New England Patriots are still no closer to solving their quarterback conundrum, but head coach Bill Belichick has been told to finally make a decision and start Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones.
The Patriots take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and even though they won last time out against the New York Jets with Jones at quarterback, fans are still calling for Zappe to be their main man. In the absence of Jones, Zappe really stood up for the Patriots, and has since become a fan favourite.
Belichick has remained coy ever since over who his no.1 is, and has instead praised the pair for remaining professional throughout. But former Patriot LeGarrette Blount thinks that Belichick's side will be much better off with Zappe in the side instead of sticking with Jones.
Jones missed three games for the Patriots through injury, and Zappe certainly stepped up to the plate in his absence. And even since Jones returned, after a horror show against the Chicago Bears in the first half, Zappe was brought on to replace the regular starter and quickly inspired two touchdowns.
The Patriots won 22-17 against the Jets last week, with Jones playing the entirety of the match. But that hasn't stopped fans calling for Zappe, and Blount has backed him to take over in Jones' place.
"If you have confidence in both quarterbacks — they both can play ball — it doesn’t really affect the locker room too much," Blount said. "I’d say the problem probably lies into the coaching. Who do we trust more? Who do we believe in more?
"My personal opinion, I like Bailey. Bailey has been playing really well with his opportunities. He’s taken full advantage of them. He provides a spark, and the boys respond to him really, really well. I’m going with Bailey, man.
"I know Mac came back last week and got them a dub against the Jets, who had only lost two games at that time, I know he came back and provided a spark, but he did his thing. He had (35) passes, and he completed (24) and he only had (194) yards.
"Again, that speaks for itself. Again, once you play the Jets, the Patriots are the Patriots and the Jets are the Jets. It’s always going to be that way, no matter what their record is.
"I’m on the Bailey Zappe train. He’s had a 300-yard game as well, but he threw (two) touchdowns with his. Mac had a 300-yard game and threw (three) picks with his. I’m on the Zappe train."
Many fans think that Belichick has faith in Zappe, but is still giving Jones a chance as their designated starter. But Belichick showed his hand when he pulled Jones prematurely against the Bears, and sent Zappe out their to regain some balance.
However, Belichick defended this at the time, saying: "That's not what it was [performance], but you can write whatever you want to write. That's not what it was."
