Ex NFL MVP Joe Theismann: New England Patriots' Mac Jones Not 'Comfortable'

Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann speaks on the recent struggles of New England Patriots signal-caller Mac Jones.

Third-year quarterback Mac Jones has been at the center of the New England Patriots' struggles this season, and it's easy to see why.

After a solid debut season that saw him finish second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, Jones has regressed dramatically over the next two years. The return of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien was supposed to help him rebound this season, but instead, his play has gotten even worse to the point where he has more interceptions than touchdowns. He's also been benched four separate times this year, including the Patriots' last two games.

Nearly every talking head under the sun has gotten in their two cents on Jones, and Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann is the latest to chime in. Theismann, who won MVP with the Washington Commanders franchise in 1983, believes that Jones is well outside his element in New England.

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"He makes throws that you scratch your head over," Theismann told Fox News. "I got to tell you, watching him – I've probably watched four or five games – he just doesn't look comfortable in a pocket. And if you aren't comfortable in a pocket, the ball's going to go places sometimes where you don't really, I don't think you really know. I mean, his accuracy is off.

"The best way to describe what I see about him is he just doesn't look like somebody who has any confidence in a pocket," Theismann continued. "He doesn't throw the ball with confidence. It's like, he's not sure. There's tremendous indecision in the way he plays that position. And if there's one position in football you have to be decisive at is the quarterback position."

In the midst of Jones' second underwhelming season in a row, many believe it's only a matter of time before New England makes a change under center. With the Patriots likely finishing with a top three-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Theismann believes that is the time to make said change.

"I think New England has to," Theismann said. "[Jones’] rookie year, you know, you say, 'OK, he's learning the game. He's learning how to play quarterback in the National Football League.' But you've got to see some type of a movement forward with progression as far as comfort level, accuracy in throws, making decisions with the ball in your hands. He hasn't moved to the next level in any of those areas."

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Jones, the No. 15 pick in 2021 out of Alabama, has completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this year. The Patriots' offense has problems all over, but it's clear to see why so many are ready to move on from the former first-round pick.

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