Mac Jones: Patriots have enough offensively
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones thinks the team already has enough offseason acquisitions to put its offense back on the right track after a disappointing 2022.
"We have a great group of guys already," Jones said Thursday when asked about potentially making a pitch for free agents who've been linked to the Patriots. "Coming together as an offense is really important for us. ... I'm happy with the guys we have in the room."
He added: "I really do think we have enough, I think we have plenty enough. The offensive line looks really good right now, the skill players are doing great, and, like I said, the older guys are really setting the standard."
Multiple unsigned players have been linked to New England lately, including running backs Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott, who visited the team last week. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also met with the Pats before recently signing with the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots, whose offense ranked 17th in total points in 2022, signed wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki this offseason. New England also named Bill O'Brien its new offensive coordinator.
"There's still things that we need to work on, but I do think the rules and standards have been set, so we just have to meet that as players. I think the coaches have done a great job," said Jones, who also specifically praised O'Brien's system.
A first-round pick in 2021, Jones had a solid rookie season but regressed last year. He finished the campaign with 14 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions in 14 games. As the Alabama product tries to bounce back in 2023, he's focused on having more fun out there.
"This offseason, I put a lot of thought into just enjoying the game, especially practice," Jones said. "It's good to have fun."
He added: "To win, you have to do a lot of really good things consistently all the time. I feel like I need to do that better and just try to lead the team more so from the mental side and all that stuff."
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