The New England Patriots have not skipped a beat in the absence of starting quarterback Mac Jones, winning each of the last two games under rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Now reports have emerged that suggest Mac Jones may have some serious issues with the New England Patriots at the moment.
According to Albert Breer of NBC Sports Boston, Jones has had some huge disagreements with some of the Patriots’ front-office decisions, and the relationship between the two sides has been turned “sideways”.
In a video shared by NFL insider Dov Kleiman, Breer discussed Jones’ gripes with the organization on The Dan Patrick Show, saying that the second-year quarterback turned down the Patriots’ desire for him to get surgery for his ankle injury.
“A big part of this is who Mac (Jones) is,” said Breer. “Mac is a big ‘why’ guy. He wants to know why you are doing something. New England has never been a big ‘why’ place. Jones was really close with Josh McDaniels. A big thing for him was why are you hiring a defensive coach as my offensive coordinator? With all of the change in New England, there was some natural friction there.
“Then there was the handling of his injury, and whether or not he should get surgery. They wanted him to get surgery for his high-ankle sprain. He thought he would be better off rehabbing the injury. There was some level of disagreement there.”
Mac Jones' relationship with #Patriots has 'gotten sideways'
"Wait a second, 'why are you hiring a defensive coach as my offensive coordinator?'"
.@AlbertBreer was on the @dpshow and detailed the friction in the relationship.
Pats wanted Mac to get surgery and Mac declined. pic.twitter.com/z7rcUZaYml
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 18, 2022
This report has many coming to the defense of Mac Jones, saying that his frustrations are certainly justified.
He has every right to be pissed about Matt Patricia being his offensive coordinator
— Keith (@KBM9812) October 18, 2022
Trouble in paradise ? https://t.co/tUqiTEG9EV
— Rōnin🇩🇴 (@yovaniJr_) October 18, 2022
I’ve never been a Mac Jones guy. But this is interesting from Albert. Trouble is brewing in New England. https://t.co/xJ8VNcFv3W
— Thomas Floyd (@ThomasFloyd12) October 18, 2022
He not wrong for wanting answers though…. https://t.co/OyPBB71GgD
— Kyle Lue (@KyleLue) October 18, 2022
Interesting perspective on the Mac Jones situation in New England https://t.co/AaSYvCY3eF
— Drew Davenport (@DrewDavenportFF) October 18, 2022
Hiring a defensive-minded coach like Matt Patricia to serve as the team’s offensive play-caller certainly seems like something that would not aid Jones in his development.
This report follows Bill Belichick’s shocking comments that Jones would not be confirmed as the starter upon his return.
It will certainly be interesting to see what New England does when Jones is able to play. Bailey Zappe has exceeded expectations in a big way and appears to have the favor of Bill Belichick.