Mac Jones opens up about his job security after loss to Raiders
After losing to the Las Vegas Raiders, the New England Patriots fell to 1-5 on the season. It’s the team’s worst start since before Bill Belichick took over in 2000 and a lot of the blame has fallen on the shoulders of the offense and third-year quarterback Mac Jones.
Following the loss to Las Vegas, in which the offense only scored 17 points and took a safety on an attempted last-minute drive, Jones opened up about his job security.
“I’m confident,” Mac Jones said. “I think that comes from years of experience and earning respect from people, and I think I’ve done that. But I’m trying to win every game I play in, and I’m not doing it. So I just really want to focus on, ‘How can I bring these guys with me? How can we clean up the little things?’”
Mac Jones was 24 for 33 passing against the Raiders. He threw for 200 yards and an interception. He’s now thrown just five touchdowns to seven interceptions on the season. Still, it was a good day for the offense, which scored two touchdowns. Prior to the game, New England hadn’t scored a touchdown since the first half of their win against the New York Jets on September 24th.
“It takes all 11, and that’s important. And to be the leader of that 11 is a lot of stress, but that’s why I play this game. I really want to win, and I’m doing a lot of things to do that during the week. But for whatever reason, it’s just not happening on Sunday.”
Throughout New England’s roster, there are some major injury issues. On top of that, the offensive line and wide receivers have been criticized for not doing enough to help out Mac Jones. Still, with issues dating back to the 2022 season, Jones remains the major concern for many.
The Patriots have several other quarterbacks on its roster and practice squad, including Will Grier, Bailey Zappe, and Malik Cunningham. It was Cunningham who was active as the backup against Las Vegas.
New England’s next game will be at home against the Buffalo Bills.
Tony Romo ripped Mac Jones during the game
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned broadcaster Tony Romo wasn’t thrilled with Mac Jones’ play on Sunday. That came toward the end of the first half when the offense was on the move, looking for its first touchdown since 12 quarters of play. That’s when Mac Jones threw a bad interception.
Mac Jones saw tight end Hunter Henry was open but missed him badly and his Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig in the chest, instead.
“I mean he is open – Hunter Henry. This is just a horrendous throw by Mac Jones,” Romo said. “I mean this one? He has a couple this year he wants back. But this is going to be right up there. Wide open Henry and he just misses him as he’s moving out.”
It seems like Mac Jones is on a short leash moving forward. However, for now, it’s still his team, even if it may be too late to salvage the season in New England.