Mac Jones has been one of the NFL’s best QBs since the Patriots bye week

Mac Jones looked different at the beginning of the 2022 NFL season.

The quarterback struggled out of the gate. Jones threw 784 yards to go with two touchdowns and five interceptions in the first three games. Jones averaged 261.3 passing yards per game. He was 11th in the NFL in passing, but 27th in touchdowns and tied for first in interceptions.

After missing the next three due to his high ankle sprain, it took Jones some time to get back in a rhythm. After appearing briefly in the Patriots loss to Chicago and then struggling somewhat in New York, Jones has shown improvements. He snapped an NFL-leading six-game interception streak and went on a turnover-free streak.

After being intercepted on Monday, Jones threw 161 passes without an interception. That was the longest active streak in the NFL. Patriots quarterback coach Joe Judge said he’s noticed a difference in Jones, but it’s not what you think nor is it something that shows up in the box score.

“Mac has done a really good job of handling situations, making good decisions. He really has,” Judge said. “Sometimes the best play a quarterback can make is just stay out of a bad play. There’s a lot of things I see all the time that don’t show up on stat sheets that Mac does in a game whether it’s check to a run or get us in the right play or throw the ball away. Save field position if you’re down in the red area or get into field position on third-and-long and say, we’re not going for the first down, we’re going for the field goal wherever it may be. It’s understanding those situations. Mac has done a really good job of that.

“When you tie that all together with his experience in all the changes of the offense, things we’ve implemented, with comfort level and us getting to know him more along with our skill players and offensive line, that all contributes as well.”

Despite his notable frustration, there’s been a noticeable change from Jones’ performance since the Patriots bye week. Since Week 11, Jones is fifth in the NFL in passing yards. He’s averaging 264.5 yards per game. Over the past four games, Jones has completed 70.8% of his passes. That number’s bested only by Justin Herbert and Andy Dalton. His three touchdowns put him only 23rd, but the lone interception is a big step in the right direction.

Since the bye week, Jones has a 0.7% interception rate. That’s down considerably from the first three games he played (5.2%).

What makes that more impressive is that the Patriots pass protection hasn’t been good. Jones has been sacked on 7.43% of his drop backs over the past four games. That’s the 12th worst mark in that span.

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