The New England Patriots have had major quarterback struggles with Mac Jones this season, which has led to him being benched four times during games. Many fans and analysts think that Jones does not have what it takes to be a starting quarterback in New England and that the team should let someone else get a chance. Now, it looks like the Patriots are making a change at quarterback this week after it was revealed that Jones was not throwing at this week’s practice, which could lead to a new starter for this week’s game.
Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham were the only QBs to throw passes during a drill with WRs and TEs during the media-access portion of #Patriots practice.
Mac Jones stood behind them. pic.twitter.com/v42bev1Rvr
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) November 29, 2023
New England Patriots Quarterback Struggles
Backup quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham took all of the reps in practice while Jones stood behind them and watched. There is no confirmation on who will start for New England this week, but it could indicate that Jones will be on the sidelines for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday.
Zappe has had more game experience than Cunningham this season, which could lead to him getting first-team reps in practice. Cunningham was not in a quarterback-specific practice jersey according to the video, but he was taking reps next to Zappe. Many think that this could lead to Jones being benched for the remainder of the season as he has not shown any signs of getting better.
Mac Jones
Jones has had a rough 2023, amounting to just 2,120 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His only game with 300 or more passing yards came in the week one loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and it has been downhill ever since for the young quarterback. Many think that New England will try to either shop for a quarterback in free agency or secure one in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Patriots are currently 2-9 with the worst record in the AFC Conference. They will host the Chargers, who have been struggling to win themselves, in hopes of getting their third win of the season. As for the starting quarterback, this video looks to indicate that Jones will not be starting this week, but it has not yet been officially announced.
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