After Sunday night’s loss to the Dolphins, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones made a comment that was deciphered by local sports radio talk show hosts as calling out his teammates.
Jones said after the 24-17 loss, “Definitely got to play better and learn from it and be here early and leave late and do it together. I think that’s the biggest thing. If a couple guys are doing it, it’s not good enough, clearly.”
Jones was asked about those comments on one of those shows that were reading between the lines, WEEI’s “Jones and Mego with Arcand.” Host Adam Jones asked Jones if he was implying that there’s a lack of effort on the Patriots.
“No,” Jones said emphatically. “I mean it’s no. I’m talking about being close so, whatever you’re doing, just do more. It’s not like it’s rocket science. If you watch 30 minutes of film, watch an hour. If you lift for 45 minutes, lift for an hour and a half. Just whatever you can do so what when we’re in this situation – you know for me, that’s how I feel better about everything. You can only put in so much work.
“There’s 24 hours a day, you have to sleep for 8-to-10 of them. All of the other hours have to be about work.”
Jones was also asked what he was thinking about in the moments after the game when, nearly 20 minutes after the final whistle had sounded, the Patriots quarterback was still sitting at his locker in full uniform with a towel over his head.
“Mostly just reflection,” Jones said. “Just trying to be where your feet are. Realize it’s a great game we get to play but at the same time, you want to win because it’s not as fun when you don’t win. Just trying to gather my thoughts before I got to the podium or something like that.
“But really just how can I lead the team throughout the week really the next week is what I’m thinking about. What can I do better? What can I do better? It starts with me as a quarterback. I know we have a great group of guys. It’s now about that. It’s just a couple unlucky breaks here or there and we’re 2-0. Just have to keep pushing.”
The Patriots have had a chance to win or tie late in both games so far this season and have come up short. They’ve also dealt with early turnovers that have led to early deficits.
They’ll need to avoid those costly errors Sunday against the Jets in what looks like an early must-win.
