The New England Patriots are off to a struggling start and their star quarterback Mac Jones as well. Following a demoralizing losing streak, a chorus of voices, including both fans and commentators, have gotten louder in their calls for a quarterback replacement.
This already heated situation was further exacerbated when the team’s second-year quarterback, Bailey Zappe, made a blunt statement about the team’s starter. In response, the team’s offensive coordinator put an end to all speculations by announcing the New England team’s starter for next week
Patriots’ Bill O’Brien stands behind struggling Mac Jones
Bill Belichcick was the one who found potential in Tom Brady and his perceptions in return gifted the Patriots six Super Bowl honors. After the departure of Brady, Belichcick again took the responsibility to find out another star for the Patriots quarterback room and brought Mc Jones into this process. Nevertheless, this time his choice brought him a pile of backlashes in return.
Jones has been playing poorly from the beginning of the season; through five games this year, he has completed five touchdown passes and six interceptions. Because of his streak of underwhelming performances and the Patriots’ current season record of 1-4, a passionate discussion concerning the team’s quarterback position has erupted.
Mac Jones was able to lean on a shoulder in the midst of these circumstances. Despite Jones’ current difficulties, Bill O’Brien is not ready to give up on him. When questioned about his expectations for Jones starting this upcoming week, O’Brien simply responded, ‘I do’.
While Jones had been shouldering the majority of the blame for the consecutive losses, the Offensive Coordinator (OC) backed their starting quarterback, referring to the losing and winning streak as a collective effort. He also revealed that the quarterback is diligently practicing to make a comeback.
“It’s not about one guy. But as the quarterback you’re going to shoulder a lot of that, and he understands that. He’s working hard. He’s in here early, in here [Monday] trying to think about things to do better.
After the string of losses concern also has arisen to give the Patriots’ starter a mental break by benching him. On the other hand, the offensive coordinator believes that all players must remain “mentally tough” to withstand the rigors of a 17-game season.
Bailey Zappe offers a blunt perspective on stepping in
Mac Jones was benched for the second straight game on Sunday during the Patriot’s play against the New Orleans Saints in favor of Bailey Zappe. After that speculations have grown more if the Patriots want to get rid of Jones and make Zappe as their starter for the Next game.
Zappe was questioned about whether the coaching staff had made it clear that he might need to be prepared to start for the Patriots the following week. The second-year quarterback added fuel to the speculations by responding to being Jones’ backup, saying he always has to be ready if the team might need him.
“Being in my position, number two, you always have to be ready,” Zappe said.
In the Patriots’ 34-0 loss to the Saints, Zappe filled in well for Mac, completing 3-of-9 passes for 22 yards. He finished 4 of 9 passes for 57 yards in their week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys
What’s your take on the New England team’s decision regarding their starter position?
