Emotional Control Is An Early Weakness For Jones

On day one Mac Jones showed that he was still improving and coming for the starting job held by veteran quarterback Cam Newton, would he continue trending in the right way. Jones had a decent day on Thursday but things didn't end as Jones would've liked.

Kharl Thompson of Boston.com wrote, "it felt like a repeat of yesterday: nothing to write home about with Mac Jones continually looking like he could rise up and steal the quarterback competition from the incumbent Cam Newton."

Thompson would go on to acknowledge that Jones dropped off in the second half, which was a theme throughout the spring.

On day two Jones went 8 of 15 bringing his totals to 17 of 34 for camp thus far. Against the elite defense, that's not bad but it would be nice to see Jones around sixty percent competition percentage as his numbers are what we'd expect from Hoyer and not a franchise quarterback but the defense is elite and that has to be accounted for.

Zach Cox of NESN wrote, "The rookie quarterback looked much sharper than Cam Newton during a mid-practice 7-on-7 drill — he showed stronger anticipation and quicker processing speed while Newton mostly held the ball and checked down to running backs."

Ryan Hannable of WEEI also chimed in writing, "it was evident once again that Jones is much more decisive with his throws and decision-making than Newton."

Jones also got to show off more of his mobility on bootleg throws today. Proving that he's not just a statue waiting to get pummeled by opposing players. If anyone recalls, Tua said Jones was more mobile than scouts were giving him credit for. This could be something to watch.

Jones also seems to be having an issue with knock downs at the line. This is something that can be addressed by the coaching staff. Some might not want to hear this but towards the end, It looked like mentor Cam Newton was rubbing off on Jones, as his accuracy started to slip and he was sailing passes, throwing the ball at people's feet and out of arms reach. Jones's accuracy wasn't poor on the day but it was definitely off on day two, leading to the quarterback losing control of his emotions.

It was reported that he showed inconsistency getting rid of the ball on day two and had moments where he held the ball a little too long. Again something his teammate is known for and something he'll need to correct if he wants success in this offense.

This is the second time Jones has shown emotional outburst when things weren't going his way. Earlier this spring he let his emotions get the best of him. For now, this might be nothing but it could be something to monitor as it could be a Ryan Leaf situation. Mental health treatment is more accepted than it was years ago. For now, again it's something to keep an eye on but it's reason to sit Jones until he shows he has it under control. Last thing the Patriots need is for Jones to turn out like Sam Darnold.

Phil Perry wrote, "most impressive throw was a touchdown pass to tight end Matt LaCosse that came out quickly and was placed away from the nearest defender on what looked like a curl route."

Jones's highlight of the day however was reportedly throwing a touchdown to Jakobi Meyers on a corner route, showing of all the traits Patriots nation missed in 2020 after the departure of Tom Brady. Jones also showed Chemistry with tight end Troy Fumagalli, who had a good day. Bourne and Sony Michel, who's been working hard to improve his pass catching skills.

Mike D'abate of S.I. said Jones gave himself some momentum to carry into day three writing, "he finished on a high note with three completions, including an end-zone stroke to running back Sony Michel."

And Evan Lazar wrote, "Overall, the operation runs smoothly with Jones under center. He’s a decisive decision-maker, gets the ball out quickly, which helps him hit tighter windows, and is nimble in the pocket..."

Early on Jones showed why the Patriots took him in the first round but late in the day he also showed why many were right to say he needs to sit a year. Jones has the intelligence and ability to start day one but it's clear he doesn't have the emotional toughness yet and that can destroy his confidence as a franchise quarterback if given the reigns too early. This is something to monitor as camp progresses. 

I don't do this often but it looks like my buddy Ray Rauth of Dear Pats Nation or DPN Sports Talk was right on Jones needing to sit. You can find Ray over at Newsbreak and also on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.