Amidst a disappointing sophomore NFL campaign, the New England Patriots’ Mac Jones has been somewhat of a lightning rod of criticism this year. He’s yelled at his coaches. He’s slid toward defenders, heel up, likely trying to hurt them. He’s even made, what some believe, a poor effort to tackle Chandler Jones in one of the most embarrassing plays in pro football history. At this rate, it’s no wonder his own teammates appear to want Jones replaced.
You can count ex-Patriot and three-time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman among those who haven’t appreciated how Jones has conducted himself this season.
In an episode of Inside the NFL, Edelman and former NFL WR Brandon Marshall debated what Mac Jones should’ve done on the “Fail Lateral.” Where Marshall defended Jones because tackling is not a part of his usual job as a quarterback, Edelman used it as an opportunity to rip Jones’ effort and what he perceives has been an overall lack of professionalism:
On @insidetheNFL, Brandon Marshall defended Mac because he never practices tackling. Edelman responded:
“You know what, he also doesnt practice the antics after plays and waving off coaches and all these little pissy faces and stuff. Like he doesnt practice that, and he does it"
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 23, 2022
Phew. I guess it’s safe to say members of the Patriots’ Golden Era aren’t fans of the current New England young quarterback, are they?
Here’s another ex-Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion Vince Wilfork, harshly criticizing Jones’ antics:
"I'm tired of that. You're the leader of this team… you can't be frustrated every single week"@wilfork75 tells @TomGilesNBCS he doesn't want to see Mac Jones' frustrations on the field anymore pic.twitter.com/ekPTCwulkT
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) December 21, 2022
It is admittedly a lot to ask Jones to tackle a man who has roughly 50 pounds on him. That said, the game was literally on the line during the play. Normal rules go out the window in that situation. And when you’re 13-of-31 for 112 yards while also seemingly throwing tantrums every week, you don’t get exactly get the benefit of the doubt. The microscope gets even bigger when that sort of behavior appears to be a pattern.
The controversy around Jones only seems to expand by the week. The more that successful, Super Bowl-winning Patriots continue to speak up about him, it appears that the apparent mess will only grow.
NFL fans were struck by Edelman and Wilfork's criticisms of Jones
Wise words from one of the best Patriots / Players of all time @wilfork75 ! https://t.co/Qx45wrRsgH
— Chris Costello (@ChrisCostello10) December 22, 2022
I love how all these former players/legends are speaking out about this https://t.co/LJnIGXPJHe
— Erica Castro (E/Cast) (@ecast2308) December 22, 2022
Another reason he's not the guy. https://t.co/RNlLGx2C5k
— Winston Smith (@Suntzu_11) December 22, 2022
When Big Vince talks, I listen. https://t.co/UtY1xOccaQ
— Leigh Antle (@leigh_antle) December 21, 2022
— Ted Nesi (@TedNesi) December 23, 2022
things are fine https://t.co/3UQapHbJw8
— Charlie Jay (@NOTCharlieJay) December 23, 2022
Damn, Julian Edelman. https://t.co/ZTPGXsDSwN
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) December 23, 2022
https://t.co/OVH1jAcL5h pic.twitter.com/RYfy7av7j8
— Greg Vorse TV (@GregVorse) December 23, 2022
