Phil Perry discusses what Patriots locker room veterans told him about their preference between Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett as a starting quarterback.
In New England, Mac Jones’ rookie contract did not expire. And it seems that one former Patriots player is content with that.
While talking about the dangers of New England playing rookie quarterback Drake Maye too soon, former Patriots edge rusher and two-time Super Bowl champion Rob Ninkovich brought up Jones’ decline in play, which led to the team trading him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March.
“Take a look at this crazy Mac Jones who is currently in Jacksonville. In a recent “Dan and Ninko Show” broadcast, Ninkovich stated, “He’s griddying everywhere.”
The former Patriot reacted angrily when co-host Dan O’Brien brought up that Jones doesn’t like Ninkovich.
“I don’t give an f—,” Ninkovich declared. “I’m going to give f—ing Mac Jones a smackdown. It doesn’t concern me. Does it bother you if someone dislikes you?
“I hope they have a successful career as a backup and earn a lot of money.”
With 421 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and an NFL-high passer rating of 115.9 during the 2024 preseason, Jones seemed like a player who should have been given another opportunity in a more practical offense in New England.
Nonetheless, Ninkovich feels that Jones should have moved on and is pleased with Maye’s demeanor in contrast to Jones.
“It was unsuccessful. They required a shift,” Ninkovich remarked. “The demeanor alone between Mac Jones and Drake Maye are completely different.”
After the game, Ninkovich imitated Jones at his press conferences.
“I couldn’t hear myself say things like, ‘Yeah, you know, I just have to keep working and get better. I’m just going to keep working hard, and we’re all together, and it wasn’t my best. I have to be better.'” repeatedly, repeatedly, repeatedly, and again.
“I’d rather listen to Drake Maye talk than, ‘Yeah, my modeling career didn’t work out, so, um, now I’m back down here in Jacksonville.'”
Teaming up with offensive play-caller Matt Patricia for the first time in 2022 and dealing with a weak offensive line in 2023 undoubtedly put Jones in a tough spot in New England. However, he should have managed his emotions better, as his behavior on the sidelines reportedly frustrated both coaches and teammates.
Although it’s quite likely that Maye will have similar difficulties on his first start, Ninkovich and the Patriots are hoping the UNC product can show greater mental toughness than his predecessor.
“I just needed some more nuts,” Ninkovich stated in reference to Jones. “… Toughness, that’s what I needed.”
