Mac Jones was fully suited up today at Patriots practice. Given that the usual return for a high ankle sprain is around 6 weeks give or take this is a promising sign. Although he was a limited participant today, he was taking first team snaps with now starter Bailey Zappe who has held the Patriots together since Jones went out.
Belichick Press Conference
What this means for this weekend is that Jones could potentially suit up and even start if Belichick decides to go that route. Although Belichick was classically bland in his press conference following practice today he never really made any comment on the quarterback situation.
When asked about the similarities between Jones and Zappe, Belichick answered this.
“They’re both right handed.”
Understanding that Belichick is not going to ever elaborate on anything, especially a simering quarterback dilemma, the last thing he wants to do is add fuel to the fire.
Belichick was then asked about if Zappe’s performance against the Lions last week changed how he views bringing Jones back.
“Totally independent. No, that doesn’t have anything to do with it.”
When listening to Belichick’s answer he takes about a four to five second pause between saying independent and no. Belichick gave smirks to both of those answers for those who watched. So this reading between the weeds of Belichick’s press conference today I can only say one thing.
Thoughts On Belichick’s Potential Decision
His responses lead me to believe that he is truly considering not activating Jones this week but in fact starting him behind center. I believe Belichick wants to see Jones face true adversity as a pro and wants to see how he performs not at one hundred percent. Whether Jones is 60%, 75%, 80% it does not matter he wants him under center.
A quick Mac Jones update. Per sources, if the #Patriots 2nd year QB were to play this weekend, he's be dealing with some instability in that ankle but, depending on how it progresses this week, it *could* be managed in a variety of ways. The swelling, I'm told, has decreased.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 12, 2022
Yes it would be the best thing for the Patriots for Jones to play as it would diversify their playbook as Zappe has not been around long enough to fully digest the playbook. Do I think Mac should start? No.
The Patriots have played well with Zappe so rushing Jones back would seem to be an unnecessary risk at the moment. If he does play he will obviously be hobbled by the ankle and that is cause for concern as you don’t want to risk another injury. Now if Jones is fully healthy or even close to fully healthy it’s a no brainer to start Jones, I just don’t believe he is even close.
Looking At Cleveland
Whether he is under center this Sunday the offense is going to have limitations. So why not see what Zappe can do against, arguably, the best defense he has seen in his short career in New England.
With Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett rushing off the edge for Cleveland, quick reads are a must and that is something that Zappe has shown he can do. Turnovers are something that Zappe has done a good job of so far too.
Additionally, the Patriots will most likely be without Damien Harris so the workload will mostly be on Rhamondre Stevenson’s shoulders again. Harris was a limited participant as well today but saw no real action besides individual running back drills.
Regardless of injuries, the Patriots have a huge task ahead of them this weekend in Cleveland with an offense that is fifth in total yards. Nick Chubb’s continued dominance again this season running the ball will be the key for the Patriots as he averages 118 yards per game.
Belichick’s definition of the entire Browns team was summed up in one word today, Fast. As the Patriots manage their injuries offensively, they need to focus their attention on slowing down Cleveland Sunday. Look for my Patriots @ Browns preview later on this week here at Gridiron Heroics
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