Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has just added a little bit of drama to training camp in Foxborough.
Belichick was asked if there’s an open quarterback competition between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. His response to that question raised plenty of eyebrows.
“Everybody’s out here competing. All 90 guys. That’s what we’re all here for, to compete,” Belichick said. “Everybody’s out here competing. That’s what everybody’s doing.”
The fact that Belichick didn’t shut down this narrative is interesting to say the least.
Belichick was then asked if he has a good relationship with Jones. He replied, “I think my relationship is good with every player.”
Update: #Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked if there’s an open competition for the Pats starting QB job between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Belichick left the door open by not shutting it down: “Everybody’s out here competing. All 90 guys. That’s what we’re all here for, to… pic.twitter.com/x2REsUGUjs
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 1, 2023
Jones struggled in 2022, completing 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. To be fair, he had Matt Patricia calling the plays.
Zappe, on other hand, was really efficient when his number was called. He finished his rookie year with 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
With Bill O’Brien back on New England’s staff, there’s a good chance Jones reverts back to his 2021 form. If not, Zappe could end up starting games for the Patriots.