Devin McCourty says Patriots' fans are 'very spoiled,' blames high expectations for Mac Jones criticism
Jones was benched for rookie Bailey Zappe early in the second quarter Monday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Veteran safety Devin McCourty says New England Patriots fans are "spoiled" after booing second-year quarterback Mac Jones during Monday night’s 33-14 loss.
McCourty suggested the Patriots’ domination under Tom Brady has led to high expectations.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones stands on the sideline during an offensive drive during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
"I’ve been here a long time. I’ve been booed. We’ve been booed. Tom’s been booed. As a veteran, I understand we play in an area that I will say is very spoiled in what it expects from the team," McCourty said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PATRIOTS’ MAC JONES RESPONDS TO BAILEY ZAPPE CHANTS: ‘I JUST HAVE TO DO BETTER AT MY JOB’
"When I got here, everything was about, ‘How do you win three Super Bowls?’ When you’re in the NFL for a while, you realize – we got that done – but that’s not a normal task at hand to say, ‘You’ve got to win three Super Bowls to be considered a good football team.’ I think it kind of is what it is, and overall, we’ve been really focused this week on trying to get a win."
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones walks off the field after a 33-14 loss to the Chicago Bears Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
McCourty also noted Jones getting benched early in the second quarter wasn’t a "big deal" despite the optics of the timing, doubling down on coach Bill Belichick’s assertion that it was a part of the Patriot’s game plan from the start.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jones was taken out with 12 minutes left in the second quarter after he threw an interception with the Patriots trailing 10-0. Fans then broke out into chants for rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Mac Jones (10) and Bailey Zappe (4) of the New England Patriots stand on the field prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium Oct. 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Mass. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
"I just have to do better at my job, and that's all it comes down to. That's all I can control," Jones said after the game. "Honestly, we've got a good chance here to go against the (New York) Jets, and that's what I'm focused on."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"I'm going to do my best to put my best foot forward. I've been in this situation before, and just going to try to help the team. Whatever my role is, I'll be ready, and I'll give it 100%."
Belichick confirmed Thursday that Jones will start for the Patriots Sunday.