Uncertainty looms as Bill Belichick contemplates starting Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe against Giants

The legendary Tom Brady generously supported Bill Belichick with everything he needed to become a six-time Super Bowl-winning coach during his time with the New England Patriots. However, since Brady’s departure, winning the trophy has seemed elusive, and the path to victory has become increasingly challenging for the head coach.

As the team approaches their Week 12 clash, Bill Belichick faces intense questioning about his choice of starter. Yet he maintained his tight-lipped approach, leaving the team’s fans and analysts in the dark.

Belichick reportedly considers playing multiple QBs

As the Patriots gear up for their Week 12 clash with the New York Giants, the burning question on everyone’s mind remains unanswered regarding the team’s starting quarterback. The Patriots head coach, the master of evading such inquiries, maintained his poker face during Friday’s press conference.

The 71-year-old’s responses were consistently evasive. He emphasized that all four quarterback options, including Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Will Grier, and rookie Malik Cunningham, must be “ready to go.”

“I’ve told all the players the same thing: be ready to go. So hopefully, they will be,” was his response to their starter mastery, per NESN.

Belichick’s team is coming off their bye week following Mac Jones’ benching in Germany in a loss to the Colts. Following the game, rumors have arisen regarding his dismissal from the team, and as usual, he remained blunt when encountering this type of spicy question.

Nevertheless, Jones reportedly took first-team reps this time as well, with Bailey Zappe working with the second unit. Meanwhile, Malik Cunningham, the team’s other quarterback option, hasn’t practiced in that position since Week 6.

The coach’s refusal to disclose the starting signal-caller and his repeated emphasis on preparedness leaves fans and pundits alike in suspense. A reporter asked him for a hint, suggesting that the team must have a prior plan regarding their quarterback choice. In response, he instructed the reporters to wait until Sunday.

The nature of Bill Belichick is well known by all; hence, all the Patriots players must now wait eagerly to witness the suspense that is cooking in the head coach’s mind until the Patriots team takes their spot in Week 12.

Patriots face uphill battle with 2-8 record

Though the Patriots team must not have been assumed to be a Super Bowl contender, their performance under Bill Belichick has never been assumed to struggle so much. After kicking off the season with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Belichick could only add two wins after appearing in 10 games.

With a 2-8 record, they currently sit at the bottom of their division. In Week 4, the Dallas Cowboys handed the head coach the worst loss of his career, winning 38-3 and defeating Belichick’s squad by 35 points. Just the following week, Bill Belichick’s team experienced its second-worst defeat against the New Orleans Saints, failing to score any points and leaving the field with a 0-34 loss.

Amid this floundering season, he had managed to etch his name as the winner of 300 regular season games, but the record is not enough to secure his job in New England. Though the team has already offered him a silent deal in the offseason, reportedly the next destination of the head coach has already been determined.

Despite this, Bill Belichick’s target is to extend his winning percentage. Do you think the Patriots can upset the Giants in Week 12?

Shabiha Akter

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Shabiha, once a casual observer, has morphed into a die-hard NFL fan. She carefully dissects every play, trade, and strategy. Whether it's breaking down game highlights or predicting playoff outcomes, Shabiha is your go-to source for all things NFL.

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