Patriots quarterback Mac Jones threw three interceptions in the Patriots’ 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. On his third one, Jones appeared to be injured after his ankle was landed on by Ravens DE Calais Campbell.
It’s been diagnosed as a high ankle sprain and it should keep Jones out for some time. Although he is expected to miss some time, the injury has not been described as potentially season-ending.
Despite the interceptions, Jones was having a good game. He ran in a touchdown and led some solid scoring drives that resulted in the Patriots and Ravens trading the lead multiple times throughout the game. He finished the game passing 22 for 31 for 321 yards and a rushing touchdown. However the three interceptions proved to be deadly, and they ultimately resulted in the final result of the game.
In Jones’ absence, the Patriots will turn to one of their two options. On one hand, is the veteran, experienced Brian Hoyer, who is on his third stint with the team in the backup role. He saw action in the 2020 season against the Kansas City Chiefs, when starting QB Cam Newton was out due to COVID.
On the other hand is the rookie Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky, where he set the NCAA Division I passing touchdown record in his senior season at the school.
Typically, the tie goes to the older, more experienced quarterback. However, its nearly impossible to read Bill Belichick’s mind, so it appears that the situation is up for debate. Many fans have been calling for Zappe, as he shows more potential than the veteran Hoyer.
The Patriots have yet to elaborate on who they are going to choose to lead the team in the coming games, however they remain confident in their ability to win football games even with the absence of their starting quarterback. Fortunately for the Patriots, the schedule does get lighter after the Packers game, as they take on the Lions, Browns, Bears, and Jets in the four weeks after the Green Bay game.
The Patriots (1-2) travel to Green Bay to face the Packers (2-1) next Sunday. The game is slated for a 4:25 kickoff and will be televised on CBS.
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