Lazar's article is very good and has a much more balanced take on Jones' strengths and weaknesses. I actually took exception to a couple of points in the Solak article, however, particularly ball placement. I trust my eyes, plus what I've seen from his coaches, more than Solak's traking. Mac is very good at putting the ball where only his receiver has a chance at making the catch. He's good at not leading players into collisions, too.
Tbh I only skimmed Ben's. I didn't even know about it until I read Mark's which just cam out. Tried to give Lazar a click or I did but the piece wouldn't fully come up.
So the only problem I have with Mac is vs some pressure and in terms of placement or w/e is when he's off-platform, forced to manipulate - off his spot. He can absolutely anticipate and move - work a pocket but has trouble against certain types of pressure imo. His anticipation is really good but I'd like to see vs real NFL pressure to really seal the deal. Specifically with linear speed, coming right at him and maneuvering around bodies at his feet, grabbing at him. Might seem like nitpicking but I believe they're legit concerns. I don't see any deal breakers and he could absolutely improve in these areas. I wrote more than a few times I expect him get stronger, transform his body. So that'll only help there.
I didn't read Ben's charting tbh, not sure if that was his contextualized piece but you know me I'm in my own bacon bubble.
Mac has fine placement. It's not "elite" imo but it doesn't have to be. I didn't see it touched on but I believe he has a little upside in the arm. I'm not an expert on mechanics and most QB's won't even think about touching them unless they have to but I believe he could tweak up top and possible unleash some real velocity.
Anyway his anticipation is almost top notch or w/e you want to call it. He makes up for a lot with his awareness & decision making.
The traits -- remember, you often preach translatable traits with a prospect, not just what he was asked to do in school -- are a super easy projection. I don't think we're going to see any issues at all. He's the clearest fit I've seen in a few years for the typical McDaniel's playcalling.
There's a big difference between "the Patriots don't run the exact offense concepts that Alabama did," and "he's a bad fit for what the Patriots want to do on offense." That's where I think Solak tries to get too cute, and ignores how the offense has morphed and changed over the years.
Sanchez may have had an up and down career, but he's a good host for this show:
Also this discussion is interesting:
That why I cautioned readers with "what you're asked to do" vs "what can you do". I agree I don't see a problem. Bill has already shown to be flexible on both sides. We saw Cam running zone read, toss etc last year, Bill, Josh & co aren't perfect but they're great at what they do. The game plan will be tailor made to his strengths.
This is why I've been writing, not so much "hoping" bc I believe the RPO is here to stay with either QB but believe it's important. Particularly for a young QB coming out. All these kids love it, it's part of their game now, all of them for the most part or PA. Gets them in rhythm, gives them options, it translates. Second level - read defenders hate it (RPO).
I also believe Mac is a little more naturally aggressive or w/e you want to call it so I hope we let him pull the trigger and expand our strike zone so to speak a little. He's shown he's capable and able and again he got a little way about him. I hope that confidence and moxy is the same moving forward.
There's a lot to be excited about though. This OL has tremendous potential, I'm as excited as I've ever been there. If we stay healthy, can add someone else into mix for creative, depth purposes we're golden and have a top 5-10 OL imo. So much athleticism there.
And our targets are really going underrated here. I mentioned it a bunch but it's perfectly set up for someone who likes to work the MOF -Inside/Outside. Take shots off PA. Seam (Henry, Smith), boundary (Bourne, NA), shallow-MOF (White, Meyers, Bourne). A little luck, Harris stays healthy with our line and I could see having a very different, a lot more efficient, dangerous offense with competent QB play.
