The New England Patriots suffered their second loss of the season on Sunday after another deflating loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins, 24-17. They are now 0-2 after also losing in Week 1 to the Philadelphia Eagles, and it is quickly becoming a disastrous start to New England’s 2023 campaign.
New England Patriots QB Mac Jones Gets Real After Loss Vs. Dolphins
Pats star quarterback Mac Jones did not hold back in his post-game comments. So much so, that the 25-year-old seemingly called out his teammates after the loss:
“Definitely got to play better and learn from it and be here early and leave late and do it together. I think that’s the biggest thing. If a couple guys are doing it, it’s not good enough, clearly,” Jones said, via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald (paywalled).
While Jones’ true intentions with his remarks remain unclear, more than a few folks out there believe that the Pro Bowl quarterback was taking a jab at his own teammates:
low blow statement… the guy simply ain't for us… sooner we admit – better will be…
— Salvatore Machuga (@dulence) September 18, 2023
Hes simply not the guy. No NFL arm strength. All of his big plays are throws directly up the middle or in front of him.
Even his last throw was weak and caused the tight end to come to a complete stop to catch a ball at his knees.
Bring in Zappe & get Carson Wentz on the phone
— Sean Patrick Kennedy (@SavageSPK) September 18, 2023
Brady never did that
— BILL WHELAN (@WVW929) September 18, 2023
Great leader not!
— SDale (@FISHTOWNJACK) September 18, 2023
Some other people came out to defend Jones, saying that he was right to call a spade a spade. After all, the former Alabama standout has played well in his first two games of the season, while some might say that the rest of the squad has left a lot to be desired.
Mac Jones Claps Back on Criticism
Be that as it may, Mac Jones has himself denied the notion that he was criticizing his teammates. Speaking to the press on Monday, the Patriots star made it clear that he was merely speaking about improving everyone’s work ethic in any and every way possible:
“No,” Jones said emphatically. “I mean it’s no. I’m talking about being close so, whatever you’re doing, just do more. It’s not like it’s rocket science. If you watch 30 minutes of film, watch an hour. If you lift for 45 minutes, lift for an hour and a half. Just whatever you can do so what when we’re in this situation – you know for me, that’s how I feel better about everything. You can only put in so much work.
“There’s 24 hours a day, you have to sleep for 8-to-10 of them. All of the other hours have to be about work.”
After the game, Mac Jones was seen sulking in the locker room long after the contest had ended. He looked like he was in deep thought as he took in the loss. When asked to share what was going through his mind at that point in time, the Pats QB got brutally honest in his response:
“Mostly just reflection,” Jones said. “Just trying to be where your feet are. Realize it’s a great game we get to play but at the same time, you want to win because it’s not as fun when you don’t win. Just trying to gather my thoughts before I got to the podium or something like that.
“But really just how can I lead the team throughout the week really the next week is what I’m thinking about. What can I do better? What can I do better? It starts with me as a quarterback. I know we have a great group of guys. It’s now about that. It’s just a couple unlucky breaks here or there and we’re 2-0. Just have to keep pushing.”
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