Is Mac Jones the Patriots Problem?
Written by Vir Rawal
10/21/23
After an extremely solid rookie season for the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, many expected Mac Jones to be the new franchise QB in New England. However after seemingly regressing in his second year, and currently leading his team to a 1-5 record in the 2023 season, questions have begun to arise about Jones’ ability to become the franchise QB that the city of New England so desperately misses. The 6’3 214 pound QB gained notoriety at Alabama where he won a national championship in an undefeated season putting himself in Heisman contention. Among fans, many are divided on whether the blame should be put upon Jones, or upon 6-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick along with his staff.
In his aforementioned rookie season, Jones led the Patriots to a 10-7 record which was much improved compared to their 7-9 record in the previous season and gave them a spot in the wild-card round of the playoffs. This was extremely impressive considering that this was his first season in the NFL and some even decided to make comparisons to the widely regarded greatest of all time, Tom Brady. While the comparisons may have been a stretch, Jones did not disappoint in his first season passing for 3801 yards, 22 Touchdowns, and throwing 13 interceptions with a QBR of 50.9. In his first playoff game, Jones threw 2 interceptions and struggled to find his feet, eventually giving the Bills a 47-17 rout of the Patriots.
Despite the tough loss for the Patriots, many had high expectations for Jones’ second season, predicting the Patriots to return to the playoffs the following year. However, Jones would struggle, leading his team to a 6-8 record after suffering a severe high-ankle sprain which would cause him to miss 3 games. In 14 games, Jones passed for 2997 yards, 14 TDs, and 11 interceptions with a QBR of just 38.4.
This season, when looking at Jones’ stats, it appears that he has taken another step in the wrong direction. In 6 games, Jones has thrown for 1208 yards, 5 TDs, and 7 interceptions with a QBR of 36.4. The Patriots currently stand at 1-5, and while Jones should take a lot of the blame, the incompetence of the coaching staff and defense have been paramount to the struggles of the Patriots. The Patriots have one of the worst records in the league and this has led to many fans being fed up with Jones and his performances.
Jones’ performance per game has clearly regressed in each of his 3 seasons in the league and it is clear that Jones is struggling to match his performance in his rookie season. With a 1-5 record it seems nearly impossible for the Patriots to find themselves in the playoffs and the Patriots’ lack of production from the QB position may lead them to decide to draft a new QB in the first round of the 2024 draft depending on how the rest of the season goes.
When comparing Jones to young top QBs in the league who have played 6 games it is clear that he is a step behind in every major statistical category. Jones still has the rest of the season to prove why he should remain a starting QB in the NFL, but the window is closing and he will be heavily scrutinized throughout the rest of the season.
