The New England Patriots are navigating through Week 10 on a six-game win streak, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Several of head coach Mike Vrabel's players will be looking for bounce-back performances against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, including Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones, who had a performance to forget against the Atlanta Falcons.
The win over the Atlanta Falcons marked Jones' worst performance of the campaign. He finished the contest with a season-worst 40.8 overall and 41.4 coverage grades on Pro Football Focus after allowing three receptions on as many targets for 13 yards and two touchdowns to Falcons wideout Drake London, who had Jones in a turnstile every time they matched up.
It's safe to say it wasn't the type of performance the Patriots envisioned Jones having in his first game after signing a $36 million extension last week. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity for him to get back on track is just over the horizon.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Gives Marcus Jones a Chance to Bounce Back
Although a showdown with the NFC South-leading Buccaneers isn't promising on paper, it might be exactly what Jones is looking for. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield might only have two interceptions on the year, but that doesn't mean the Patriots' ballhawk won't have plenty of opportunities to pick him off.
As of Week 10, Mayfield is tied with Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes for the third-most turnover-worthy plays this season (13), according to Pro Football Focus. His 35.9% completion rate on passes of 20-plus yards ranks 24th among quarterbacks who've attempted at least 15 passes of that distance this season.
Assuming these trends continue, Jones could see plenty of opportunities to haul in a pick or break up some passes. The former Houston Cougar has matched his career-high with two interceptions on the season already, while his nine pass break-ups are one away from tying last year's personal-best. If he plays his cards right, Jones might be able to surpass both benchmarks in one game.
Jones hasn't faced Mayfield before, making this a first-time opportunity for the Patriots defender to shut down one of the NFL's best arms. Interestingly enough, the Buccaneers' QB is 0-2 with a 59.6% completion rate, 267 passing yards, two TDs, two INTs, and 70.0 passer rating in two previous clashes with New England. Although a lot has changed on both sides since that last clash (Week 10, 2021), it only adds to Jones' promising outlook.
Explosive rookie WR Emeka Egbuka and veteran wideout Sterling Shepard are often the Bucs' go-to slot receiver, meaning Jones will likely see a lot of them on Sunday. Shepard (27-275-1) can still be a threat depending on the week, while Egbuka is among rookie pass-catching leaders when it comes:
- Receiving yards: 562 (1st)
- Receiving touchdowns: 5 (T-1st)
- Catches: 41 (4th)
- Targets: 63 (2nd)
- Yards per reception: 16.5 (1st)
With how talented Egbuka is, Jones can't afford to replicate last week's coverage of London. The good news is that Mayfield's knack for throwing pickable passes could give the Patriots' slot disruptor exactly what he needs to make fans forget about his Week 9 performance.
Hopefully, he makes the most of his chances. Otherwise, his contract might develop into a $36 million regret.