Despite his curious benching on Monday night, Mac Jones will be under center for the Patriots when they take the field on Sunday. According to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter), the second-year pro will start this weekend against the Jets.
Jones took about 90 percent of the first-team reps at practice today, a solid indication that he’ll get the starting nod over starter Bailey Zappe. Earlier today, coach Bill Belichick continued to fan the flames when he refused to elaborate on the team’s quarterback position, noting that the Patriots would see “how it goes” at practice today (via Chad Graff and Jeff Howe of The Athletic). Apparently Jones showed enough to earn the starting nod on Sunday.
The 2021 first-round pick returned from a high ankle sprain to start Monday’s game, but he was benched after only one quarter in favor of his rookie teammate. Belichick has refused to attribute the benching to Jones’ performance, with the coach instead claiming it was always New England’s intent to play both QBs in their game against the Bears. Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus provides some more insight, writing that Jones’ injury factored into the decision and the QB was aware of his limited role heading into Monday night. The team intended to get Jones back in the game but the score got out of hand, allowing Zappe to finish the contest. Kyed also expresses skepticism that the Patriots would roll with a platoon at the position.
Of course, even if Belichick and the Patriots are being sincere, this won’t stop pundits from speculating about the situation. Some have suggested that the Patriots could be preparing for a future without Jones, citing the QB’s alleged attitude and ego. However, Howe rejects that notion, and in a separate article, he writes that the organization “bungled” this ordeal with their franchise quarterback.
It’s been an ugly start to the 2022 campaign for Jones. Following a rookie campaign that saw him guide New England to the playoffs and earn a Pro Bowl nod, Jones has led the Patriots to a 1-3 record in four starts this year, completing 65 percent of his passes for 799 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. For comparison’s sake, Zappe has completed 70.7 percent of his passes for 781 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, with the Patriots going 2-0 in his two starts.
Pro Bowl Nod*
Lol.. sure. Being the seventh guy on the list and getting an invite because they need a 3rd is more of a participation trophy, but sure Mac Jones is a “pro bowler”. …
Teams will be calling about Bailey Zappe in the off season.
You’re the Commanders. Colts. Titans. Falcons. Take a chance if the price is right.
Zappe will be the starter soon enough for New England. Mac Jones isn’t anything special, imo, and it won’t be long before Belichick yanks him again.
Bellichick put him in a terrible situation Monday night. The home crowd wanted Zappe in the game, Mac would have had to have played a perfect game. A road game would have been a much better spot to bring him back, away from the crowd that was just waiting for him to make a mistake they could jump on.
It’s Bill’s fault that his developmental QB outplayed his starter?
Why do they need to treat Mac Jones like he’s a 12 year old boy? They already shield him from the media sometimes and coddle him. If he can’t handle his own home crowd, is he really going to be the franchise QB? If not, Pats are going to have to go full rebuild unless Zappe plays well.
Jones has thrown quite a few horrible pics this year. He did another Monday. He looks lost.
Jones shouldn’t have been in the game last week given his injury status mid-week. Just one of several mistakes Belichick made last week.
Fat Mac over the Zappe Attack? Bold strategy Cotton, let’s see if it pays off.
Ah yes, the fight for the AFCE basement…This will be a slap fight between two talentless teams and bad QBs.
Looks like HC Bill B is trying to undermine GM Bill B 1st round draft pick decision yet again.
Bill has to be the worse GM in the league. Everyone rags on Jerry, why not Bill? None of his 1st round picks are worth anything.
Bill at least rolls up his sleeves and does some work. What does Jerry do besides sail around on his yacht and give radio interviews?
Going back two 2018 Jerry clearly is better at evaluating college talent than Bill is.
Boy’s picks: LVE, Lamb, Parsons and T smith (we’ll see how he pans out now. being a rookie)
Pats: Wynn, Michel, Harry & Jones…..
The way things are going it may be a showcase game for Mac. Look for a possible trade with Las Vegas reuniting the QB with his former OC as a backup to Carr and perhaps a replacement in ’23. Josh won’t go with a #1 but a 2,3 or 4?
Remember when there was another QB controversy with Jimmy G. BB doesn’t like those disruptions!
Bill is a weirdo