Mac Jones is expected to be available to play in the New England Patriots’ upcoming Monday Night Football clash with the Chicago Bears. But assuming he is ready to suit up for the Patriots, what does that mean for rookie backup quarterback Bailey Zappe?
Zappe-mania has been running wild over the last few weeks after the fourth-round draft pick nearly toppled Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, before leading the Patriots to back-to-back wins over the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.
In fact, the offense has been playing so much better that some have even bought into the idea of there being a legitimate quarterback controversy in New England. Could Zappe really supplant Jones as the starter after playing in only three games?
Nope, that’s not happening, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
There is no QB controversy in New England. When Mac Jones is healthy enough to return to play, he’ll be the starter, per sources. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 20, 2022
The sample size from Zappe isn’t large enough to remove Jones as a starter.
Granted, it wasn’t exactly a smooth start for the second-year signal-caller, but he is coming off a Pro Bowl season in a year where he looked like a future franchise quarterback on the rise.
The loss of Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator, along with the shaky offensive line play and shuffled coaching staff have all contributed to those struggles. With the offensive line playing better and Matt Patricia having a better handle on the offensive play-calling, the sky really is the limit for Jones under center.
