Mac Jones is using ‘scars’ from Patriots experience as motivation
The former Patriots quarterback wants to use those not-so-fond memories as "power" for his next act.
Former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is now on his third team in five years after joining the 49ers in the offseason.
Now that he out on the West Coast and backing up Brock Purdy on a playoff contender, Jones reflected on his time with the Patriots. He said he is using the memories as motivation.
“I think just for me, just acknowledging what I could have done better. Always looking inward,” Jones told reporters, per team provided video. “And then, just learning from some great people along the way and then taking those scars, brushing them off, and using them as power because I think at some point those are going to help me. They have helped me, whether that’s here or in practice or maybe in a game in the future.”
“That’s what I’m looking forward to,” he added. “You may not think about a specific instance, but that will make you stronger in the long run. I’m putting my new foot forward and trying to learn from an organization.”
Jones enjoyed a solid rookie season with the Patriots after being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He helped the team earn a playoff berth and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate.
But, things quickly snowballed from there. After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, multiple benchings, and ultimately losing his starting job to Bailey Zappe, Jones was traded to his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth round pick.
The Jaguars missed the playoffs last season. Jones completed 65.3 percent of his passing attempts with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. He started seven games after Trevor Lawrence went down with a season ending injury. Jacksonville went 2-5 in those games.
San Francisco lost its final four games of the regular-season last year and missed the playoffs. They lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl the year before. The 49ers have made three of the last six NFC championship games, and Jones said he hopes to make the most of his opportunity with the franchise.
“My goal is to really have great attempts,” said Jones. “Is the ball supposed to go there? If it is, let it fly and be committed to it. Sometimes when you watch my film it’s like it wasn’t a full commitment throw. I want to get better at that, and I have when I’ve been out there … I learned the hard way in a way but I’m going to focus on myself and the guys around me.”
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