I agree. Mac is a second year player, so it's not like he's a tenured pro. If that is the case then it would spell really bad news for Mac, and I just don't think BB would stand for it.
I think it's just early struggles on offense trying some stuff out with little repetition. Mac also kept getting hit early and often, and the offense sputtering because Mac wasn't able to coordinate well with his receivers. The receivers also seem to be playing better in general. Also Mac has yet to be able to play with Thornton, which appears to be a real weapon out there.
Patricia seemed like he was trying to reinvent the wheel with Mac, whereas now he's actually calling some sound games in a more conservative approach.
Another point that I haven't seen mentioned much -- Hunter Henry is playing like his usual self again. I don't know if he was nursing an injury early on or if he was being phased out due to the more vertical playcalling. But Hunter Henry is a great safety blanket that Mac used early and often last season yet this season I don't think he targeted him more than a few times.
This time off should actually help settle Mac down and with the team play much better complimentary football, I see Mac picking up where he left off from last year. If not, then Zappe has shown to be more than competent at doing what's being asked of him. Pats are in a win-win situation here.