Mac Jones was not drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes or even Justin Herbert during the pre-draft process. With the rapidly-changing NFL, Jones’ style of play — mostly as a pocket passer — is already considered somewhat old school. That’s why he draws comparisons to some of the older quarterback in the NFL — and retired from the league.
So when former Alabama offensive coordinator and current Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian fielded a question about Jones’ pro comparison, he went with a player who has plenty of NFL experience.
“Mac Jones, in college, prepared like he was already in the NFL. I likened him to a Matt Ryan who I was fortunate to work with during my time with the Falcons,” Sarkisian said after the NFL draft. “Mac was very diligent in his understanding of the game plan, very diligent in his preparation and understanding the defense, and then ultimately applying all of that. He was tremendous at that and prepared as well as anyone been around at the college level.”
That wasn’t the only comparison from Sarkisian. There was another former pro that came to mind. In fact, this one was a retired Patriots player.
“I would liken him from a mental standpoint to Matt (Cassell),” Sarkisian said. “I coached Matt for three of his four years in college and when he got to the Patriots, I think his approach is one that Mac will take. He really dove in, he knew what the plan was, he prepared really well and when he got his opportunity, he played at a really high level.
“I think Mac is going to similar in the sense. He’s going to know what (offensive coordinator Josh) McDaniels and coach (Bill) Belichick want to do in practice and in a game. He’s going to have a real sense of preparation and then at that point it’s up to him to go out and perform.”
That recipe certainly worked in Jones’ full season as a starter in 2020 when he had 4,500 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns and four interceptions with a record-setting completion percentage of 77.4%. Jones and the Crimson Tide won the national championship last season. The wild year of production landed Jones at third in the Heisman Trophy voting and 15th overall in the NFL draft.
With New England in need of a reliable starter at quarterback, Jones will compete against veterans Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer during training camp. And the Patriots are probably hoping Jones starts to look like Ryan — and in short time.
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