Mac Jones trash talking? Patriots insider explains how teammates are reacting to the rookie
By Keith Farner
Published:
During a recent practice with the New England Patriots, Mac Jones converted a pair of touchdowns, and put on a show during a stretch while incumbent QB Cam Newton is out because of COVID-19 protocols.
The former Alabama quarterback is taking full advantage of getting more attention with the starters in practice.
“He’s gotten all the No. 1 reps over the last 2 days for the first time since training camp began,” Patriots insider for ESPN Mike Reiss said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “At times, he’s looked the part, throwing beautiful passes, other times he’s looked like a rookie, throwing a Pick 6 going the other way 100 yards.”
But Jones is standing out beyond the plays on the field.
“After he scored the 2 touchdowns, he flashed 2 fingers to Patriots defender Matthew Judon, a veteran outside linebacker almost as if to tell him, ‘I just threw 2 touchdowns on you.’ I turned to a fellow reporter and said, ‘Is that Mac Jones talking trash to one of the top Patriots defenders?’ Showed his commitment, his confidence is growing on the field.”
Reiss reported that Judon appreciated the trash talk and delivered it back.
“Mac’s a good quarterback, he’s reading things well and he’s learning when to be assertive,” Reiss said.
Other players have noted how Jones is settling in, and even earning the respect of teammates.
Joining @GetUpESPN and @ryansmithtv (filling in for @Espngreeny), talking Mac Jones and his “big opportunity” as the Giants are in town today for practice. pic.twitter.com/husi9CQiNA
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 25, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
