The New England Patriots have reached a new level of weird if recent reports regarding their quarterback plan for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants ends up being true.
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Patriots are expected to start Mac Jones at quarterback, but backup Bailey Zappe will likely also “be in the mix as well.”
Coach Bill Belichick was non-committal to naming a starting quarterback throughout the week. There was belief he could land on a decision before the game against the Giants, but it’s looking like the same song and dance could actually play out on the football field with the Patriots going with a dual-quarterback game plan.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones getting loose. He will start today, sources say. But again, Bailey Zappe likely to be in the mix as well. pic.twitter.com/PtORqlxm9f
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 26, 2023
Playing musical chairs at quarterback in a game is typically a bad idea, but somehow, someway, Belichick must view it as giving the team their best chance to win, assuming he goes through with it.
Given how poorly the season has gone for the Patriots, it’s hardly surprising to see them go down this path. It’s a convoluted mess right now in New England that grows even messier by the week.
Here’s what fans are saying on Twitter about the reported dual-quarterback game plan:
So this is going to be everything like the Bears game.
As if this team couldn’t make me anymore pissed off this season, SMH.
— Sam the #1 Pats Fan. (@SamuelDaHooper) November 26, 2023
This is so pathetic. What do you mean Zappe’s in the mix?
How can any QB build any sort of confidence if his job is at jeopardy every week?
Not saying it isn’t Mac’s fault, but the way Bill has handled this QB room for the last 3 seasons is textbook “how to ruin a young QB.”
— Kennard, Luke (@LukeK44660) November 26, 2023
Mixing in two QBs into a game plan when their skill sets are identical is such a weird choice.
— YardsAfterContract (@after_yards) November 26, 2023
I'm disappointed but not surprised. However, Mac Jones might be the answer to us tanking and getting a better QB for the next season
— Wanting FSG OUT #FSGOUT ⚔️ (@Lpool_5843) November 26, 2023
Ridiculous. It's a lost season and Mac clearly has no future in New England. Even if he's the better option, he's a known commodity. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain by evaluating Zappe and Cunningham in some real game action.
— Nick Winand (@nickwinand) November 26, 2023
This is what a successful season looks like.
— A. Gabel (@aj_g23) November 26, 2023
Bill Belichick is not a good coach anymore. Or he’s trying to get fired cuz what the hell is this https://t.co/23zdrHa6ZW
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) November 26, 2023
Someone explain how going back to the 2 QB system after it completely killed us last year against the Bears and think that gives us the best chance to win
Mac Jones is a ruined product but Bailey Zappe definitely is not a better option.
THIS ISN’T PRESEASON! MAKE IT MAKE SENSE! pic.twitter.com/2a73AXOhBI
— Sam the #1 Pats Fan. (@SamuelDaHooper) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe splitting reps today pic.twitter.com/mcvjgIyJgl
— BrycenNFL 👑 (@BrycenNFL) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will both receive snaps at QB today — Bill is really embracing the tank 🤝 https://t.co/yegfkGo6CV
— Carlos (@LosTalksPats) November 26, 2023
I gave up on this patriots team can’t wait til next year when there’s no more Belichik and Mac
— Wanhedo (@LoveWanhedo) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones after Bailey Zappe subs into the game and throws an on target interception pic.twitter.com/DfkLHXdLLR
— BrycenNFL 👑 (@BrycenNFL) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe splitting reps today pic.twitter.com/e94CRvaG6N
— vinces.take (@vincestake) November 26, 2023
What's he supposed to do with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe as his QBs? They obviously weren't serious about winning this year going in with those guys.
— Crunk (@Crunk1977) November 26, 2023
Reports are that Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will play today 👀
I’m assuming whoever gives the team the best chance to lose will play more.
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@itsbostoncream) November 26, 2023
Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones are lighting up the giants for 50
— Kyle🇺🇸 (@HarperNation85) November 26, 2023
— words (@ChillJoe26) November 26, 2023
Bill Belichick probably gonna take some snaps too
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe going head to head for QB1 today pic.twitter.com/CBDOmNsfJR
— Daniel 🎅🏻 (@TheDTSB) November 26, 2023
Jesus Christ how has nobody on the Patriots staff been fired yet? What a dumpster fire.
— Neely (@ALF878) November 26, 2023