In a turnover-laden game for the Patriots, New England fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 26-37. Late in the fourth quarter, as the game slipped away for the Patriots, Mac Jones injured his left leg as the pocket collapsed around him. And while there were a variety of things that went wrong for the Patriots in their loss, none were more consequential than the injury to Jones.
Mac Jones Injured, Patriots Lose in Week 3
Mac Jones’ Injury
In the final drive, the pocket broke down on all three offensive plays, ultimately leading to Calais Campbell rolling over on Jones’ left leg on third and long. The pressure Jones faced on their final drive was not unexpected, as for much of the game, Mac Jones was under duress. Baltimore brought consistent pressure throughout Sunday’s game, sacking Jones three times and pressuring him on many throws.
Following the game, Jones’ X-Ray came back negative for an ankle fracture, but little to nothing is known about his status for next week’s game. After the injury, Jones was unable to put any weight on his left leg going into the locker room.
Jones finished the day with 321 yards, on 22/32 passing with three interceptions and a rushing touchdown.
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— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) September 26, 2022
Lamar Jackson Could Not Be Contained
Lamar Jackson proved to the Patriots and the NFL, yet again, why he is considered a “dual-threat.”
Jackson led the Ravens in passing and rushing yards, garnering 325 total from scrimmage. Jackson’s dynamic play-making ability was too much for the Patriots defense who, despite forcing two turnovers, could not make stops at crucial junctures.
With rising defensive star Kyle Dugger sidelined with a knee injury, the Ravens managed to feed Mark Andrews the ball. The Patriots sorely missed Dugger’s coverage skills and physicality as Andrews finished the game with eight receptions, 89 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. And while New England will not have to face Jackson in the regular season again, the Patriots will have to face athletic quarterbacks Josh Allen, Kyler Murray, and Justin Fields later this season.
Deatrich Wise Jr. Provides a Bright Spot
Despite New England’s defensive woes, sixth-year defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. posted his best game in a Patriots uniform against the Ravens. Wise Jr. recorded three sacks and six combined tackles to lead the way for the Patriots defense. In his first season as a captain for New England, Wise Jr. is making his mark in Foxboro as a productive pass rusher.
The Offense Improves But Suffers A Crucial Loss
With the potential loss of Mac Jones looming for the Patriots, the state of the offense in Foxboro is more uncertain than ever before this season. And still, despite that, the Patriots played their best game offensively this season. The Patriots gained over 300 yards through the air and 100 yards on the ground, a massive improvement from their previous two weeks.
Notably, Devante Parker set a new career high in receiving yards with 156 and finally seemed to assimilate to the offense. While Parker struggled to get separation in the Red Zone, his production offensively was the best it had been all year. Moreover, splitting carries between both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson was an effective one-two punch offensively, something crucial to the Patriots success.
That said, Jones’ two costly interceptions stunted the offense and limited their productivity overall, putting them in a tough spot late in the game.
What Is Next For New England?
If Jones is not good to go for next week’s game against the Green Bay Packers, the Patriots are likely to turn to veteran backup Brian Hoyer to head the offense. That said, should Matt Patricia and Joe Judge look elsewhere at quarterback, rookie Bailey Zappe will take the reins of an uneasy Patriots offense.
Needless to say, all of New England is hoping Jones’ injury will not sideline him for very long.
