Patriots quarterback Mac Jones addresses lack of downfield attack

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones isn’t concerned about his team’s lack of downfield attack. Rookie quarterbacks naturally have a tendency to make more conservative throws, and Jones is no different.

The former Alabama star is averaging 5.6 intended yards per throw, the third-lowest in the NFL. Still, Jones said in a radio appearance Monday that is somewhat a product of the defenses he has played, but he knows he has to improve.

“It wouldn’t say that,” he said. “I think it goes back to just me sticking to my rules and there’s sometimes when the defense takes plays away and that’s why we play. I mean, they are good on defense, too. At the same time, I feel like you take the three or four plays, or whatever it may be, whether it is in practice or a game, and you re-watch them and you’re like ‘OK, I probably could’ve thrown that one.’

“But, at the end of the day, it’s about moving the ball and taking what the defense gives you. If they give you the deep shot, then take it. But if they give you the short, then take the short. It’s kind of what the defense is doing, really.”

Pass-catching running back James White is second on the Patriots in targets (13) behind receiver Jakobi Meyers. Tight end Jonnu Smith is tied for third on the team with 10. It’s common for young quarterbacks to use players at these positions as safety valves.

But Jones would like to note that tough he has thrown only one touchdown, he has no interceptions. He believes that’s partly what led to a 25-6 victory against the New York Jets in Week 2.

“When you look at turnover statistics, the team that turns the ball over less usually wins,” he said. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s pretty high percentage-wise. We had less turnovers than the other team and [Sunday] we definitely could have capitalized more on the turnovers we got, but as long as you’re ending every possession with a kick, then things will be moving in the right direction. That’s kind of what I have always been taught. There may be some things I can adjust and I will do that. Just listen to the feedback that I get because in the past, obviously college is a completely different game. Not to bring that up or anything, but it is different here in the NFL and you kind of have to play possession football and try and stick to your rules and throw to the open guy. It shouldn’t be that confusing or complicated.”

The young quarterback will look to continue to improve when New England face the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. If making less throws downfield is what Mac Jones has to do to get a Patriots win, expect just that.