
via Imago
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 24: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones 10 answers questions during the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz following a game between the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 24, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Bengals defeated the Patriots 22-18. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 24 Bengals at Patriots Icon221224010

via Imago
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 24: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones 10 answers questions during the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz following a game between the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 24, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Bengals defeated the Patriots 22-18. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 24 Bengals at Patriots Icon221224010
Put Russell Wilson, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye on the back burner! JuJu Smith-Schuster’s throwing his weight behind Mac Jones for the Patriots‘ starting QB spot in 2024. TMZ caught a moment with Smith, throwing some curveball questions his way. The winds of change are sweeping through the Patriots’ camp, with the legendary Bill Belichick era giving way to Jerod Mayo’s new leadership.
This shake-up could spell fresh faces on the field too, especially with the Patriots holding a golden ticket: the third overall pick in the draft. Whispers are getting louder that Mac Jones might be heading for an exit. But if Smith-Schuster has his way, Jones isn’t going anywhere.
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JuJu Smith casts his lot with Mac Jones
“Honestly, man,” the New England wideout opened up to TMZ Sports at LAX. He was asked who he want to throw the ball to him in the 2024 season. “My boy Mac, that’s my guy.” He didn’t shy away from the tough reality, acknowledging, “I know at the end of the day, it’s whatever the coaches decide to do. But I think Mac’s still got it.”

via Reuters
American Football – NFL – Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots – Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany – November 12, 2023 New England Patriots’ Mac Jones REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Despite his support, it’s no secret that Mac Jones faced a challenging season. With a record of only 2-9 in his starts, the numbers were far from flattering. Just 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, leading to a quarterback rating of 77.0. The pressure’s been mounting, especially since it’s the second year in a row Jones seemed to take a step back. Calls from Patriots Nation for a new direction are getting louder.
But amidst the storm, Smith-Schuster has full faith in Mac. And Mac had placed his trust in JuJu during a tough time as well.
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Jones supports JuJu despite game-breaking mistake
JuJu Smith had been faced the heat when he landed in Foxborough. But the chatter around became louder following a heartbreaker against the Washington Commanders. A pass meant for Smith-Schuster ricocheted off his hands, landing instead with Washington’s Jartavius Martin, sealing the game with an interception.

USA Today via Reuters
Oct 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) drops back to pass during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Pointing fingers at Smith-Schuster might be the easy route. Yet, Mac Jones stands solid behind his mate, not letting a single slip-up shake their bond. “We’re good,” Jones reassured fans, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of football.
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Here’s to hoping this quarterback-receiver pair continues to stand shoulder to shoulder, weathering the highs and lows together in the seasons to come.
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