Jaguars HC Doug Pederson praises Mac Jones’ progress but notes occasional reversion to ‘Patriots habits’

It seems Doug Pederson, the Jaguars HC, took a jab at the then Bill Belichick led Patriots' management of Mac Jones.

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson praises Mac Jones’ progress but notes occasional reversion to ‘Patriots habits’

Mac Jones is improving under Doug Pederson after unfortunate stint with the Patriots. (Image via ESPN/Reuters)

Jacksonville Jaguars HC Doug Pederson commended QB Mac Jones on his performance in the preseason outings leading up to Week 1. Pederson also made a note of Jones’ reversion to the style of play in New England Patriots.

The Patriots selected Jacksonville native Mac Jones in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2021 after an NCAA record-setting year in Alabama. Subsequent to a good first season, Jones dropped in play, prompting Patriots to trade him to Jacksonville in 2024. However, due to a contract stipulation, he will become a free agent after this season.

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Doug Pederson acknowledges the transition Jones has sported since the move. He added that Jones has done a good job running the offense, involving everyone, and perfected his throwing skills. Pederson, who coached Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in 2018, also took a jibe at the Mac Jones’ development at the Patriots.

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Mac has played extremely well in the last couple of weeks and has really bought into what we do. He’ll still revert back to his Patriots ways every now and then, and we have to remind him he’s in Jacksonville. But he’s done a good job managing and running the offense, getting everybody involved.
Doug Pederson said on Friday

The legendary HC Bill Belichick and Jones had a strained relationship, the two not even talking towards the end of his time at Patriots. Belichick even wanted to trade the young QB a year ago itself for a second-round pick.

Albeit a clear deterioration in Jones’ play, many argue he wasn’t set up for success either. Former Patriots RB Damien Harris, earlier this year, said that Belichick didn’t do it right by Jones. He felt Belichick is the reason behind their success, but he also deserves the blame for unraveling Jones’ career.

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Mac Jones showing promise after exit from Patriots

Mac Jones seemed to getting on track with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the three preseason games, he’s had 421 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Jaguars maintained 3-0 winning streak in the preseason, claiming dominant wins over the Chiefs, Falcons, and Bucs.

Mac Jones
Mac Jones throwing the ball against the Buccaneers. (Image via Imago)

There have already been calls of Mac being QB1 material. However, it is unlikely he would dethrone Trevor Lawrence as the starting QB for the Jags. Lawrence, in 2024, signed a five-year contract extension for a record-breaking $275 million.

On the other hand, Jones’ has been called one of the best backups in the NFL right now. If he continues to display the off-season performance, Jones could find his way back to a starting position as a free agent.

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