New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick praised quarterback Mac Jones' improvement leading into Sunday's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, while leaving open who might serve as his top backup.

"Mac's had a good offseason and has had a really good camp," Belichick said in a video conference Monday morning. "He understands the offense -- how it works, how to get his teammates involved, how to help them be productive. So he's had a really good stretch here; it's been consistent all the way through."