the season’s starting quarterback as a former first-round pick, Jones found himself benched on multiple occasions in favor of Bailey Zappe due to issues with consistency.
Although Jones is still under contract for the upcoming 2024 season, there are uncertainties about the Patriots retaining him. Despite this, Jones has expressed a determination to improve for the next season, whether that opportunity arises with the Patriots or another team.
“Obviously I have a lot of respect for the people in this locker room, and that’s where it starts,” Jones said, via Khari Thompson of Boston.com. “I feel like I let people down with my play. A lot of that stuff is in my control and some of it is not. So, I’m going to do everything I can for my next opportunity whether that’s here and really just push forward and continue to be Mac. That’s what it’s all about. Don’t let that waver.”
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Jones concluded the 2023 season with 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. This performance followed his 2022 season, where he accumulated 2,997 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Despite his efforts, Jones has faced challenges at the NFL level, prompting speculation that the Patriots may opt for a new quarterback in the upcoming season. Some suggest that if Jones had been drafted by another team, his career trajectory might have taken a significantly different course.
