For the first three quarters against the Bills on Sunday, Bill O'Brien was the leading man for the Patriots offense while his quarterback was a bit player.
His incorporation of motion — especially at the snap — and quick passing game gave the Patriots and Mac Jones a chance to settle themselves after three weeks of dreary play and horrible pass protection. O'Brien did what a good offensive coordinator is supposed to do: devise a plan to put his quarterback on a road to consistent play.
Only one starting quarterback in Week 7, Bears rookie Tyson Bagent (2.5) had a lower average depth target than Jones (4.3). Next highest was checkdown king Derek Carr (6.6). No quarterback had the ball out of his hands faster than Jones (2.2 seconds average). Of course, it helps when you're going against a Bills defense that is zone-dependent and ravaged by injuries, especially at linebacker and cornerback. O'Brien targeted the young Bills linebackers with playfakes and motion and it helped open up seams for the Patriots in the middle of the field and on the perimeter with quick games.
As we said last week, O'Brien did his best work to date against the Raiders. He took it to another level against the Bills. He has become more comfortable working with Jones and his passing targets. It takes time to figure out what works and doesn't. It does not happen overnight.
O'Brien came out with a strong plan, and the Patriots benefited from Josh Allen's brainfart interception. The Patriots two scoring drives of 63 and 45 yards resulted in six first downs — which was more than they would have in the next two quarters (five). The Patriots' next five drives averaged 21.6 yards.
Jones wasn't great to that point. His best throw was the 16-yard 3rd-down throw to Demario Douglas. Through three quarters, Jones was responsible for more QB pressure (two hurries, 3rd-and-11 sack in the third quarter) than any of his offensive linemen. Jones was looking at the rush again — something he admitted after the game — because his pass protection was so poor this season. That's something else that takes time to improve.
Everything changed in the fourth quarter, however.
Jones finally realized that Vederian Lowe was no longer whiffing at right tackle and he could trust his protection a bit more. And O'Brien turned him loose to deliver passes into tight windows as Jones had more plus throws (seven) in the final quarter than he probably had total in the previous six games. It still wasn't perfect — Jones was lucky there was a penalty on his fumble, an interception was dropped, he allowed another delay of game penalty and missed Douglas on the play before Mike Gesicki's game-winner, but there's no doubt Jones' performance was a huge step forward for him and the team.
Where it goes, we have no idea. You can definitely make the case this could be a launching point for Jones and the Patriots' offense. It means nothing if they revert back to their poor play against the Dolphins.
But Fourth Quarter Mac was him, largely, at his best and reminiscent of some of his good stretches as a rookie. A coaches film breakdown of the two fourth-quarter scoring drives:
Here are the positional ratings against the Bills:
OFFENSE
Quarterback (3.5 out of 5)
A lot of empty calories for the first three quarters for this offense as O'Brien did some really fine work. We had Mac for two plus plays (one throw) and five minus plays in the first three quarters. In the fourth quarter, it flipped with seven plus plays (all throws) and three minus (delay, decision on near INT). Jones was largely great in the fourth quarter, but a game is three quarters and we don't grade on a curve, ever, for anyone (including TB12). Jones needs to prove the fourth quarter and this struggling Bills defense was not a one-off fluke. ... One side note: Jones was much more demonstrative in this game dealing with the poor execution of teammates. Not judging — the results are the only thing that matters — just thought it was noteworthy.
Running backs (3.5 out of 5)
Some really good work by both backs here but Ezekiel Elliott did have another mental error (he pass protected on a running play last week) when he was in pass pro instead of getting into his route, and allowed the knockdown on Jones on Bourne's touchdown. ... Rhamondre Stevenson is getting his legs under him. He's much more decisive, which is a good sign. Did have weird balance on a -3 reception in the fourth quarter.
Receivers (4 out of 5)
There were more route issues in this game (Kendrick Bourne on the second play of the game, first play of second drive by Elliott, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor on a FUBAR play, Douglas on third down before halftime) which got Jones hot, but this was by far the best work of the season from this group. ... Douglas is by far the most impactful player the Patriots have (six in this one). They have to get him on the field more and let him stay there. ... Bourne and Douglas are where this offense should start. Bourne was really lucky the fumble didn't cost the team the game. Usually does. ... Like I said last week, Pharoah Brown should be on the field more. He and Henry should be the two tight ends and Gesicki with the receivers. ... Two incredibly tough catches by Henry. He makes them look easy but they are not.
Offensive line (3.5 out of 5)
Some really good run blocks in this group (10 for the group - Cole Strange led with three) but the dip in pressure (finally down to a reasonable 32.4%) had more to do with O'Brien's scheme and the Bills' zone than anything. ... David Andrews, Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu were all really good in this game. ... Strange and Sidy Sow were just OK. Both have issues holding up against the bigger DTs as always.
THREE UP
Demario Douglas: Completely changes the complexion and speed of this offense when he's in the game - even when he's just in motion. As I've said, he can be the Patriots' version of Tyreek Hill and they used him that way in this game. Obviously he's Wal-Mart Hill.
Mac Jones (fourth quarter): Two big boy drives and he wasn't feeling the rush as much.
Pharoah Brown: All he does is block people and make plays.
THREE DOWN
Sidy Sow: Three pressures and 3.5 run stuffs is not a great day at the office.
Vederian Lowe: You get in the game and you commit a penalty on the first play?
Tyquan Thornton: Ran a wrong route and then wasn't heard from again with only 3 snaps.