Riding the wave of last week’s stellar showing against the Buffalo Bills, where Mac Jones flaunted an 83% completion rate amassing 272 yards, the atmosphere brimmed with hope and anticipation as he marched onto the field to face the Miami Dolphins. Yet, as the game unfolded, the vibrant optimism morphed into a familiar disappointment for the New England fans. Jones seemed to revert to his early-season form where he held onto the ball too long. Having his eyes locked onto receivers, and decision-making that left much to be desired. Like an unwanted déjà vu from the quarterback spot that has plagued the Patriots all season.
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Patriots Quarterback Woes Continue as Mac Jones Struggles vs Dolphins
Amidst a 31-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, the narrative of Mac Jones’ rough sail through the 2023 season found yet another verse. He was pitted against a Dolphins’ secondary, which, despite being bolstered by the debut of all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, missed a key asset in Jevon Holland. Yet, the day turned out to be less than promising for Jones and his aerial arsenal. The Patriots’ passing offensive found itself shackled, failing to accumulate even 175 passing yards yards through the air. Mac Jones finished with 161 yards and a 65.5% completion rate.
His pair of touchdowns fell short against the backdrop of an interception and three jarring sacks. Though the interception only yielded three points for the opposition, Jones delivered the ball poorly. A blunder of a throw like that would raise eyebrows even for a rookie quarterback. Kevin Wildes, host of First Things First on Fox Sports said of Jones, “Mac Jones is like a movie character who just makes the same mistake in every scene.” With that, the sacks seemed to come at extremely costly points in the game as well. The last of which came on third and five on the Patriots final drive of the game. The play lost them 9 yards and forced a fourth and long try which they weren’t able to convert.
Mac Jones is like a movie character who just makes the same mistake in every scene.
— Wildes (@kevinwildes) October 29, 2023
Still No Spark from the Wide Receivers
The Patriots continue to feel the void of a commanding presence on the outside. They need a weapon that really threatens opposing defenses. With Jalen Reagor suiting up, whispers of how he would be woven into the offensive game plan began circulating. Yet, with a mere two targets and no receptions to his name, he was barely featured in the Patriots’ scheme. On the flip side, tight end Pharaoh Brown, whether prominently featured in the game plan or not, has a knack for seizing the moment. Chalking up 33 yards on a perfect two-for-two reception-target ratio this week. He’s etching a notable narrative in his rookie year with the Patriots.
The fleet-footed Demario Douglas, whose name was undeniably etched in the offensive blueprint, couldn’t find the explosive spark. He emerged as the spearhead of the Patriots’ receiving corps, leading in both receptions and targets, even tasting the turf with a rush attempt. Although the rush barely scratched four yards, and the receptions translated to a modest 25 receiving yards, it was evident that Bill O’Brien was keen on igniting Douglas’ lightning speed within the Patriots’ offense.
Time to Look at Next Season
Perched at a precarious 2-6, with a roster that seems to be gasping for breath on the offensive front, the sands of time might be hinting past this season for the Patriots. As the ticking clock marches towards Tuesday’s trade deadline, the thought of bartering some expiring contracts for fresh assets could be inching from the peripheral to the focal point of New England’s front office strategy. The lens of foresight also casts a shadow of uncertainty over Mac Jones’ mantle as the quarterback. His play this season has been anything but smooth. Only stirring the pot even more on whether the reins of the Patriots should rest in his grip as they head into the next season.
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Main Photo Credit: Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK
