That rookie wall has been hitting really hard for Mac Jones as the Patriots approach the playoffs this weekend.
After 13 games of borderline top-10 quarterback play — an outstanding accomplishment as a first-year player — Jones has played like, well, a rookie.
In his last four games, he has the same number of turnovers (six) as touchdowns, tossing five interceptions and losing a fumble. During that time, the Patriots stumbled through a 1-3 record after their late bye week, including a loss to the Buffalo Bills they’ll be playing on Wild Card Weekend.
The Bills’ defense, along with those of the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, made life hard on Jones to the point that confidence in the rookie’s ability to lead New England to a playoff victory has waned a great deal since Sunday night.