The New England Patriots have officially hit rock bottom.
Following yesterday’s punchless performance in Germany which saw quarterback Mac Jones throw one of the worst interceptions you’ll ever see, directly leading to his benching, the Pats are now 2-8.
When asked about the benching and what it means in the big picture, head coach Bill Belichick was predictably non-committal.
“Look, I made the decision, that’s what it was … We’ll deal with next week, next week,” Belichick said.
Jones is far from the only problem in New England. There’s no downplaying how devastating his late-game interception was however.
“It was a terrible throw … Hit it in practice, just not a good throw. I knew where to go, just didn’t do it right,” Jones said.
Mac Jones with a horrible, crippling interception. pic.twitter.com/jB4ZNcLEYg
— Savage (@SavageSports_) November 12, 2023
It’s no secret Jones and the Patriots coaching staff have not always seen eye-to-eye.
Jones was understandably upset that at the end of the first half, in perfect position to fire up a Hail Mary, a lifeless screen pass play was called instead.
Jones made his feelings on the play-call clear in the postgame.
“No clue (why a Hail Mary wasn’t called) … There’s 2 seconds left and we needed 60 yards so … I don’t know,” he said.
Why didn't the Patriots go for the Hail Mary before halftime?
Mac Jones: "No clue. There's 2 seconds left & we needed 60 yards so… I don't know" pic.twitter.com/ueiZ4HApFa
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) November 12, 2023
Jones was 15-20 for 170 yards, no touchdowns and that critical interception prior to being benched for backup Bailey Zappe.
Zappe failed to provide a spark as New England fell 10-6 to the Indianapolis Colts.
Going nowhere fast, the Patriots are one of the most fascinating stories in the league – for all the wrong reasons.
What will end up happening with Belichick?
If this is his final season in New England, will Robert Kraft bring Mike Vrabel home?
Will they draft Mac Jones’ replacement in the spring?
How did everything fall apart so quickly and abruptly in Foxborough???