Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick Is Looking For A Reason To Bench QB Mac Jones
The relationship between Bill Belichick and Mac Jones has obviously deteriorated since last season. The veteran head coach is reportedly not sure that Jones will be able to recover after the quarterback’s underwhelming second season in the NFL.
Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick Is Looking For A Reason To Bench QB Mac Jones
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio stated on a recent episode of “PFT Live” that Bill Belichick, the head coach of New England, would be happy if backup Bailey Zappe outperformed Mac Jones because it would allow him to bench his primary quarterback.
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bill Belichick had the opportunity to say Mac Jones is the #Patriots starter, but didn’t, per @BenVolin
Ben: “So Mac Jones isn’t necessarily your day one starter?”
Belichick: “Everybody is out here competing. Everybody is out here competing, that's what… pic.twitter.com/an3qldR7UP
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 1, 2023
Bill Belichick addressed Mac Jones' offseason and the #Patriots QBs room on @SiriusXMNFL. He echoed his previous comments about the QBs competing: "We'll give them a chance to compete and see how it goes."
Of note: Mac's taken every starting rep so far in camp and played better. pic.twitter.com/zd2KKfJpdx
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) July 31, 2023
In an episode of PFT, while talking with Chris Simms about potential quarterback battles in the NFL, Florio voiced his view.
Mac Jones to Mike Gesicki touchdown.
OK. 👀🔥
LFG pic.twitter.com/gQASgjZwdS
— Savage (@SavageSports_) July 30, 2023
With Florio’s frank judgment, Belichick may be having second thoughts about his QB1. Simms, though, didn’t seem as sure that there was any debate, noting at the start of the conversation, “I don’t think it’s a real competition.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/1688263670969802753
According to Florio, Bill Belichick would like Bailey Zappe to outperform Mac Jones. “It’s just my opinion…He probably wants to have the ability to tell Mac to go sit his ass on the bench.
A very cool moment after Friday's Patriots practice.
Mac Jones invited 10-year-old Ramie Darling to practice at Gillette Stadium.
Darling, from Vero Beach, Fl., has become a huge Boston sports fan while undergoing treatment for cancer up in Boston. pic.twitter.com/kOat3TSjf8
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) August 5, 2023
In 2022, Zappe performed a good job filling in for an injured Jones; yet, Jones has yet to persuade many that he deserves as the starter.
When Belichick, 71, stated the Patriots will “see how it goes” as Jones and Zappe battle at training camp, he hardly delivered his anticipated starter a full-throated vote of confidence.
Mac Jones doing Mac Jones things. Almost busted out the griddy but thought otherwise with Belichick breathing down his neck. Hoping for a solid 2023 season. #patriots #macjones pic.twitter.com/APmXpZDLU4
— clelek05 (@clelek05) July 31, 2023
When asked if Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will compete for the team’s starting quarterback position, he responded:
“Everybody’s out here competing. All 90 guys. That’s what we’re all here for, to compete. Everybody’s out here competing. That’s what everybody’s doing.”
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
By letting Jones know that Zappe is still a possibility, the organization is subtly telling its first-round NFL draft selection in 2021 to step up his game. Jones has to improve following a poor second season in which he managed only 6.8 yards per completion and tossed just 14 touchdowns.
Both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe got some reps with the backs before diving into full team work.@wpri12 pic.twitter.com/4lCjS1X6Pj
— Sammy St.Jean (@sammyst18) July 31, 2023
In order to fuel a legitimate quarterback debate, Zappe would have to perform better than Jones during camp. Although it hasn’t happened yet, Zappe has shown that she has an advantage over Jones in a crucial area.
FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE-
Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence Is Bulking Up A Little Before The Upcoming Season