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In the three seasons since Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots have missed the playoffs twice while making it once. And that’s likely not what fans imagined or hoped for when their Hall of Fame coach and QB parted ways a few years ago.
Given that Belichick hasn’t had the services of Brady — the greatest quarterback of all time — he’s spent the last three years searching for his next franchise signal-caller. And so far, it seems as though he’s yet to succeed.
While Alabama product Mac Jones was named to the Pro Bowl and led the Pats to the postseason in his rookie year, he regressed to such an extent this past season that he was benched in favor of backup Bailey Zappe for a brief time.
Speculation about the Patriots’ QB situation (Derek Carr? Aaron Rodgers?!) will certain continue into the offseason, especially given Belichick’s comments about Jones’ future as the team’s starter following their 35-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
According to reports, not only to Belichick refuse to confirm that Jones will be the team’s starter, but he simply said “Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league,” which is simply a classic Belichickian quote.
Bill Belichick wouldn't confirm that Mac Jones will be the #Patriots starting QB next season.
When directly asked, Belichick said: “Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league." pic.twitter.com/zUr8aHYrtP
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 9, 2023
In 14 games this season, the 24-year-old Jones compiled a 6-8 record while completing 65.2% of his passes for 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also had one rushing touchdown and one fumble lost.
When the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around in late April, the 8-9 Patriots will have the 14th overall pick.