Getty Image / Matthew J Lee
On an episode of the new Netflix series “Quarterback”, Patrick Mahomes revealed an interesting theory.
He believes that NFL defensive linemen go a little easier on quarterbacks that are nice.
It turns out, Mahomes was right.
According to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, Calais Campbell confirmed that this actually does happen.
More interestingly, Campbell also revealed one quarterback that doesn’t get that same benefit. Campbell said that he actually said the opposite is true for Mac Jones.
Calais Campbell confirmed Patrick Mahones’ theory, floated on “Quarterback,” that DL go a bit easier on QBs who are nice. The only one who he thought crossed the line the other way? Mac Jones.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) July 25, 2023
He added in a subsequent tweet that Campbell said Jones was kind of disrespectful.
Atlanta DL Calais Campbell, a 16-year vet: "Philip Rivers was a good trash talker, but he was never disrespectful, Mac Jones actually, he was kind of disrespectful. I’m like, ‘Hold on, man.’ (It was) just trash talk to the highest level. It was like, ‘You don’t trash talk me.’"
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) July 25, 2023
Interestingly, Calais Campbell was actually the player that hit Mac Jones on the play where he injured his ankle early last season.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones exited with a left ankle injury he suffered on this play
Full details and return timeline: https://t.co/fRJsBAXux8 pic.twitter.com/o870SHVjhz
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) September 25, 2022
Luckily for Jones, he won’t have to worry about Campbell this coming season as the Falcons and Patriots aren’t on each other’s schedules.
Still, if one defensive lineman feels that Jones was disrespectful, he probably isn’t the only one that the Pats QB has ticked off.
It will be interesting to see if there are any other quarterbacks that feel they have been disrespected by Mac Jones like Calais Campbell does and if they are any more motivated to hit the Patriots quarterback.