Mac Jones is getting a second chance with the Jacksonville Jaguars after a difficult start to his NFL career with the New England Patriots.
The quarterback claimed that having a new team and a new city has given him confidence as he attempts to make a fresh start, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
“The whole change of scenery definitely helped,” Jones stated. “Just enjoying myself while playing football. My finest work comes from being loose, letting it fly, and channeling that gunslinger mentality that I may have somewhat lost. However, I have it back here; all you need to do is use it consistently. There are good days, horrible days, and all the days in between.
Jones, the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was thrown into the fire, starting immediately for the Patriots. His best season came in his rookie year when he had 3,801 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, but from there he never managed to find his groove.
Last year, Jones had 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games before being benched in November.
Now, after being traded to Jacksonville this offseason, the pressure is off of Jones as he prepares to back up Trevor Lawrence. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson echoed Jones’ sentiment that being in a new place is ultimately a good thing.
“I think the change of scenery for him is good,” Pederson said. “Coming back home to Jacksonville is good. He’s in a great (QB) room. He’s being taught ball here. (Quarterbacks coach) Mike McCoy does a great job of getting guys equal reps. There’s something to be said for … (starting over). In this case, I think it’s a positive to change venues.”
Jones, a Jacksonville native, will look to work on his craft from a bench role this season. At just 25 years old, learning from the sidelines could ultimately pay dividends down the road in his career.