FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots In the wake of a devastating game, coach Bill Belichick didn’t have the confidence to name a starting quarterback. 33-14 blowout loss The Chicago Bears Monday night
Belichick won starter Mac Jones After three series, insert rookie Bailey Zappe Taking his place for the remainder of the game, sparking the question about who will be the first to start when the team visits. New York Jets Sunday
Belichick was not ready to sign late Monday. He stated: “We just completed the game.”
Jones’ final play was an intercept, but Belichick said he wasn’t left out and would have rejoined the game in halftime if the score was closer.
He claimed that both Jones and Zappe were in the team’s plans and informed them of it. Jones’ rehabilitation from a left ankle injury “a factor” in their decision. Jones was playing in his first match since Sept. 25.
After trailing 10-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Patriots lost momentum and Zappe’s entry in the game created a spark with back to back touchdown drives. Zappe, who was 14-of-22 for 228 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT, couldn’t keep the momentum going into the second quarter.
Jones is well-prepared for any situation, and Jones has an idea of what this means for Sunday’s game against Jets (5-2). The Patriots are currently at 3-4 and in last place in AFC East. This is a crucial game.
Jones was 3-of-6 and 13 yards. “I have been in this position before and I am just going to do my best to help the team. Whatever my role may be, I’ll always be there and give everything I have.”
Jones would not put a percentage on Jones’ health.
“I don’t do the whole percentage thing. You either can or cannot play. “In the NFL, there is no credit for playing hurt. There are no excuses.” he stated. “So, I felt that I was ready to go. It will get better with time. “I just need to play better.”
Some Patriots players seemed surprised at the switch to quarterback and hearing the home crowd shout “Zappe!” Zappe! Zappe!” as Jones struggled. After leading the team to wins the previous two weeks, Zappe had received notable fan support.
“That’s where the NFL is for you. It’s a rapidly-changing industry,” says a leading receiver. Jakobi Meyers said. “It’s difficult for a man to see someone who has worked so hard receive that kind of treatment.”
Jones claimed that Zappe was going to play on Monday.
“I think Coach Belichick had an excellent plan for us. I understood the plan, what was going to happen and when it would occur. We were on the exact same page, so there weren’t any hard feelings.” he stated.
“I wish I could have played a bit better. It was obvious that the game wasn’t fair for any of us, and it all starts with me.
Zappe was asked what he thought when Jones announced that Jones would be starting on Monday.
“About at the same time you all did,” he replied. This seemed to be a reference towards close to kickoff. “I prepare as I do every week. It’s like I was just one play away. It’s exactly the same thing that I’m going do this week.