Polarizing Patriot: Is QB Mac Jones 'Humble' or 'Arrogant'?

Former New England Patriots executives Scott Pioli and Eric Mangini have differing views on quarterback Mac Jones.

With the departure of last season's play-caller Matt Patricia, a "clean slate" offered by offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and a short-but-sweet public endorsement from coach Bill Belichick, New England Patriots' quarterback Mac Jones is getting a mulligan on 2022.

He drastically regressed during the 8-9 season, suffering an ankle injury that caused him to miss time and then barely fighting off a challenge for his job by rookie Bailey Zappe. Jones threw several temper tantrums on the field, was accused of being a "dirty" player by his peers and ultimately threw only 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions as the Patriots missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Early this offseason, he posted a cryptic poem on his social media. And Belichick, upset that Jones sought outside counsel during last season's turbulent run, was reportedly so upset that he sought trades for his quarterback.

Maybe there really is a "clean slate"? To his credit, Jones is doing and saying all the right things during OTAs.

The "comeback" is being noticed.

On an episode of NFL Network's “Good Morning Football” this week, former Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli praised Jones for his approach this offseason.

Said Pioli, "I absolutely love his candor, and I love his humility.”

Asked my thoughts about @MacJones_10 saying "There's a lot of things I could do better. I know that as a person, as a player, there's things I could grow upon..."@JasonMcCourty #ForeverNE #GMFB #NFL pic.twitter.com/iLd6OiSmIe

— Scott Pioli (@scottpioli51) June 7, 2023

Pioli, a three-time Super Bowl champ with the Pats during the 2000s, speculated that Jones spoke privately with the team to let them know he is going to work to be better this season, then spoke those same words publicly.

“He put public accountability not only to himself but to his team and his teammates,” Pioli said.

Former Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, on the other hand, hasn't been so keen on Jones' "arrogance."

For his part, Jones has said "I’m going to do everything I can to earn respect from everyone in this building again.”

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