Bailey Zappe replaced Mac Jones on the final drive of the New England Patriots’ 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It might not have entirely been a performance-based benching.
Jones went into the X-ray room following Sunday’s game in Germany. However, the 25-year-old downplayed the issue when later speaking to reporters.
“Just a little bruise, but I’m good,” Jones said, per NESN’s Zack Cox.
Bill Belichick has pulled Jones twice before this season, so it seemed like the former first-round pick got yanked again. He got sacked five times and threw an ugly red-zone interception with the Patriots aiming for a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Julian Blackmon intercepts Mac Jones at the goal line!
📺: #INDvsNE on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/d4RDZpceuE pic.twitter.com/K0AHBzjFwM— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
The Patriots have now finished three games without a touchdown. Jones has as many passing touchdowns as picks (10) while once exceeding 220 passing yards since Week 2.
However, Zappe didn’t make a strong case to take the starting job. He threw a game-sealing interception into tight coverage after faking a spike on New England’s final possession.
Belichick didn’t mention any injury for Jones when telling reporters he “thought it was time for a change.” The head coach wouldn’t disclose who will start for New England after the Week 11 bye.
“Look, I made the decision, that’s what it was,” Belichick said. “We’ll deal with next week, next week.”
The Patriots could be playing for the chance to draft Jones’ replacement when facing the two-win New York Giants in Week 12.