Is “Money Mac Jones” returning to his rookie year form?

Over the last few games, Patriots’ second year quarterback Mac Jones has played much better than in the beginning part of the season.  Perhaps Mac Jones is starting to feel comfortable in the offense and with Matt Patricia’s play-calling.

Jones was surgical through the air on Thursday night, throwing for 382 yards and two touchdowns.  He also played well in the previous two games.  Could Jones finally be taking control of this offense?  If so, it couldn’t come at a better time as New England will have some tough matchups remaining with their last six games, and likely need to go 4-2 in those six games to clinch a playoff spot.

The 6-5 Patriots are right in the thick of the race, and it’s clear that if the offense can get going and the defense can continue to play well, the Patriots will be in every game, even their two against the Buffalo Bills.

How good has Mac Jones been recently?  Well, for starters, it’s clear that he is seeing the field very well.  In fact, he’s returning to his rookie season form and excelling at what he does best.  He’s been incredibly accurate, throws his receivers open, and makes good decisions with the football.

This is a big reason why a rookie Mac Jones led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth in 2021.  Over the last four games, not only are the Patriots 4-1, but Jones is tearing it up.  In those four games, he’s gone 95/131 (72.52% completion), 969 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and a 100.3 rating.

Over the last two games he’s completed nearly 80% of his passes and has a 116.2 rating.  The beginning season jitters and bad play from Mac Jones was likely due to the limited on field play he had with the new offensive set up.

It does make sense that Jones is coming into the offense more later in the season.  The biggest question here is if he can keep this up, because the next few games are crucial for the team.