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The uncertainty surrounding the starting quarterback position for the New England Patriots continues as Coach Bill Belichick remains tight-lipped about officially designating Mac Jones as the team’s starter.
During a recent media session, Belichick was directly asked whether there’s an open competition for the Patriots’ starting QB job, involving both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Rather than definitively addressing the question, Belichick opted to keep his response open-ended, stating, “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.”
Bill Belichick asked if the starting quarterback job is up for grabs: "Everybody's out here competing. It's all 90 guys."
I want to see Bailey Zappe rep with the 1's before believing in a real QB competition, but it's certainly closer than your typical starter/backup dynamic. pic.twitter.com/EqvqfCkrD1
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) August 1, 2023
When inquired about his rapport with Mac Jones, Belichick replied, “I think my relationship is good with every player,” revealing little about his stance on Jones’ potential role as the starting quarterback.
The speculation intensifies as the 2023 season approaches. While many anticipate Mac Jones, the 2021 1st round pick, to assume the starting position, it would be a considerable surprise if Bailey Zappe, the 2022 4th round pick, were to take the helm in Week One against the Eagles.
Belichick’s recent comments however, don’t completely rule out this that it is possible Jones will be benched for Zappe.
As Patriots fans eagerly await further updates, the competition between the two quarterbacks remains a compelling storyline to monitor throughout the preseason and beyond.