New England Patriots QB Mac Jones' offseason conditioning evident to teammates - 'He's in the best shape of his life'

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots teammates see a new and improved Mac Jones as the quarterback enters his second season with the team.

«He's in the best shape of his life,» receiver Kendrick Bourne said. «He looks really good. His stomach is gone.

»When you're a rookie, you just don't know it until you go through it for a year. So he's definitely a lot more in shape than he ever was, just dominating in conditioning. It's dope to see."

Jones, the 2021 first-round draft pick from Alabama who started every game in his rookie NFL season, told reporters that has been a big part of his offseason plan.

«I just cleaned up my diet. I've learned more this offseason than I probably ever have about nutrition, sleep, wellness, all that stuff,» the 6-foot-3, 214-pound Jones said after Monday's practice.

«At the same time, I need to be able to maintain my weight and be able to take hits. There's a fine balance for every player. I've definitely trimmed down on the body fat, and I'll get a chance to bulk up before the season starts and be able to absorb hits.»

Jones' improved physical makeup isn't the only notable change with the Patriots' offense, as longtime coordinator Josh McDaniels has departed to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Monday marked the first time reporters were granted access to watch the Patriots practice this offseason, and head coach Bill Belichick's involvement with the offense was notable. In the final 11-on-11 drill, Belichick was reading off a card to Jones, who then relayed information to his teammates.

Former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge is working with the quarterbacks, while former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia is with the offensive line. Both coaches also took leadership