Things did not go to plan for the New England Patriots on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, struggling mightily on offense in an ugly 24-10 loss. It was a frustrating night for Patriots quarterback Mac Jones as well, who let his struggles get the best of him in a viral sideline outburst in the middle of the game.
Jones appeared to be frustrated with the play calling coming from Patriots offensive coordinator Matt Patricia, screaming to “throw the fu—– ball” and that the “fu—– quick game sucks.”
It was unclear if that was exactly what Jones said at the time, but he later clarified what he said following the game.
“Obviously, I kinda let my emotions get to me,” said Jones in a video from NBC Sports Boston. “We were kinda playing from behind. What I said was about throwing it deeper. It was the short game that we kept going to, which was working. But I felt like we needed chunk plays. I shouted that out to try and get everyone going. It was emotional, I’m passionate about this game. But you don’t want to let your emotions get the best of you.”
Jones then went on to say that his outburst wasn’t directed at anyone in particular.
While Jones certainly gave an answer that the Patriots coaching staff wants to hear, many around the NFL world still believe that his comments were ultimately a shot at Patricia.
“Throw the f*cking ball! F*cking quick game sucks! F*ck!”
Mac Jones looks like he’s had enough of this offensive coaching staff (I’d have to guess Matt Patricia).
— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) December 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1598553947513376768
https://twitter.com/TanyaRayFox/status/1598552014858129408
While Jones has undoubtedly been far from perfect, it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t been put in the best situation to thrive in New England this season with a former defensive coordinator in Patricia calling plays for the Patriots.