A quarterback controversy could be brewing in Foxborough.
The New England Patriots benched Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe during a Week 4 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While Jones started Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, his grasp of the starting job may not be as tight.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Zappe received more practice reps this week. However, a change is still not “likely or imminent” yet.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff: The #Patriots are sticking with Mac Jones. No change is immiment, but Bailey Zappe did get more practice snaps; No limitations on #Rams WR Cooper Kupp; #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor cashes in with three years and $42M, but he’ll be eased in today. pic.twitter.com/UI079arKbO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2023
Jones hasn’t sufficiently silenced skeptics early this season. The 25-year-old has 898 passing yards, five touchdowns, four interceptions, and an 80.8 quarterback rating through four games. He threw those of those picks against Dallas before getting pulled.
Zappe went 4-of-9 for 57 yards in limited action, but it’s not the first time he filled in for Jones. The former Western Kentucky star posted a 100.9 quarterback rating during his rookie season, leading back-to-back wins in two of his three starts.
Pelissero said there’s “frustration” within the Patriots organization over Jones’ performance against Dallas.
“Mac played pretty well out of the gate this season. He does not have a lot of time to throw. He does not have a go-to receiver, but other teams who watched the tape from the Cowboys game say Mac’s eyes are down,” Pelissero said. “He is looking at the rush. It’s impossible to play on-time, efficient football like that.”
Jones began Sunday’s game with two incomplete passes on a three-and-out. New England’s quarterback situation is looking like something to monitor closely.