Patriots' Mac Jones talks relationship with Eagles' Matt Patricia

Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie for the 2021 campaign when Josh McDaniels was his offensive coordinator but regressed last season when Patricia reportedly served as New England's offensive play-caller. 

The 24-year-old also went viral on multiple occasions for outbursts seemingly related to his unhappiness with Patricia during games and the Patriots ultimately went in a different direction when they hired Bill O'Brien to be their new offensive coordinator this offseason. 

Patricia, meanwhile, joined the Eagles this past spring and will help them prepare to face Jones in Sunday's regular-season opener at Gillette Stadium. Jones understands he'll encounter a "great challenge" going up against a unit instructed by somebody who was his coach as recently as January. 

"As a competitor, you want to go out there and not think too much," Jones continued during his comments. "Play fast and play my game. He’s a great coach. He’s coached in a lot of big games and stuff like that. They’ve got a great defense with a lot of great players." 

Jones added he'd like to "talk with (Patricia) and catch up" if the assistant is on the sidelines this Sunday. Patriots fans may not be all that fond of Patricia these days, but it sounds like Jones is ready to put whatever went wrong last season behind him as he attempts to secure a long-term commitment from the franchise perhaps as soon as this winter.