Mac Jones Future Murky After Bailey Zappe Leads New England Patriots to Upset Win
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The New England Patriots own both Bailey Zappe and - for now - the No. 2 pick in next year's NFL Draft.
Does that leave room for Mac Jones?
In last Thursday's prime-time upset of the Steelers, Zappe showed the poise - sprinkled in with some precision - that lead some to believe he will be a solid No. 2 quarterback for years to come. (And, yes, he "authored" the win without an offensive drive of more than 20 yards in the second half, but in this season beggars can't be choosers.) Still, with a primo pick looming in a quarterback-rich draft, experts continue to believe New England will select a new No. 1 for 2024.
Not far removed from a promising Pro Bowl rookie season, Jones has lost his job. Is his roster spot far behind?
For now, Bailey Zappe is the Patriots' quarterback and Mac Jones is ... nowhere to be seen.
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On Feb. 6, 2022, Jones threw for 112 yards a touchdown to lead his AFC team to a victory in the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas. The inclusion among the NFL's best players was a reward for Jones, who guided his Patriots to a 10-7 record and playoff berth. He was a rising star. Some tabbed him as the best quarterback in the 2021 rookie class despite being drafted behind Trevor Lawrence, Zach Lance, Trey Lance and Justin Fields. An NFL analyst on FS1 even nicknamed him "Baby Brady."
But given his demotion and Zappe's at least temporary ascension - he's 3-1 as a starter in Foxboro - has Jones taken his last snap in Foxboro?
The 22-month regression has been radical. Last year Jones erupted in emotional outbursts at coaches and was penalized/fined for cheap-shot hits on opponents. And his performance has tumbled, with year-over-year decreases in yards, completion percentage and touchdowns amplified by an increase in interceptions.
During the Pats' four-game losing streak with him starting, he became a shell of his 2021 self. Without consistent protection from one of the league's worst offensive lines and void of skill-position playmakers, Jones deteriorated into being skittish in the pocket. He made bad decisions, and even worse throws.
Yanked from games four times, Jones is now permanently benched. Barring an injury, it's difficult to envision Zappe not starting the season's final four games.
Question is now ... will Jones ever be QB1 again? Anywhere?
