Everybody calm down
Mac Jones had the worst game as a Patriot against the Cowboys. 12/21 150 yards 2 INTs, and a strip sack. Directly handing the Cowboys defense 14 points. His decision making was poor and execution was worse. This was uncharacteristic game for the usual heady Jones. Say what you want about the 3rd year quarterback, he’s limited physically, but generally he makes smart decisions.
The backlash from fans and media folk feels like a wave of hate that’s just been boiling under the service waiting for a moment to crash. It’s a classic over reaction to bad game. The bigger picture tells us Mac is an average quarterback with potential to be above average if given the chance. The bigger problem here is he has not been given a snow ball’s chance in hell.
The offensive line sucks. They allowed 50% pressure rate against the Cowboys. The receivers have the worst separation rate in the league. The running game is averaging 2.3 yards per attempt. There is not a quarterback in the league that would find success surrounded by the pile of smashed assholes.
Add in the fact that this is Mac’s 3rd offensive coordinator in 3 years. It’s like Belichick is re-writing the book on how to destroy a young QB. This edition includes the super wacky idea of putting defensive coordinator in charge of the offense just to fuck around and find out.
If theses sound like excuses for Mac, you’re right. Other people call them reasonings. The first 2-3 weeks of the season Mac was one of the lone bright spots on offense, which admittedly isn’t saying much. I’m just saying this was a bad game not an indictment on the player’s career. Mac will be a starting quarterback in the NFL for 10 years plus. If he is forced to continually try and make plays outside of his skill set you’ll get more games like Sunday. If you provide 1/2 a second of protection and a couple pass catchers that can run faster the Dr. Big Mac slogging through the drive through you’ll see better than average results.
Patriots should win these next two games to get back to .500. It will most likely be ugly. Growth is not linear. Set your expectations accordingly and calm down. Once upon a time a certain young QB in his 34th start also had a bad game.