After losing in Week 10, the New England Patriots did not know if they would start quarterback Bailey Zappe or Mac Jones going forward. It seems like Bill Belichick isn’t getting any closer to naming his starting lineup as Week 12 draws near.
Jones, the 15th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, is going through one of the most difficult moments of his difficult career right now. The third-year quarterback has a 1-6 record and has thrown eight interceptions in his last seven games with a 75.4 QB rating.
In several games, New England has substituted Zappe for Jones on the field, frequently when Jones was already being blown out. Every time, though, Zappe has trouble as well, and the Patriots start Jones at center the following week.
Belichick has softened his public endorsement of Jones as the team’s starting quarterback after publicly endorsing the former first-round pick on multiple occasions in the previous weeks. Rather, the head coach of the Patriots is keeping the identity of the starting lineup for Week 12 a secret.
It’s not shocking that Belichick is using this strategy. In addition to the fact that many teams see it as a tactical advantage, Belichick is living up to his reputation as a media shrewd guy. But there are some indications as to who might start in Week 12.
Bill O’Brien, the offensive coordinator for the Patriots, played it cool when he met with reporters this week regarding the impending quarterback decision. He did, however, provide some backing for Jones.
“I believe that’s what we need to keep in mind: Mac has played incredibly well at times this year. That’s what we need to keep in mind.” This year, Mac has performed incredibly well at times. In addition, I believe it’s critical to emphasize that there are ten other players on the field, and each one of them needs to perform better.
conferences and remarks he’s made this season that imply O’Brien might continue to start Jones in Week 12.
Giardi believes that one key component of this is that Jones is the most prepared quarterback on the Patriots roster because he keeps up his relentless practice work and dedication to film study. Zappe hasn’t shown anything, even though that hasn’t produced any results.
In the end, Jones appears to be the most likely Patriots quarterback to get the starting nod against the New York Giants in Week 12. Zappe might take over in December if he falters once more and makes mistakes that kill the Patriots’ offense.
