Assessing the regression of Patriots QB Mac Jones
In 2021, QB Mac Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs and finished second in the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, but he clearly has regressed.
As a starter, Jones is 6-7 with 11 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He has thrown for two or more TDs in only three games compared to seven in his rookie season. The Patriots have aired it out -- Jones has 30 or more pass attempts in 11 of 13 games this season -- but he hasn't delivered.
Jones has a slightly lower interception percentage this season (2 % to 2.5% in 2021), but that's offset by other negative plays. His sack percentage is 7.6% compared to 5.1% during his rookie season, per Pro Football Reference.
Jones obviously must improve, but his regression is not all his fault.
Although rookie guard Cole Strange has a bright future, the offensive line has taken a step back, too, mostly because of injuries. Center David Andrews missed three games due to injury and played in just 15 snaps against the Jets in Week 11. Backup James Ferentz has struggled in relief.
Tackle Isaiah Wynn, who has missed seven games because of injury, has struggled, too. He and tackle Trent Brown have combined for 17 penalties this season, according to Pro Football Reference.
The line includes holdovers from the unit that opened up lanes for 485 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in three games during the 2018 Super Bowl postseason. But this season's Patriots aren't close to this level of dominance.
Following a Week 3 ankle injury, Jones missed three games. He also found himself on ugly highlight reels, notably against the Raiders in Week 15.
He was also fined because of this cheap shot against the Bengals.
Former Patriots Julian Edelman and Vince Wilfork have not spared Jones from criticism.
The Athletic's Mike Sando recently detailed the role of "brain drain" of coaches leading to a downturn for the offense.
The transition from Josh McDaniels to former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia at offensive coordinator hasn't gone smoothly. It's unclear which direction the organization will head next season regarding their play-calling duties.
Some have speculated that rookie Bailey Zappe, who outperformed Jones at times this season, should be the starter.
But Jones at his best can deliver what Zappe has this season -- and more. New England (8-8), which still could make the playoffs, shouldn't move on from Jones, but he clearly must improve.
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