Whether Mac Jones’ final pass for the Patriots was in Germany or not, one thing is certain: it’s time for a change. Bill Belichick stated as much in his postgame press conference and then confirmed it in interviews upon his return to the United States.
Jones appears to be broken at this point, and while there are numerous reasons for this, some of which may or may not be his fault, it’s evident that something needs to change. It was probably not fair to Bailey Zappe to enter the 10-6 loss to the Colts with 1:52 left and no timeouts needing to run 86 yards to achieve something the squad hadn’t done all day – score a touchdown. But can anyone seriously dispute with Belichick’s decision?
Jones hasn’t looked like a reliable NFL starter since November of his first year. In the two years afterward, he’s generally appeared like a twitchy, indecisive quarterback with a restricted physical skill set that opposition defenders appear to have figured out. Jones hasn’t always been able to get the ball out on time and with conviction, which highlights his limited skill set as too many off-balance, backfoot lollipops have resulted in disaster.
The dying quail he tossed 5 yards short of Mike Gesicki, who was alone in the end zone at the time, seemed to have been the breaking point. That followed a misfire on the previous possession, which was nearly intercepted in the end zone with Hunter Henry in the clear. Those two series came after Jones carelessly underhanded the ball toward Rhamondre Stevenson while being sacked, nearly resulting in another fumble.
Bill O’Brien had had enough at that time. On the bench, the offensive coordinator went off on his quarterback, displaying his characteristic rage in front of the NFL Network cameras. After 10 games of mostly ineffective play, the eruption was likely a long time coming.
Jones has 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season with a passer rating just above 80, which is among the league’s worst. The Patriots scored more than 20 points only once this season, in Jones’ greatest game by far, a 29-25 victory over Buffalo. Otherwise, it’s been a disaster, which is why Zappe was brought up and will very certainly be back at the Meadowlands against the Giants after the bye.
The Patriots’ dilemma is that neither Zappe nor Will Grier, the team’s third quarterback, have given everyone cause to be optimistic. Jones has been benched three times this season, and Zappe has not performed well in relief. Sunday was perhaps his strongest showing, as he converted on third-and-5 with an 11-yard strike to Henry, then followed with another tight throw to Demario Douglas on third-and-10 for 9 yards. However, after Stevenson gained the first down, Zappe attempted a fake spike and then threw into a defensive team meeting, where he was intercepted by Rodney Thomas, therefore ending the game. Zappe has completed only 40% of his passes in three games and has failed to lead a scoring drive.
But that’s where we are right now – Zappe is definitely the team’s greatest chance to win. Grier might potentially be considered if Belichick believes he has adapted sufficiently to merit a chance. Malik Cunningham is still on the practice squad, largely as a wide receiver, and he doesn’t look to be a viable choice aside from certain wildcard options.
Jones should sit out at least one game to clear his mind and figure out how to avoid the mistakes that have plagued him. Until or till that happens, it makes logical to keep evaluating the roster and determining which elements could be part of the future.
So, for better or worse, Zappe should face the Giants. It also wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on the quarterback class that will be available in the draft.
Jones is unable to keep up.
Jack Jones was dismissed by the Patriots shortly after returning from Germany, therefore ending his Patriots career in just his second season. The cornerback was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 draft and showed promise as a rookie, intercepting two passes in his first five games. However, his play deteriorated as the season continued, and he was placed on injured reserve due to an injury.
He ended his debut season in a disheartening manner, as questions regarding his injury rehabilitation led to a team suspension. Then, in June, he was detained after being stopped at Logan Airport with firearms in his backpack. Jones struggled even after the gun charges were withdrawn. He began the season on injured reserve, missing the first six games due to a hamstring injury. When he returned, he was erratic, particularly during an awful coverage breakdown on a Jaylen Waddle touchdown in Miami.
Then, according to reports, he missed curfew before the Commanders game on November 5, and began the game on the bench with a towel over his head. He joined the team in Germany but began the Colts game similarly, sitting on the sideline and disconnected from his teammates.
When challenged about Jones’ level of dedication, Belichick refused to comment, stating only, “I’m not going to get into any of the players’ personal situations.” Jones, on the other hand, had clearly fallen out of favor.
Cornerback J.C. Jackson reportedly violated curfew prior to the Washington game and did not accompany the squad to Germany for personal reasons. Jones was released by the Patriots less than 12 hours after his comeback. What happens to Jackson remains to be seen.
The basic fact is that the Patriots put themselves in a position where they had to rely on players who had previously proven to be untrustworthy, and the outcome with Jones appeared unavoidable. In fact, the lone surprise is perplexed as to why the change took so long.
Bonus points
Kyler Murray made his return after tearing his ACL in a Monday night loss to the Patriots last December. Murray gave the Cardinals a boost, displaying superb movement in Arizona’s 25-23 triumph over Atlanta, leading a last-second drive to a field goal at the buzzer. He wasn’t always accurate, completing 19 of 32 passes for 249 yards and an interception, but he was efficient with his legs, gaining 33 yards and scoring on six attempts.
Arizona is now 2-8, tied with the Patriots and Giants, but given how competitive the Cardinals have been in recent weeks, Murray could lead them to more victories. Arizona still has games against the Texans, Rams, and Bears left, and Murray’s comeback could have an impact on the team’s draft status.
C.J. Stroud continues to shine in Houston, leading the Texans to a last-second victory over the Bengals. In the 30-27 win, he went 23 of 39 for 356 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. But it was Stroud’s performance after what could have been a devastating sequence that stood out.
The Bengals appeared to be doomed, behind 27-17 with less than four minutes remaining, when Stroud attempted a third-down conversion throw but was intercepted by Cam Taylor-Britt, who returned it inside the Texans 5. The Bengals quickly cut the score to 27-24, and after a three-and-out, they had an opportunity to take the lead. Tyler Boyd couldn’t hang on to a Joe Burrow ball in the end zone, but Cincy tied it with 1:33 left on a field goal.
Stroud took Houston 55 yards into field goal range, where Matt Ammendola finished it with a 38-yarder at the buzzer in front of a hostile crowd that was already in a frenzy. Impressive comeback for the rookie after what could have been a fatal error.
The Cardinals and Texans were just two of the teams that won on last-second field goals. In same fashion, the Browns, Lions, Seahawks, and Broncos won, making Week 10 historic in that aspect.
