During the Patriots loss to the Bills in week-12 evryone saw Mac Jones yelling on the sidelines after coming off the field in the 4th-quarter.
He then followed that with something to the likes of "The “short game” or “quick game” fucking sucks!"
It led me to wonder if he was warranted in complaining about the play calling lacking downfield targets, or maybe there were downfield targets and he was just not finding them. I decided to take a look at the All-22 film to see where the blame should have been directed.
I looked at every pass play and below is what I saw.
Here on the first pass attempt of the game you can see there are four receivers all within 10-yards of the line of scrimmage.
Pass #2
Once again, there are four receivers within 5-yards of the LOS.
Pass #3
There are two receivers that get a bit of depth here. But, both not very far down the field.
Pass #4
Here there is a vertical route but Jones didn't have the time to hit it.
Pass #5
This play is a designed screen pass to Stevenson, so this is the type of play that Jones was probably complaining about.
Pass #6
Another screen pass, but this one went for a TD in the 1st-quarter, so I doubt Jones was mad about this one. Marcus Jones took it 48-yards for the TD.
Pass #7
There is a possible vertical option here, but again Jones is under pressure. It looked like he was going to dump it off to Stevenson but he saw the Safety starting to break on that option so he threw it at the ground to avoid the sack and potential safety. He was called for intentional grounding at the 12"-line.
Pass #8
This is a inside slip screen to Jonnu Smith. Another screen pass that is probably some of the reason for Jones' outburst.
Same play showing Parker chasing his block. I'm going to assume that the LG wasn't supposed to block down and double-team the DT leaving only Parker on the DE.
Pass #9
The Bills bring a blitz with a OLB stunt and Jones is flushed from the pocket, rolls right and throws incomplete to J. Smith.
Pass #10
This is another designed screen to Stevenson. Another missed block causes an incomplete pass.
Pass #11
Make it two consecutive screen plays t the RB. This one goes for 3-yards.
It's obvious to see it was a designed screen pass when the WR's are down the field in blocking positions with their backs to the LOS.
This play gained 3-yards.
Pass #12
A 9-yard completion here, but no real vertical options for Jones.
Pass #13
This play had a possible deep route but Jones threw to Parker incomplete.
Pass #14
Four receivers here - all within 5-yards of the LOS.
Pass #15
Jones is pressured from the left side and throws it away.