Nick Saban reveals the moment everything changed for Mac Jones

Mac Jones has emerged as the top quarterback from the 2021 NFL Draft class and seemingly gets better and better as each week passes.

Jones’ last two outings feel like a reflection of what’s coming, as the rookie demons fade slowly away. Last Sunday, he was up against a formidable Cleveland Browns defense that isn’t some cakewalk. The Patriots’ rookie put together his best NFL game to date, finishing the day with nearly 200 yards passing, three touchdowns and an impressive quarterback rating of 142.1

Then came Thursday night’s showdown on a short week. On national television with plenty of doubters still labeling him a limited “game manager,” he only had four incompletions in four quarters, finishing the 25-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons 22-of-26 for 206 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Earlier this week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was asked about Mac Jones’ growth as a quarterback now that the former Crimson Tide star is shining at the biggest level.

“That was probably Mac’s biggest hurdle as a player,” Saban said of his former quarterback’s early issues with the mental part of the game. “Was being able to control his emotions. Especially playing the quarterback position. To not get so upset when he threw a bad ball or made a bad read or whatever.”

Saban vividly remembers when it all changed for Mac Jones, and shared the story.

“We had one day where we had to go in the indoor. “Sometimes, I’ll sit in the weight coaches office and look out the window,” Saban recalled. And looking out the window, I can only see half of the field, so Mac was on the other side of the field. I could see Mac, but I couldn’t see the defense and I couldn’t see his receivers.”

And like a lightbulb, Saban spotted it. He knew exactly how to help Mac Jones get out of his head.

“So every time he would throw the ball, I would look at Mac, and I could tell if it was complete or incomplete based on his body language. I told the film guy to film this,” Saban added. “I think that may have been the turning point for him,” the Alabama coach said of the current New England Patriots starting signal caller.

Mac Jones the tennis player?

Earlier in the segment, Saban and the hosts joked that Jones was nicknamed “McEnroe” during his time in Tuscaloosa for his strong ties to the sport of tennis.

Jones’ connection to the sport stems from his upbringing, his family boasting a superb tennis pedigree. His father, Gordon, was an excellent college player who earned an ATP career-high singles ranking of 322  Jones’ sister, Sarah Jane, lettered at College of Charleston.

“He did kind of have a tennis player’s mentality,” Saban said of Mac Jones. “Do you understand how you’re effecting everyone else? This is not an individual sport. You’re the leader of the team, and you’re kicking and fussing and everyone else see’s that. That’s not a good thing for the position, you have to be the commander and chief, you have to be in control of what’s happening.”

Mac Jones played frequently from ages seven to 12, propelled most of all by a highly competitive nature and a grip-and-rip forehand, according to tennis.com.

On Thursday night, coming off a short week, Mac Jones delivered yet again. He only had four incompletions in four quarters, finishing the 25-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons 22-of-26 for 206 yards, a touchdown and an interception.