Mac Jones is sent to the bench before the decisive drive against the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt. There can be no future for the quarterback with the New England Patriots. One comment.

1:54 minutes on the clock. 86 yards to go. The Patriots down four points. A touchdown is needed.

And Mac Jones – franchise quarterback, 15th pick in the 2021 draft, hopeful – sits on the bench. The ultimate punishment.

A decision so insane that even the stadium announcer, who calls the plays, didn’t realize it. “Mac Jones to Rhamondre Stevenson for 5 yards.” Pause. “Sorry, correction, that was Bailey Zappe.”

Insane – but surprising only because of the timing. Jones should have been benched much earlier.

“I have to play better. I didn’t play well,” Jones repeatedly admitted mantra-like at the press conference after the disappointing game.

No courage, just checkdown passes. Only 170 yards. And an outrageous interception on the Colts’ 15-yard line despite a wide-open receiver with four and a half minutes to go.

What went wrong? Jones shook his head, repeating, “I’ve got to play better. “

Mac Jones: Face of a devastating Patriots offense

Whether Jones can do that, especially consistently, is doubtful, and not just since Frankfurt.

The bitter part: Jones failed again in a game that was particularly important for the Patriots. Not only because of the upcoming bye week, but also because of their large fan base in Germany, the numerous fans in the stadium.

The fans that Jones actually wanted to make happy. But who instead booed loudly after the interception.

Jones is not the only one to blame for the Patriots’ atrocious 2-8 record (the worst in the entire AFC). But he is the main culprit. The face of a Patriots offense that is a devastating picture.

This is the third time this season New England has failed to score an offensive touchdown – a negative record in Bill Belichick’s 24 years on the sidelines. And not worthy of such an important franchise

Mac Jones: Patriots exit seems inevitable

Now, at a crucial moment, in a game so crucial to the rest of the season, in a place so special to the Patriots, the quarterback’s confidence has been withdrawn.

Him, the former beacon of hope. After that, there really is no way back.

Jones is wasted. A lame duck. His future more uncertain than ever. A farewell almost inevitable.

The 25-year-old was asked whether Belichick still had faith in him. “I have to play better,” was the answer.

At least Jones did that perfectly that day