The New England Patriots fell to the Dallas Cowboys in blowout fashion during their Week 4 matchup.
This was the largest loss in Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach as the team fell to 1-3.
When it became clear that a comeback was not in the works, Bailey Zappe took the field, replacing Mac Jones.
This immediately led to speculation about Jones and the direction the team would take at the position moving forward.
However, Belichick was quick to clear up any rumors during a postgame interview.
According to Patriots reporter Doug Kyed, Belichick said this wasn’t based on performance, confirming Jones’ status as the team’s starter.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick on benching Mac Jones:
“No sense in leaving him in the game.”
Said he wasn’t benched for poor performance.
Says Mac Jones will be the starter moving forward.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) October 2, 2023
The Patriots used a first-round pick on Jones in the 2021 draft, showing the rest of the league what they thought of him.
While Jones has put together some rocky performances throughout his career, Belichick has remained confident in his abilities.
This confidence has come while Belichick has been up against significant criticism.
Several analysts throughout the league question Belichick’s abilities as a leader, particularly without Tom Brady as a safety net.
The Patriots’ record without Brady is under .500, which could be an anti-Belichick argument.
However, the organization has not publically said anything about his status moving forward, but it has been speculated.
For now, Belichick is hitching himself to Jones, publically supporting him as the starter.
At 1-3, Jones and the Patriots can’t afford many more mistakes, especially if they want to make the playoffs this season.
Can the duo of Jones and Belichick turn things around, silencing all of their doubters?
