Kirk Herbstreit says Mac Jones a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback

TV color analyst Kirk Herbstreit had some very complimentary words about Mac Jones this week on the Pat McAfee Show. The much maligned quarterback has been criticized locally for being a cry baby and, quite frankly, not being that talented. But Herbstreit says he is "1000% behind Mac Jones."

McAfee asked Herbstreit straight out, “Is this kid going to make it in the NFL or not?”

Herbstreit replied by saying that Jones will be a top three most improved quarterback in the NFL this year. He went on to say Mac Jones will be a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback “in the very near future. He is that good.” Those are strong words when you consider the AFC has Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Aaron Rodgers, and Jimmy Garoppolo (just kidding).

Herbstreit went on to say that he was “by far” the most impressive quarterback in the 2021 draft. He said he has never seen a quarterback with such vision and knowledge of what is going on on the field.

That reminds me of Mac Jones in his rookie year saying in a press conference that he likes to know the why’s of play calling. He doesn’t just want to be a robot who is told what to do, a la Bailey Zappe last year, and just does it. He wants to know everyone’s responsibilities and jobs so he can formulate the best on field decisions and know the purpose of game plans. That is commendable in my book.

Herbstreit said “to give me a break with what they were doing offensively last year. He had no chance. So to blame him is a bunch of bullshit.” Strong, strong words, and Herbstreit is right.

It is embarrassing to say there is a quarterback controversy going into this season. Hey, I like Zappe just as much as the next guy, but he is not as talented, smart, and big game experienced like Jones. Zappe had some nice games against weak defenses, but then looked very ordinary in relief of Jones against the Bears, getting numerous passes knocked down.

So how good can Jones be? This year will be the litmus test. He has a brilliant offensive mind in Bill O’Brien coaching him. He has improved weapons on offense, even without DeAndre Hopkins in the mix. I expect Mike Gesicki to have a huge impact and for him and Jones to form an instant chemistry. That will open things more for Hunter Henry. JuJu Smith-Schuster is more explosive than Jakobi Myers, Jones’ binky the last two years, after the catch. And the offensive line should be better, providing Jones with more time than just doing quick screen passes all game.

It should also be noted that the Patriots’ defense should be immense this year. I am expecting a top five defense at the very least. How does that help Jones? Well, Jones should be on the field more and have more of a chance of getting into rhythms if the defense continues halting the opposition to three-and-outs. Jones shouldn’t be playing from behind too frequently, thus not putting him in obvious passing situations. He won't have to have the pressure of scoring every possession.

Jones will be solid. Will he be a Pro Bowler? That depends on your definition of Pro Bowler. Almost anybody can be a Pro Bowler. Jones played in the Pro Bowl his rookie season – not because he was Pro Bowl caliber, but because several other quarterbacks declined to go. So the better question is will Jones ever be a true Pro Bowler or one of the elite quarterbacks in the league?

The answer is no. I think he can be borderline elite, right on the cusp of it, but never enter that prestigious circle. He does have his physical limitations. Everyone says he is so smart and has such good field awareness, but I’ve seen him throw some interceptions where he doesn’t see a defender coming across or floating underneath a receiver. But I will take Herbstreit’s word and other scouts’ words for it. They know better and have seen more than I.

My ceiling for Mac Jones has always been Chad Pennington. They are clones in my eyes. Both lack arm strength but make up for it with intellect. Both quarterbacks can succeed as game managers, but oppositions will never fear going up against them or have to game plan, specifically, for them.

So the better question should be can Mac Jones lead a team to a Super Bowl championship. I don't care about individual accomplishments. I care about team accomplishments and banners. My answer to that is yes- Jones can be the QB of a championship team. He has proven it in college. He has played in the biggest games in his time at Alabama. With the right coaching, a decent running game, and some weapons around him, he can flourish.

After all, it is a team effort. I felt sorry for Jones last year. Who wouldn't? He really did get a raw deal. This year, however, he has no excuse. This is make or break for Jones, and while the record may not reflect it at the end of the year, Jones will show Pats Nation that the future can be bright with him at the helm. They just need to keep adding pieces.