During the Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants, the New England Patriots and their coaching staff decided to shake things up by making a change at quarterback after Mac Jones struggled early and threw two costly interceptions.
Even though he only got to throw 14 passes against the Giants, which resulted in nine completions for 54 yards and an interception, Bailey Zappe seems to have done enough to secure the starting job under center for at least one more week.
The Western Kentucky product clearly didn’t make a huge impression on Bill Belichick and company, but at this point, the team seems to be fed up with Jones’ lack of production and is looking for any boost they can get in the final stretch of the 2023 campaign.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Zappe will get the nod from the coaching staff for this week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, with Malik Cunningham potentially getting some time on the field as well.
Patriots QB Bailey Zappe will indeed start Sunday against the Chargers, per sources. There’s also a package of plays for QB/WR Malik Cunningham. Mac Jones is unlikely to play, unless circumstances change during the game. https://t.co/BbTo4T67eN
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 1, 2023
With the rest of the season basically being a lost cause for the Patriots, with the team having won only two games up to this point, Belichick and company will likely be looking to see if Zappe can provide a spark and whether he’s worth keeping on beyond this season.
As for Jones, it appears he’s made his last start for the Patriots and likely won’t get another shot unless Zappe goes down with an injury in the final stretch.
The Chargers, as expected, are favored in this game on the road at Gillette Stadium.
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