Report: Belichick Told Coaches to ’Not Be Too Hard’ on Jones

The Patriots coach reportedly took more of “constructive” approach with his quarterback last season, despite the team’s struggles offensively.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones did not have a stellar 2022 season after his strong rookie campaign the year before.

Jones, a former first-round pick in the ’21 NFL draft, threw for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season compared to ’21 when he threw for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. 

However, rather than lash out at Jones, The Athletic reported that Patriots coach Bill Belichick told his coaching staff to “not be too hard” on the signal caller. Instead, Belichick took more of a “constructive” approach, which the report notes is opposite of what he did with longtime Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Jones is slated to remain as New England’s starting quarterback, per The Athletic. However, backup quarterback Bailey Zappe will get the chance to challenge Jones for the starting spot. 

Jones’s decline in production in ’22 did not fall squarely on his shoulders. His struggles were intertwined with the Patriots’ inefficiency on offense as a whole last season. The unit  dealt with “dysfunction” and was “riddled with distrust” according to a report released by the Boston Herald in January.

New England’s offensive struggles reportedly stemmed from the disconnect between the Patriots former quarterbacks coach Joe Judge and former offensive play-caller Matt Patricia, per the Herald. Heading into the 2023 season, Jones will be reconnected with new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, whom he worked with briefly at Alabama.

New England (8–9) finished third in the AFC East division after losing three of their last four games to end the ’22 season. The Patriots’ offense ranked 17th in the league with 21.4 points per game.