Patriots JuJu Smith-Schuster Comments on Mac Jones' Work Ethic

The growing synergy between New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster should be encouraging to fans as training camp progresses.

FOXBORO — New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is no stranger to catching passes from prolific quarterbacks. 

From his time with Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers, to his brief stay with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the 26-year-old can be trusted to evaluate both talent and a strong work ethic at the position.  

Therefore, the high praise he offered for Pats starting quarterback Mac Jones — while speaking with reporters following Thursday’s training camp practice — is worthy of catching one’s attention.  

"The guy [Mac Jones] is super intelligent, and his work ethic is the best,” Smith-Schuster said with an agreeable nod. “I've seen a lot of guys working, coming into the office early, leaving late, and he's one of those guys. The communication between me and him, he speaks up, he sees what he sees and talks about it, and that's what's great about us."

Smith-Schuster, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with New England in March, possesses they type of skill set which Jones typically covets in his receivers. The USC product is particularly adept at gaining yards after the catch, while Jones is at his best when leading his targets under the defense, releasing the ball quickly and delivering it accurately. 

On the field, the pair seem to be a perfect match. 

Still, the Pats young starting quarterback is also appreciative of the knowledge and experience Smith-Schuster brings to New England. 

“I know that he can bring that veteran leadership,” Jones said on Wednesday of his new teammate. “That's one of the guys I'm talking about when I say, "played a lot of snaps in the NFL." So, just to hear his experience, whether it's with other quarterbacks, coordinators or against other defenses, it's really cool just because I like to pick people's brains as well.”

While is is clear that Jones and Smith-Schuster have spent significant time discussing strategy, they have only two organized team practices worth of practical experience together on the field. The six-year-veteran receivers participated neither in team drills during OTAs, nor mandatory minicamp practices . The six-year veteran incurred his knee injury during January’s AFC Championship Game as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite performing at a level notably less than his best, Smith-Schuster still played an integral role in the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, catching seven passes for 53 yards.

Accordingly, New England has been prudent when it comes to Smith-Schuster’s health heading into 2023. So far, it appears to have been the right call — as the energetic Pats pass-catcher is both healthy and eager to get to work. 

"I feel amazing. I feel great. This offseason worked really hard to get back to be with the team," Smith-Schuster said after Thursday's practice. "Just being out here with the guys working, putting in the hard work, and putting it all together is super exciting."

Smith-Schuster has been among New England’s standouts for both of New England’s practices, to date. He has led off positional drills, while catching a pair of would-be touchdown passes from Jones. Smith-Schuster has also drawn the coverage of Patriots rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, leading to some of the team’s best individual practice battles. 

Judging by his performance in camp thus far, Smith-Schuster is poised to add a new dimension to the Pats’ offense in 2023. In addition to his synergy with Jones, his on-field abilities should endear him to new Patriots’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Smith-Schuster earned 141 yards above expectation last season — the fifth-highest number in the league. He ranked ninth in the league with an average of 5.8 yards-after-catch per reception. By comparison, the entire Patriots’ receiving corps combined gained just 33 yards after the catch in 2022.

Should he be able to replicate that success in New England, Smith-Schuster may not only elevate the quality of the Patriots offense, but also enhance the reputation of his new quarterback. 

Smith-Schuster, Jones and the Pats returned to the practice fields Friday morning for their third training camp practice.

---

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.