Thursday, August 12, 2021: New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones 10 warms up before the NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason game between the Washington Football Team and the New England Patriots held at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeat Washington 22-13. /CSM Foxborough USA - ZUMAc04_ 20210812_zaf_c04_110 Copyright: xEricxCanhax
Mac Jones, New England Patriots had a miserable start to the 2022-23 season. Having not only endured a humiliating loss, Jones even dealt with back spasms stemming and went onto miss practice session on Thursday, which raised concerns over his availability in the showdown against Pittsburgh Steelers.
Later it was revealed that Mac Jones had missed the same session due to a stomach bug. The starting Quarterback of Bill Belichick’s side returned to the practice session on Friday and was cleared to play this week against T.J.Watt less Steelers, after being waved out of the injury report.
The Patriots has no rhythm in their season opener, and continuously lacked to find a player from whom the entire team could seek inspiration. Having scored just seven points in Week 1, Jones completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards with a TouchDown and an interception, while taking two sacks as well.
T.J.Watt led defensive unit of the Steelers made a mockery out of NFL’s brightest talent – Joe Burrow in the season opener and had always surrounded him to release the ball as early as he could, without settling in the rhythm. The same would be the strategy for Mac Jones, but this time the opposition would have to do it without the experienced Watt.
To think about it, Steelers could be exploited if the Patriots get going from the initial stages and manage to take an early lead. Given that the defensive dynamics are going to change for Pittsburgh, Jones can even have far more freedom to run the show as per his whim, if he gets the required protection.
Majority of the oddsmakers have still given the edge to the New England Patriots after Mac Jones was removed from the injury list. Moreover, it’s been 20 consecutive seasons since the Patriots have felt in a 0-2 hole. Will Mac Jones be able to salvage the pride of his team and his place after Week 2? Remains to be seen.