Albert Breer: Patriots believe Mac Jones has the “yips”

On Wednesday's edition of Zolak & Bertrand, Albert Breer noted that Patriots think Mac Jones might be dealing with a version of the "yips."

Leroy Irvin: I'm just curious, like what kind of impact do you think Belichick not really naming a starter for the Giants game he's going to have on the team when it's really time to play?

Albert Breer: You know what's funny is like, I actually think, he genuinely doesn't know who's going to be a starter. I think that's a huge part of what's happening here. My feeling is they came out of that game with the Colts thinking, we probably can't go back to Mac, right? At least not right away, because I think what they at least believe is a case of the yips. And what that means is it's in his head. He's messed up.

It's the whole like Chuck Knoblauch can't throw from second thing. And you can see it like on the first and last throws of the first half against the Colts and of course the interception at the end. Where his feet are just a complete mess. That's usually a pretty good sign that... you know that and like looking at the rush, like his eyes dropping, are two pretty good signs that the guy might need a reset.

The problem is, is that they went through the tape and they get to practice last week and I think for the staff at least there was like this oh, crap moment where it was like we still might have to go with him because he's still probably our best option. And so I think it's hard for the coaching staff right now to sell Mac back to the team after what everybody's been through the last few weeks. But I also think it's hard for them to sell, you know, Will Grier or Bailey Zappe to the team, you know, one they picked up off the street in September. The other they cut and brought back on the practice squad after training camp. So, I actually think Bill probably did the right thing here.

We're back from the bye week with the latest edition of the 98.5 The Sports Hub New England Patriots Mailbag. It's also Thanksgiving week, so let me first pass along a 'happy Thanksgiving!' to you and yours.

As for this week's Mailbag, it's more of the same from previous weeks. You guys all seem to already be onto the offseason, asking more about the upcoming spring than the stretch run of this season.

READ MORE:

--What Bill Belichick is looking for from the Patriots' quarterbacks
--Bill O'Brien on the Patriots' quarterback decision
--WATCH: Apple TV releases first look at upcoming Patriots dynasty docuseries

That being said, who am I to not give the people what they want? You want offseason talk? We can do offseason talk.

Touching on both potential player and coaching changes, let's get into this week's mailbag...

In the past, I've been somebody who has said that the whole "offensive head coaches are the only way to win in the modern NFL" take was overrated. Recently though, it seems like there's been too much evidence backing that point - especially when it comes to developing young quarterbacks.

The relationship between a quarterback and the top-ranking offensive coach on a team is important, especially when it comes to player development. If that coach is the head coach, great. He's not going anywhere and the two can continue to work together. However, if the head coach is a defensive coach and the top offensive coach is the offensive coordinator, that coach is always a threat to leave - especially if the team is doing well. If that coach gets hired away there's the risk of a revolving door at that spot, leaving little continuity for the quarterback.

Now, there are some ways around that. A team could hire an experienced offensive coach that has already tired and failed as a head coach elsewhere, and likely isn't getting another shot. If the Patriots are going to hire a defensive-minded head coach, they should look for that kind of offensive coordinator.

Generally where there's smoke, there's fire, and there's been plenty of smoke in terms of reporting that the Patriots will be moving on from Bill Belichick after this year. That being said there are still seven games left to play, so it would be presumptuous to think any definitive decision has been made yet. If the Patriots win a few games down the stretch, it wouldn't be unrealistic to think that could help Belichick keep his job. That's hardly a guarantee, but it does feel too early to completely close the door right now.

After struggling in Week 1 and then having a couple of weeks off, Sidy Sow played much better upon returning to the lineup in Week 6 (although he had a bit of a hiccup against the Colts). Sow is still growing his game, but has flashed starter-level upside. With the Patriots having so many other pending needs this offseason, penciling Sow is as the starting right guard next season if Mike Onwenu moves to right tackle or leaves the team outright makes sense.

We'll see who ends up going back to school, but right now this looks like a very deep draft class at the wide receiver position. If the Patriots want to take a wideout on Day 2 they should have options - certainly more than last year.

Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU is a good name to know. Other players I like in that range are AD Mitchell from Texas, Xavier Legette from South Carolina, Johnny Wilson from Florida State, and Roman Wilson from Michigan. All four are boundary, 'X' type wide receivers, although Wilson may be more of a 'Z' in the NFL.

While I think many of the critiques of Caleb Williams' personality are overblown (people criticized him for crying after a game the week after criticizing him for not caring enough about winning or losing), it is fair to wonder how his approach will play in the Boston market. He's still incredibly talented, and winning does cure all, but it's something that should be considered.

I think Bo Nix is a solid prospect overall, but isn't what the Patriots should be looking for in their next quarterback. They just went through trying to develop an older, high-floor, low-ceiling, ball-distributing QB and that hasn't worked out.

While Penix is the same age as Nix and does have knee injuries in his past, he's now three years removed from the latest of those injuries. Assuming he clears his physical at the NFL Combine, it's less of a concern. His natural arm talent also surpasses Nix (and most of the quarterbacks in this class), and he's had more on his place in Washington's offensive system.

Not a side dish, but you know those videos of people putting deep-fried turkeys into a pot of oil, and they explode?

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.