Mac Jones sums up Patriots’ poor begin: ‘I believe we’re 20 yards away from being 2-0’

For the primary time since 2001, the Patriots have opened a brand new NFL season with an 0-2 document.

It’s been a irritating begin for Mac Jones and the remainder of the Patriots, who’ve but to land within the win column regardless of orchestrating two fourth-quarter rallies towards the Eagles and Dolphins.

New England trailed the Eagles, 16-0, on the finish of the primary quarter in Week 1, however an opportunity to win the sport within the closing minutes of the fourth quarter finally ended with a failed fourth-down conversion.

In opposition to Miami, New England trailed 10-0 at one level and exited the sphere to boos at halftime following a 17-3 deficit.

As soon as once more, the Patriots had an opportunity to orchestrate one other game-tying drive with somewhat over two minutes left in regulation. However it ended with one other turnover on downs after Cole Unusual got here up simply brief following an impromptu lateral toss from Mike Gesicki. 

The Patriots ’offense has been stricken by inconsistent stretches via the primary two weeks of the 2023 season, particularly relating to the run recreation and move safety.

However even with a number of the optimistic positive factors made by Jones and Co. in crunch time, the Patriots’ QB admitted that there aren’t any silver linings to attract from video games the place New England finally comes up brief.

“I simply gotta get higher at these and proceed to develop,” Jones mentioned on WEEI’s “Jones and Mego” present on Monday night. “I believe we’re 20 yards away from being 2-0, however on the identical time, that’s the NFL.”

“I believe it’s simply execution,” Jones added when requested about New England’s stalled comebacks. “Simply easy soccer. For me, footwork, timing and all that stuff. Attempting to get it to the proper man. It applies in another way to completely different guys. Undoubtedly the execution, going via the performs and gotta be higher.”

New England’s struggles on crucial drives within the fourth quarter may very well be negated if the Patriots keep away from falling into sizable deficits transferring ahead — with most of their early woes self-inflicted.

Over their two losses, the Patriots have relinquished 33 factors within the first half, with 20 of these factors coming off of turnovers.

“You guys preserve speaking about how shut it’s,” Jones mentioned of the Patriots’ outcomes. “Simply attempting to shut the hole on shut, proper? The one approach to do this is figure more durable, work smarter. Longer days. No matter you are able to do to deliver everyone alongside. We simply have to do this.”

The Patriots nonetheless have 15 video games left on their 2023 docket. However the odds don’t precisely favor New England’s playoff odds following their 0-2 begin. Because the 1990 season, simply 11.5% of groups who begin 0-2 have gone on to clinch a playoff spot.

Jones and the Patriots will look to proper the ship in a pivotal street matchup towards Zach Wilson and the Jets on Sunday afternoon. New England has little to point out for his or her collective play up to now this season, however Jones believes that the staff’s confidence hasn’t wavered amid two weeks of setbacks.

“Undoubtedly loads of soccer left to play, and [Matthew] Slater is certainly particular person to lean on,” Jones mentioned of New England’s veterans. “He’s seen quite a bit, been on loads of good groups, so simply attempting to be taught from him, David [Andrews], all of the older guys.

“And for me, simply attempt to suppose again to even 2021 once we didn’t have an important begin and simply stored pushing and that’s actually all you are able to do. So simply trying ahead to the problem. Undoubtedly acquired an enormous one this week and simply gotta go on the market and deal with us. Actually that’s what it begins.”