The New England Patriots demoted Mac Jones before their final game of the season.
New England made Jones a healthy inactive for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets. He’ll serve as the emergency third-string quarterback, with Nathan Rourke backing up starter Bailey Zappe.
Patriots inactives. pic.twitter.com/rzM1qvxqak
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 7, 2024
Following an arduous 2022, Jones began his third year in hopes of rebounding behind offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. He instead slid backward again.
Jones regressed for the second straight season with a career-worst 77.0 quarterback rating and 6.1 average yards per pass attempt. The former first-round pick threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (10) through 11 games.
Bill Belichick benched Jones for Zappe three times earlier this season, only to start Jones the next game. However, the coach appeared to reach a tipping point after the former Alabama star amassed just 89 passing yards with no touchdowns, two picks, and a 6.2 QBR during a 10-7 loss to the New York Giants.
Zappe has started the last five games for the Patriots. Last year’s fourth-round selection led them to two primetime wins, throwing three touchdowns in a Week 14 triumph at Pittsburgh and posting a 117.7 passer rating in a Week 16 victory over the Denver Broncos.
However, New England’s offensive woes continued when Zappe yielded three picks in last Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also has more interceptions (seven) than passing touchdowns (six) this season.
If it wasn’t already clear, making Jones a healthy scratch should all but declare he’s not returning as a starter in 2024. With a chance to pick as high as No. 2 depending on Sunday’s outcome, the Patriots could eye Caleb Williams or Drake Make in April’s draft.
While some fans may prefer a loss to ensure better draft positioning, Belichick will look to extend New England’s winning streak over the Jets to 16 in what could be his final game with the organization.