Mac Jones was one of the best rookies in the NFL last season. But if you know Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, you know that being "one of the best" isn't enough.
That's why the Alabama product has worked tirelessly throughout the offseason to get his body in the best shape of his life and get ready for his second season in charge of the offense.
Notably, his efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Recently, coach Belichick lauded his work ethic and his preparation ahead of training camp, stating that he's in a much better place now than during his rookie season:
"He's made tremendous strides," Belichick said, per ESPN. "He did a great job last year, but he's starting from a much, much higher point this year from where he started last year. His offseason work has been significant, and I think everyone recognizes how well he prepares and how much further along he was than a year ago."
Belichick also claimed that Jones is getting a better grasp of the offense now that he's already been in the trenches. He claims that he's been ahead of schedule and quite involved in game-planning:
"We're just a lot further ahead in the conversation [offensively]," the coach said. "The plays that we talk about, or concepts we talk about, Mac has already done it before. It's easy for him to say, 'Are we going to do this on that? Are we going to do this on something else? What do you think about splitting them a little bit wider? Splitting them a little bit tighter.' Suggestions like that."
Likewise, the Pats have seen way more of Jones as he enters his second season, so they can make adjustments accordingly:
"And we have a much better feel for what he can do, what his strengths are, and how to try to play into those," Belichick added. "He's self-aware, too. He knows what he does well. We want to try to feature those."
Belichick also added that all coaches are taking a hands-on approach regarding Jones and his development, which is yet another reason why he's not bothered by who's going to call the plays on offense or defense:
"Look, I'm a head coach," Belichick said. "Ultimately I'm responsible for everything. So just leave it at that."
That's Bill Belichick 101 right there.
