The Patriots’ decision to give Mac Jones another start in the wake of his ongoing struggles has proven to be rather short-lived. Jones has been replaced by backup Bailey Zappe to start the second half of New England’s game against the Giants. 
Throughout the week, it remained unclear which passer would get the nod for today’s contest. An open competition between the two ensued during practice, with Jones earning a slight advantage. It was therefore the 2021 first-rounder who got the nod to begin the game, with the understanding that Zappe could see time as well. After a poor outing in the first half by Jones, a switch has indeed been made.
This marks the fourth time in 2023 that Jones has been lifted from a game, though on the first two occasions the move game late in contests with a lopsided score. In New England’s most recent game, however, Jones was replaced for the final series of the game with a comeback victory still in the cards. That move to Zappe – who was unable to pull off the upset in his extremely limited action – suggested he could unseat Jones as the starter in the near future. The 2022 fourth-rounder could now play his way into a longer look in the No. 1 spot with an encouraging performance against the Giants.
The Patriots trailed New York 7-0 at halftime after allowing a touchdown set up by one of Jones’ two interceptions. The Alabama alum went 12-of-21 for 89 yards in Week 12, continuing his Year 3 struggles. The hire of veteran play-caller Bill O’Brien was seen as a positive development for Jones’ ability to rebound from a poor showing in 2022 and revert to his more encouraging play as a rookie. That has not been the case, though, leading to serious speculation he will not be in place as the team’s starter for 2024, the final year of his rookie contract.
During Zappe’s first drive in relief of Jones, he completed all six of his passes for 38 yards to help set up a touchdown. If that success can be replicated, the Patriots will have an interesting decision to make to close out the season under center. Demoting Jones to backup permanently would likely mark an end to his tenure in New England, especially with the 2-8 outfit in line to have a strong chance at adding a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 draft. For now, though, the level of play delivered by Zappe (who struggled in O’Brien’s system in the training camp and was initially waived during roster cutdowns) will be worth watching closely.
Mac looked awful in this game. 2 INT and about five or six other passes that were way off the mark. I doubt he plays the rest of the year barring injury.
Don’t forget that fumble as well while scrambling.
He did, but the downside is that Zappe looked pretty bad as well. Nearly all of his throws were screens or dump offs, and that pick he threw was one of the worst I’ve seen in a while. Just started his guy down on what looked like a go route.
People clamored for Zappe all of last year, but the Pats have shown why Jones still starts. They’re both bad, but the offense can run more plays with Jones than Zappe. I’m not saying this to vouch for either one, but that’s the reason why NE went the way they did. We all expected O’Brien to come in and at least make them competitive; at this point, he’s looking pretty bad as a coordinator as well. Belichick (or his successor) really needs to invest a lot better talent into the offense, beginning with the line and receivers, at a minimum. The team looks much worse now than the version that was possibly a rookie toe tap away from beating the Eagles to start the year.
ya, issue is Zappe and Mac are apples to apples with , like you said, maybe a slight edge to Mac
same issue on Jets, but they’re sticking with Boyle, so think we’ll see a similar plan with Zappe on the Pats.
What if the NFL makes an exception, and the Jets and Patriots are allowed to swap Zach and Mac? It’s a win-win breath of fresh air for everyone.
They could do it with the rules in place via waivers. Wilson won’t get claimed but Washington or nyg might claim Mac.
Why would Washington or NYG claim Mac? He’s terrible. Sam Howell is way better and even Tommy Devito looks better than Mac.
Tommy looks way better than Dan Jones as well.
It’s a win for everyone except those of us who watch football
Mac is a hack. Zappe is crappy.
Zappe just as bad. Just take the remaining losses for rest of season and obtain high drafts, then remove Bill. Time to move on.
Zappe sucks too. Take losses for the remainder of the season to obtain high drafts, then remove Bill. Time to move on.
Pats are just going to ruin another high drafted QB.
Another? What other high drafted QB did they ruin?
Lawrence has turned out to be the only good QB.
Media hyped Wilson and Lance into top picks when no one really heard of Wilson. Lance had the experience of a high school QB since he barely played in college.
Mac had the Bama success helping.
Fields the 2nd best or productive he is trapped in Chicago, he may get better with a better organization.
Trask the QB after them has not played.
Kellen Mond cut after a season and seems out of the league.
Davis Mills backup material
You’re right, but I would at least give Jones credit for one good year. I wonder if he could improve in a different environment, which seems possible.
Fields isn’t very good, but he has moments. I don’t know how much better he gets from where he is now, though.
9 out of 10 QBs in that draft were duds.
you may be surprised how comparable Mills stats are to Lawrence and Fields.
They are pretty similar and maybe Mills gets a shot somewhere else with a stable staff. Lawrence had terrible Urban “Stinky Fingers” Meyers year 1 to screw him up.
I wonder if Vikings called for him, since it could have been a good situation to see if he better than the situation he had.
Reminds me of the saying”if you have 2 QBs you really have no QBs”.
I feel so bad for Stevenson. He doesn’t deserve this.
Macs been browbeat enough by Belichek and his hoarde of defensive cchs doing there best OC facsimiles. Interesting to see if Macs nxt tm can recultivate that rookie season spark after the hell he’s been through. Now Zaippe’s got scary job of QB1 in NE.
I’m guessing most of the fans in attendance at that Giants/Patriots game were prison inmates on a work release program. What intelligent person would actually pay to see that garbage?
Neither are any good but make a decision. Constantly doing the qb carousel isn’t helping anyone’s development. Make Jones number two if you choose but pick a starter and let him take all first team reps. You’re basically saying neither is good enough which I fully agree but I don’t see how Jones constantly gets benched and comes back as QB1
Bill Belichick is looking like the Bill Belichick from Cleveland who was completely lost
Anyone think Belichick the GM would actually pick a QB with the 2nd or 3rd pick in the draft? I bet he will trade out of that spot.
Malik Cunningham should be given an opportunity before the home crowd against the Chargers.
Cunningham had 38 rushing TD’s and 62 passing TD’s at Louisville. At 6’1 and 190 small for a QB but has a nose for the end-zone. What can you lose in the next 6 games?
What could you gain…finding a QB…Using Draft Capital to draft positions of need instead of a QB–Offensive Line, D’Backs and Wide Receivers? Fans want Malik!
Mac Jones at his best was a game manager not an offensive threat. Kind of shocking they didn’t bring in anyone to challenge him but there’s always the draft if they don’t blow it again
Give poor Mac a poison pill and let the man be. Bet he ends up @least serviceable backup in league. Hardprint copy of how not to develop young QB coming off 1st season where he was named Pro Bowler. Same thinktank that installed defensive minded Larry &Moe to share Offensive Coordinator role. Bill has done run through sum QBs since Tom terriffic left town. Come on Bill coach em up ! Alot harder to win when u don’t have other teams scripted plays. He can’t B mad @the pile of turds the GMs bringing in … Belicheks like Benjamin button aging in reverse where he can’t scout, produce players, or coach anymore. All Blah !!!