New England Patriots' Mac Jones made 'tremendous strides' over offseason, Bill Belichick says

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he's observed «dramatic improvement» from quarterback Mac Jones as he enters his second NFL season.

«He's made tremendous strides,» Belichick said Tuesday morning, the day before the Patriots' first official practice of training camp.

«He did a great job last year, but he's starting from a much, much higher point this year from where he started last year. His offseason work has been significant, and I think everyone recognizes how well he prepares and how much further along he was than a year ago.»

Belichick cited Jones' work ethic and noted that he's observed dramatic improvement in his «physical work and conditioning, mechanics, footwork, understanding of our offense [and] opponent defenses.»

Jones reported to camp last Thursday, along with fellow quarterback Brian Hoyer, so he's had a head start on the majority of his teammates, who report Tuesday to take their conditioning test.

Last year at this time, Jones was competing with Cam Newton for the starting job. Jones ultimately seized the role, started all 17 games and helped the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a wild-card playoff berth (a 47-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills).

He finished his rookie season with 3,801 yards on 352-of-521 passing, with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

«We're just a lot further ahead in the conversation [offensively],» Belichick said. «The plays that we talk about, or concepts we talk about, Mac has already done it before. It's easy for him to say, 'Are we going to do this on that? Are we going to do this on something else? What do you think about splitting them a little bit wider? Splitting them a little bit tighter.' Suggestions like that.

»And we have a much better feel