Some see Mac Jones as New England’s franchise quarterback, others see him as a short-term fix until a more capable passer shows up, and then there’s 1988 NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, who thinks the Patriots’ signal is “stupid.” . Caller.
“Here’s the thing I really dislike about Mac Jones, if you want to get to the bottom of it,” the former quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets said Boston’s WEEI On Monday. “His body language, his facial expression, his turns on the field – it pisses me off. You are stupid. I don’t know how else to explain it.”
Jones, the 24-year-old former Alabama star, is known for his colorful reactions. He can often be seen smiling or joking with teammates, but there are other moments when he grimaces in frustration or yells at his patriots.
Some see Mac Jones (left) as New England’s franchise quarterback, others see him as a short-term fix until a more capable passer emerges, and then there’s 1988 NFL MVP Boomer Esiason (right) who thinks “there is a douchiness’ to the Patriots caller
The facial expressions and gestures are nothing new to Patriots fans, who have seen similar behavior from Tom Brady for two decades, but Esiason was quick to apologize for the seven-time Super Bowl winner.
“And here’s the deal, you know, Tom Brady could be douchey at times too,” Esiason said. “And he can yell at his players and everything else. But Tom Brady then goes out and supports it. He’s going to play his ass off and put his team back in the playoffs (Sunday).’
The 8-8 Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins at Foxborough on Sunday to stay alive in the AFC playoff picture. Jones threw for two touchdowns and 203 yards.
Jones celebrates after scoring a touchdown September 25 at Gillette Stadium
Mac Jones howled in pain as he was helped off the field to the dressing room after suffering an injury late in the fourth quarter. The Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens 37-26
Mac Jones isn’t the only quarterback getting emotional on the field, as evidenced in this photo of Boomer Esiason from Super Bowl XXIII, which the Bengals lost to the 49ers
Last week, he fought back allegations of a dirty hit against Bengals cornerback Eli Apple.
The incident happened midway through the fourth quarter of the Week 16 loss in New England, when Jones attempted a doomed backhand forward pass while being wrapped up by Cincinnati’s Vonn Bell.
Although the pass was incompletely whistled, Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt captured the loose ball and sprinted toward the end zone with Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton chasing him.
Hoping to block Thornton’s path to Pratt, Apple also sprinted down, only his progress was halted when he was outflanked by Jones, who dived in his legs to bring down the defense.
The game was reviewed by the NFL, but Jones was not fined.
Regardless, Apple considered the play dirty on Jones’ part.
“He tripped me,” Apple told WEEI. “I thought it was a dirty game. He’s done that before, I’ve seen it.’
Mac Jones lowers his shoulder before falling in to rip out Eli Apple’s legs
The incident happened midway through the fourth quarter when Jones attempted a doomed, sneaky forward pass while being wrapped up by Cincinnati’s Vonn Bell
Jones has since defended his actions.
“I think obviously that’s a big part of everyone having an opinion and the biggest thing for me is to focus on being the best teammate I can be and getting the respect of the people in this building and of the people I care about.” Jones to reporters.
“Obviously I have respect for everyone in the league,” Jones continued. “It takes a lot to get into this league. There are really good players out there and we all play hard and try to win. At the end of the day, you have to keep that in mind. It’s a game and you just want to have fun, enjoy it and compete against each other. I’ve always done that and I know that my teammates appreciate that about me.”
Earlier this season, cameras caught Jones listening to his team’s game calls by appearing to say, “Throw the shit ball. The damn fast game sucks.’
Postgame Jones insisted it wasn’t aimed at offensive play-caller Matt Patricia or anyone in particular, but was simply an expression of his desire to throw the ball down.
The Patriots end their season away against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. They can still qualify for the postseason, but will almost certainly have to piss off the Bills to do so.