The New England Patriots find themselves in unfamiliar territory due to quarterback struggles. The team that dominated the NFL for two decades now has a quarterback controversy on its hands as they sit in last place in the entire AFC. Replacing Tom Brady was never going to be an easy challenge. But after week one starter, Mac Jones, was benched for the fourth time this season, New England is expected to turn to a new QB against the Chargers.
Zappe Hour?
Bailey Zappe took the first-team reps in practice Wednesday. Malik Cunningham also took snaps with the starters while Mac Jones didn’t take a snap during the media portion of Wednesday’s practice.
Zappe has been somewhat of a darling for some Patriots fans after he performed well in two games during the 2022 season while Jones was injured. However, when Jones returned, Zappe returned to the bench. Zappe has been far less impressive in his relief stints in 2023.
This season, Zappe has completed 19 of 39 passes for 158 yards, throwing two interceptions but no touchdowns. While not as good as last season, many fans still find the offense to be slightly better under Zappe than under Jones.
Patriots Lack Faith in Zappe?
While fans have been clamoring for Zappe, the Patriots have not exactly shown a lot of faith in the quarterback. Following the preseason, the Patriots put Zappe on the waiver wire. After every other team passed on him, New England signed Zappe to the practice squad. He would eventually be promoted to backup following an unusual situation surrounding another backup quarterback, Matt Corral.
Since that time, the Patriots have fallen to 2-9 while Mac Jones has regressed in his third season as a starter. If the Patriots believed in Zappe, they have had ample opportunity to start him. However, the Patriots rolled with Jones even after their bye week with plenty of time to re-assess the situation.
Mac’s Regressions
Mac Jones came in with a solid rookie season for the Patriots making many think he was the quarterback of the future. He regressed in his second season when Bill Belichick appointed former Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia as Offensive Coordinator. Many fans and pundits hoped the hiring of an actual offensive coordinator would return Mac to his rookie-year output.
Jones started the year on a hot streak passing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Philadelphia. He followed that up with 231 yards against the Dolphins and 201 yards against the Jets. But the Cowboys destroyed New England in week four, and Jones has struggled to recover. While he managed to break 200 yards against the Raiders, Bills and Commanders, he’s failed in every other game. The final straw should be his 89-yard performance last Sunday against the Giants.
Besides Zappe and Jones, New England signed Cunningham and Will Grier to the practice squad. It’s unclear if either will be moved up the depth chart and be active on Sunday.
Patriots vs. Chargers
The Patriots welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Gillette Stadium Sunday. New England hopes to end its four game losing skid. The Chargers appear to be a welcome opponent as New England has won seven straight against the Bolts. But who will be leading the charge against the Chargers?
For my money, I’m picking Bailey Zappe. Jones’s struggles make it almost impossible to start him again. Cunningham is too much of an unknown and even less is known about Grier. I doubt Zappe will be much of a difference maker as I have little faith in him overall. But, the Patriots need to make a clean break from Mac Jones. It’s what’s best for them. And it appears to be what’s best for him.
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