Mac Jones Gets Reps, New Nickname With Pats

It doesn’t quite have the same bite as “Gronk,” but Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones’ nickname is tasty. Speaking with WBZ CBS Boston following Thursday’s Organized Team Activities, the rookie announced the nickname bestowed upon him by veteran Cam Newton: “He calls me ‘Mac and Cheese,’ so I have my nickname.” said Jones.

You can certainly be called worse things than what an elementary school student considers a delicacy. For now, the first rounder from Alabama is less focused on his new moniker and more interested in getting better as he transitions to the NFL. Jones told reporters, “You’re going to have good days and bad days. You just take it day by day and don’t look forward to tomorrow and don’t look back at yesterday.”

‘Mac and Cheese’ then provided a sign that he’s already begun drinking the Foxborough Kool-Aid when the rookie went on to say: “The veteran players are all setting the example, so we’re all trying to be the best Patriots we can be.”

With Newton resting an injured hand, Jones has received more reps than expected. Other signal callers competing with Newton and New England’s first-round pick for the starting gig are Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Thus far, it doesn’t appear ‘Mac and Cheese’ will be getting into any food fights with his fellow QBs: “We’re just coming in every day. Four guys in total and I’m the rookie so I’m just learning from them. They’ve all be really nice to me, and I’m trying to help them the best that I can with anything I can do. People want to use that misconstrued word, but we are all close and we’re all going to get better together. That’s what we’re going to do,” said Jones.

As with most rookie signal callers, reports out of New England indicate Jones has had some “wow” throws and some “ow” throws. “It’s not gonna be perfect every day. It’s hard when you’re competitive and you want it to be really good every day.” said Jones before adding: “But it’s not going to be like that at first. Eventually, you get it rolling your way.”

If Jones comes anywhere near the success Cam “Fig” Newton had in his first season, (he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011) tailgating Patriots fans will eagerly swap out their clam chowder for lobster Mac and Cheese.