Mac Jones Embraces New Role with Jacksonville Jaguars: 'He Drives Us Crazy Sometimes,' Says Coach

In a season-defining moment on November 26, the New England Patriots, led by quarterback Mac Jones, found themselves at their 9-yard line with just 34 seconds left in the first half against the New York Giants. Jones handed off to running back Ezekiel Elliott for no gain, and the half came to a quiet close. Little did anyone know, it would be Jones' last snap for the Patriots. Relegated to the bench in favor of Bailey Zappe for the remainder of the game, Jones' third season as New England's starting quarterback ended in frustration as he watched from the sidelines for the final six games.

Fast forward to the offseason, and Jones found himself traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, as the Jaguars prepare to kick off their preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jones is eager to return to the field and prove his worth in his new team.

Speaking to WJXL-AM, Jones reflected on his preseason experiences: "My rookie year, I played a lot in the preseason. The last two years, I wanted to play more but didn’t get the chance. Now, I just want to get out there and move the offense, stay calm, and let the game come to me, no matter who I’m playing with."

The Jaguars' initial depth chart places Jones as the backup to Trevor Lawrence, ahead of last year’s backup, C.J. Beathard. Head coach Doug Pederson mentioned that he plans to give his penciled-in starters a series or two before turning the reins over to Jones, marking his first playing time since his benching and his first appearance at EverBank Stadium since his Pop Warner days.

Recalling his childhood memories at the stadium, Jones shared, "We didn’t win that game back then; it was like 25-6 against Sweetwater. But I’m not dwelling on it. I’m just excited to be back in my hometown stadium. I’m going to go out there, let it fly, and see what happens."

Despite starting all 42 regular-season games in his NFL career, Jones is relishing the chance to adapt to a backup role in Jacksonville. "I’m just being myself, being the quarterback everyone wants to play with," he told the Florida-Times Union. "I love having fun, talking a little smack—it’s just my personality. The team here is embracing that, and I’m fitting in with the guys. It’s a different vibe from what I’m used to, but it’s a good one, and I’m enjoying it."

Pederson acknowledged that Jones’ vibrant personality occasionally clashes with his own. "He’s going to have a good time no matter what," Pederson said. "He’s great in the locker room, great with the guys. Sometimes, he drives us crazy with the things he says or does, but it’s all in good spirit. When he’s on the field, it’s business. He’s a competitor who loves to compete."

When pressed for details on what specifically drives him crazy, Pederson laughed, "Some of the things he says out there... I can’t really repeat them all. It’s pretty interesting."

Echoing Pederson's sentiments, Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor described his relationship with Jones as an "annoying-little-brother" dynamic. "What I love about Mac is that he’s passionate about football. He’s always talking, always having fun, and we have a good rapport because of that. We like to rib each other a bit—it’s fun, and it keeps things lively."

As the Jaguars gear up for their preseason clash against the Kansas City Chiefs at 6 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Jones is focused on setting the tone for the younger players. "All the young guys have met the standard so far, and I want to make sure they do that on Saturday night," Jones said. "The first game can be overwhelming for some, but I’m going to stay positive. We’re going to make mistakes and plays—that’s how the first preseason game goes."