ICYMI: Jonnu Smith Has High Praise For Mac Jones Heading Into 2022

Robert Alvarez

11 months ago at 3:14 pm ET

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

As the days continue to tick down towards the start of the 2022 season, Mac Jones’ teammates continue to publicly praise their young starting quarterback.

In an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” program Monday, tight end Jonnu Smith was the latest to voice his excitement and expectations for Jones heading into his sophomore season.

“Honestly, man, just the way he can turn it on,” Smith said. “Mac is definitely one of the most goofiest guys in the locker room, to be honest, man. But when he steps on that field, he’s a different character. He’s just got so much ability and so much dog in him. Once he flips that switch, he’s a whole different character. Some guys don’t know how to cut that on and cut that off when it’s time to do it. He’s so young. He’s poised. He’s got a little swagger to him, man. I’m glad he’s throwing us passes. That’s my guy.”

"He has so much ability. So much dog in him. When he flips that switch, he's a different person."@Patriots TE @easymoney_81 on @MacJones_10 (via @gmfb) pic.twitter.com/qn71pNfnnN

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 27, 2022

As for Smith, he appears confident he’ll be able to help Jones more in 2022 after struggling in his debut Patriots season after recording just 28 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown, his lowest offensive output since 2018.

“We just got so many talented guys in the locker room, even guys that are better outside of the locker room, outside of the gridiron,” said Smith. “A group of great guys all coming together for one common goal. I’m just confident, man, in every goal that we have set out to reach.”

After missing all of OTA’s a year ago following the birth of his daughter, Smith made sure to be attending this spring to better improve his connection with Jones and the offense.

“Everybody’s got their own routine,” Smith told NESN in May. “Older guys got the right, as they should, to be here or not. That’s their right. But just for me, in my opinion, there’s such a great team-bonding element to it. Just being here, being around the guys, and just building that chemistry — to me, that’s what it’s about. And I think if we can improve that, I think everything else on the field will take care of itself. I’m just a big believer, and I’m seeing it coming to fruition. It’s good.”

Smith and the Patriots will officially report to training camp on July 26th.