Pro football reference ranks Mac Jones as the number 13 quarterback in the NFL. That's average to slightly above average. Again, if Mac was coming in with a higher floor, then that's not a bad place to be. And the Patriots got a productive year as he led them to the playoffs in his rookie year. Let's continue with his stats.
As a rookie Mac finished 8th in completion percentage and 13th in yards. Mac finished 14th in touchdowns but was 10th in interceptions. Jones was ranked 14th in throwing for a first down. Guys gotta get open on that stat but Jones has to see them and get them the ball.
People complained that Jones was a check down or game managing quarterback. I don't care about that. All I care about is was he moving the football, so Jones being ranked 15th in yards per attempt doesn't bother me. Jones was ranked 26th in sacks, that's great. Jones was sacked less then Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, David Carr, Joe Burrow.
The problem was when the Patriots needed Mac Jones to lead them from behind, he didn't do it enough. Mac was in the bottom third of the league with 1 game winning drive. Mac also only had 1 fourth quarter comeback. The Patriots were in a lot of close games this season but there were a few they got behind because of Jones.
There was mentioning this season of Mac Jones "took it hard," that he was "beating himself up." I've never worried about Mac hearing foot steps. I've never worried about his ball security. Nor have I worried about his arm strength. My concern over Mac is that he's a perfectionist and struggles to let things go.
There were three times in front of the media during the offseason where Mac had to be calmed down and talked to by Cam Newton, Brian Hoyer, Josh McDaniels, and David Andrews. How many times have we heard Mac saying he needs to play better, that he can play better? Add to that the little comments his teammates have made about him after a loss.
This is the Patriots, they're not gonna come out and say Mac was rattled by making mistakes but one can put two and two together. I have heard people say Mac is what he is. Mac is a slightly above average quarterback that beats himself by not letting go of mistakes. If that's who the Patriots drafted and they cannot fix him, he may win games but it's doubtful he'll ever be a championship quarterback. It's a shame because he has everything else needed to be successful in the nfl.
Mac Jones has his first playoff game coming up against the Buffalo Bills Saturday night in Buffalo. The game is expected to be in cold and wintery conditions. The Patriots may need Mac to step up and the weather is sure to cause a few errant throws. If the game is on the line, does Mac have the mental toughness to let things go and win the game or will he beat himself. That is what Patriots fans need to know.
This is not about fixing his confidence so much as fixing his mentality. There was a question asked about if he should be benched for Hoyer. My answer is the Patriots gotta do what's best for the team. If Mac is unable to clear his mind and focus, then yes. If the game is close late and Mac is a liability, bring in Hoyer if need be. Mac won't handle being benched well but both being benched or losing is going to have him beating himself up. So the team has to come first.
Fingers crossed that Mac doesn't let us down because his emotional control brings up memories of Ryan Leaf. And that's the last thing anyone wants because Leaf had a very short career in the NFL. Like Leaf. Mac has promise but unlike Leaf, Mac has better mental health care and Mac still has a chance to beat his demons. Patriots Nation, we're on to Buffalo and all we can do is hope if we need Mac he comes through.
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