The 2021 preseason opener for the New England Patriots is just one week away.
With that in mind, Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry wondered why the team's first-round draft choice, quarterback Mac Jones, has taken on such a heavy workload at practice over the last two days -- a bigger burden than Cam Newton, whom head coach Bill Belichick has said multiple times this preseason is the starting quarterback.
"The Patriots are riding Mac Jones like a mule," Curran said. "And you know what? He is carrying that weight."
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Patriots Talk Podcast: Why are the Patriots giving so much work to Mac Jones? Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
Over the last two days, Jones has taken 52 snaps in 11-on-11 team drills while Newton has taken 29. Curran and Perry wonder why that's been the case, given that Newton is entering just his second season with the Patriots, one marred by Covid-19. Doesn't he need the reps as well?
Curran: Another busy and productive day for Mac Jones
New England Patriots
Perry compares the number of snaps for Jones this summer with the number of snaps Jimmy Garoppolo once received, noting that Garoppolo was being groomed to be Tom Brady's backup.
Despite the altered workloads of late, Curran and Perry agree that both quarterbacks have shown improvement over the course of camp. That said, more boxes seem to be checked with Jones under center.
"When Mac Jones is on the field, the offense moves relatively smoothly," Perry said. "It tends to move a little bit more quickly, which is obvious to me in the hurry-up periods, specifically."
Also discussed in the new episode: If they had to do it again, would the Patriots have waited until the 15th pick to select Mac Jones? Is it lunacy to contemplate a quarterback platoon? Curran and Perry also discuss which non-quarterbacks have seen their stock improve during training camp.
Check out the latest episode of the Patriots Talk Podcast on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network, or watch on YouTube below: