Bill Belichick Refuses To Commit To A Starting Quarterback For The New England Patriots Beyond Week 8

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Getty Image / Maddie Meyer


On Monday night, the New England Patriots breathed new life into their quarterback controversy.

When Bailey Zappe took over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback while Mac Jones was dealing with an ankle injury, he racked up a 2-0 record and threw for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading some to wonder if he could replace Jones. Jones had struggled through his first 3 starts, throwing 6 interceptions with just 2 touchdowns.

In Week 7, the Patriots handed the reigns back to Mac Jones for a matchup at home against the Chicago Bears. The results weren’t great. Jones started the game 3/6 throwing the ball for just 13 yards and threw an interception. Trailing 10-0 at the start of the 2nd quarter, the Patriots went back to Zappe.

He immediately provided the offense with a spark, leading the team on a touchdown drive that ended with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers. The team also scored on his second drive to take the lead, but went scoreless the rest of the way.

After the loss, there were questions about what the Patriots’ quarterback situation would look like going forward. Today, Bill Belichick revealed that Mac Jones would be the starter, but he wouldn’t commit to either QB beyond that.

Bill Belichick refuses to commit to a quarterback for the New England Patriots beyond Week 8

Belichick might not want to name a starter for the rest of the year, but the reality of the matter is that they spent a 1st round pick on Jones last year and he led them to the playoffs as a rookie. As much fun as it would be to see Bailey Zappe take over, they’re going to give Jones every chance they can for him to succeed.

Things don’t get any easier for whatever combination of quarterbacks we end up seeing this weekend as the Patriots take on an improved Jets pass defense in East Rutherford on Sunday.