Mac Jones knows his X’s and O’s, but he might have some trouble with mixers and doughs.
The New England Patriots quarterback led his team on a game-winning drive against the Buffalo Bills last week. After the game, he was asked how good itself to get the win. To help explain it, he used a metaphor about crumbs. But just like a brioche without enough kneading time, it just didn’t work.
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Patriots-Dolphins anti-analysis
I’m not here to analyze the Patriots game this Sunday. That sounds like actual work Chris Mason, Mark Daniels, Karen Guregian or Matt Vautour would do (suckers). Instead, I’m here to point out 5-10 observations and general tidbits that have at least a tangential connection to Sunday’s game.
1. I don’t think Mac Jones knows how bread works
So, about that game-winning drive?
“Yeah, I think just keep fighting and, you know, it’s just a crumb, right? That’s what I always say. And you’ve got to build off that,” Jones said.
OK, that sort of makes sense. Like picking up the crumbs to find your way? That tracks.
But then Jones was asked what a game-winning drive can do to help generate confidence.
“Yeah, I think just continuing to do it. Like I said, it’s just a crumb. And just keep picking up those crumbs and eventually you’ll have a whole loaf of bread,” he said, chucking a little as he delivered that line.
I think even he realized how silly the metaphor had gotten.
2. A Patriots coach’s advice to rookie WR Pop Douglas: Beware of werewolves in the NFL
Douglas has had a promising rookie season so far. However, he did have one hiccup when he was stripped from behind by Dolphins defender Bradley Chubb last time out.
Heading into a rematch against Miami, receiver coach Ross Douglas was asked about players like Pop Douglas making the jump from a small school to the NFL. The coach said you could see the difference on plays like that fumble.
“There’s a couple of plays, like when he got (the ball) punched out from behind. You can make that cut against Akron University, but you might not be able to make that against the Miami Dolphins because you’ve got a big werewolf coming to punch the ball out,” Ross Douglas said.
3. Who’s the best basketball player on the Patriots?
Earlier this week, the team posted a video to its social media channels where it asked players who they thought the best basketball player was on the roster.
The leading vote-getters were wide receiver DeVante Parker and safety Jabrill Peppers. However, plenty of players voted for themselves, including Pharoah Brown, Jalen Mills, Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore.
Godchaux and Barmore immediately started roasting each other when they nominated themselves, with Barmore saying the fellow defensive tackle can’t even jump.
“This guy right here? Can’t even dribble,” Godchaux quipped back as the banter continued.
4. This year in Patriots Halloween costumes
This week, the Patriots held their annual Halloween party for pediatric cancer patients, with a large group of players attending and spending time with kids at the space-themed event. Here’s a roundup of the costumes:
Mac Jones: Astronaut (and also Buzz Lightyear)
Hunter Henry: The Mandalorian
David Andrews: Also Buzz Lightyear
Matthew Slater: Baby Yoda/Grogu
Brenden Schooler: One of the crane-game aliens from Toy Story
Bryce Baringer: Astronaut
Myles Bryant: A third Buzz Lightyear
5. Name of the Week: RB Jake Funk
The Patriots have to be careful in their rematch against Miami. The Dolphins are bringing the Funk this time around after signing the running back to their practice squad on Oct. 10.
6. The Bill Belichick Non-Answer of the Week
Reporter: Will the team stick with (Mike) Onwenu at right tackle?
Belichick: “We’ll see. We’ll announce our starting lineup Sunday, if that’s alright.”
7. Steve Belichick sounds pumped that his alma mater has bounced back this year
Story time.
So, this week, reporters had a chance to speak to Patriots assistant coaches. This happens a couple of times per month, with coaches speaking in three Zoom calls (or sometimes actual rooms) simultaneously. This week, I went to talk to linebackers coach Steve Belichick — and I was the only reporter there.
I felt obligated to get plenty of questions in. I got some decent responses, but nothing groundbreaking. Then I figured, hey, Steve Belichick is a Rutgers guy. I might as well ask him how he felt about his alma mater going 6-2 this season after some rough years.
“The bowl-eligible Scarlet Knights? Is that what you’re referring to?” Steve said with the signature Belichick dry humor. “Yeah, happy for those guys. Not surprised they have a good defense down there with coach (Greg) Schiano and (Bob Fraser). Those guys, they work hard, but it’s obviously about results. You can work as hard as you want. But if you don’t get good results, it’s not what you’re looking for. So really happy for those guys. I know they’re doing a good job down there and wish them the best going forward. Always pulling for those two — and the Knights.”
The Patriots have strong ties to Schiano and Fraser, a senior analyst who spent time in New England.
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