Mac Jones’ rough 2023 season continued Sunday as he missed some key chances and was ultimately benched late in the New England Patriots‘ 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
His performance inspired spirited reactions on social media by analysts and fans alike.
NFL World Reacts to Mac Jones’ Struggles
Jones’ stat line after Sunday’s contest seems serviceable on its face at 15 of 20 for 170 yards and an interception, but it was far from a strong performance from the third-year signal-caller.
His biggest blunder of the game came on a 2nd-and-12 play from the Indianapolis 15 with just 4:24 left in the contest. Jones dropped back to pass and had tight end Mike Gesicki open across the middle of the field but missed well short with his throw as he fell backward, and it was intercepted.
HOLY CRAP pic.twitter.com/GtrmkMffke
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) November 12, 2023
The turnover cost New England an opportunity to take the lead late in the contest against a Colts team that had also struggled to put points on the board throughout the day.
The Patriots had largely gone away from Jones throwing the ball in leverage spots, particularly in the red zone, as they leaned on running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott. New England had run the ball for five straight plays prior to the interception.
Patriots beat reporter Evan Lazar described the play as a “benchable turnover,” which was ultimately the case as Jones was benched in favor of Bailey Zappe for the Patriots’ final drive of the game.
That’s a benchable turnover for Mac. Sorry. An easy touchdown that he just short-armed. There was some pressure off the left side, but you absolutely need to make that throw.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 12, 2023
Bill O’Brien Livid With Jones
That miscue was not the only one for Jones on the day.
New England offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was visibly furious with Jones after New England was unable to convert on a third-down play deep in Colts territory during the third quarter of Sunday’s game.
O’Brien could be seen on the broadcast yelling at Jones as the pair sat next to each other on the bench and looked at a tablet.
The moment came after Jones had a 3rd-and-3 pass intended for Stevenson fall incomplete, forcing the Patriots to settle for a 35-yard field-goal attempt. The try missed just outside the right upright, leaving New England trailing 7-3 with 8:38 left in the third quarter.
Bill O’Brien PISSED at Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/AclbRTblL7
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) November 12, 2023
Jones also had another pass nearly intercepted in the end zone early in the fourth quarter. New England faced 3rd-and-goal from the Colts’ 5-yard line, and Jones missed the mark with a pass intended for tight end Hunter Henry, who was open for a potential go-ahead touchdown.
Jones has now thrown 10 interceptions and lost two fumbles through 10 starts amid what’s been a brutal 2023 campaign for him and the Patriots (2-8).
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