The Patriots lost again and Mac Jones time as starting QB looks very short. Whether there is a QB head coach Bill Belichick wants to start currently on the roster, or whether the Patriots move on in the spring is the only question remaining.
So how bad was this result for the Patriots and Mac Jones? Let’s take a look in our takeaways from the game.
MAC JONES JUST HASN’T SETTLED
For most of the game Mac Jones was under pressure, but his panicking while under pressure was troubling. But the Patriots defence kept them in the game, holding Indianapolis to only 10 points into the fourth quarter. With Mac Jones and the Patriots driving it looked like for once Jones was going to be the author of a happy ending.
And then. On 2nd and 12 from the Colts 15 yard line Mac Jones dropped back, Mike Gesicki leaked behind the defence and was wide open for the go-ahead score with 4:24 left. Only Mac Jones under threw the wide open Gesicki. Not slightly. It was about 10-yards under thrown as Strange took the interception whilst lying on his back on the 2 yard line.
As much as Mac Jones was decent in his rookie year, his play for the last two season has been horrific at times. there has been no sign of growth. He has completed less of his passes each season (67.3% 2021, 65.2% 2022, 64.8% 2023). There’s no way the Patriots are picking up his fifth year option.
And then Mac Jones was yanked for Bailey Zappe for the Patriots last gasp, desperation drive with 1:52 left.
PATRIOTS DEFENCE IS PRETTY GOOD
Despite the way this season has gone the New England defence is still very good. Easily of a calibre that could be competitive in the playoffs. Unfortunately we will never see that happen as the offence is absolutely horrific.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 14 | 21 |
| Passing 1st downs | 8 | 9 |
| Rushing 1st downs | 4 | 11 |
| 1st downs from penalties | 2 | 1 |
| 3rd down efficiency | 5-13 | 6-14 |
| 4th down efficiency | 2-2 | 1-1 |
| Total Plays | 53 | 68 |
| Total Yards | 265 | 340 |
| Total Drives | 9 | 10 |
| Yards per Play | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Passing | 194 | 173 |
| Comp-Att | 18-28 | 18-27 |
| Yards per pass | 6.9 | 5.4 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 2 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 0-0 | 5-22 |
| Rushing | 71 | 167 |
| Rushing Attempts | 25 | 36 |
| Yards per rush | 2.8 | 4.6 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 1-1 | 0-4 |
| Penalties | 4-34 | 5-34 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 2 |
| Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 0 | 0 |
| Possession | 25:04 | 34:25 |
For more like this, you can visit our NFL section here. Also, follow us on Facebook for coverage of the NFL and much more.