Mac Jones has been named the starter this week, but that may not exactly clear up the Patriots’ quarterback situation. Jones also started on Monday night prior to being benched for Bailey Zappe.
Jones lasted three drives against the Bears, going 3-for-6 with an interception. Zappe immediately took the offense down the field on the following drive.
With both Jones and Zappe seeing action this season – and in last week’s game – the Patriots seem to have a quarterback conundrum.
NFL Insider Brian Baldinger of the Audacy Original Podcast “In The Huddle” talked about the Patriots’ confusing quarterback situation and what he’s heard on the matter.
“It’s the old adage if you’ve got two quarterbacks you don’t have any,” Baldinger said (5:10 in player above). “I’ve heard conflicting reports about what happened in the last game Monday night. That both quarterbacks were supposed to play and so Zappe got hot and he stayed in. But then I hear from other people inside the organization saying that wasn’t the plan at all. Well if that’s not the plan, why was it such a quick hook? It’s a 10-0 game, what’s the quick hook on Mac Jones? An interception?”
Jones wasn’t given much leeway on Monday night. The Patriots ran the ball in a 3rd-and-10 situation on their second drive of the game. The second-year quarterback was benched after an interception on the following drive.
Jones and Zappe have both played in four games through seven weeks. Jones is 67 of 103 for 799 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions while Zappe is 65 of 92 for 781 yards with five touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
“So then you go, does he have faith in anybody?” Baldinger continued. “Because honestly, Bailey Zappe, now it was against Detroit and Cleveland, some poor, poor defenses, but he played really well. But then you show up and he’s got four tipped balls, two interceptions, and you go, well is that just being six feet tall? This is the result of that? I guess it’s the health of Mac Jones, but regardless, it’s just not dynamic football.”
Jones appears to be healthy and will start this weekend against the Jets. This could be a situation to monitor the rest of the season for the Patriots.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram