During a New England Patriots season that has left a lot of question marks about the potential roster construction for next season, a lot of people had seemingly agreed on one aspect. Most would agree that the quarterback for next year is not currently on the roster. Especially regarding how the season has started from the quarterback position, the latest statements from the offensive coordinator are puzzling.
New England Patriots Latest From Offensive Coordinator
After a 2-9 start, that saw the New England Patriots in conversations of having to potentially pick between Caleb Williams, or Drake Maye, it seemed to many that Mac Jones leaving at the end of the season would be a foregone conclusion. Yet, Bill O’Brien seems to have nothing but confidence in the former first round pick.
Early Tuesday, Bill O’Brien shared the following regarding Mac Jones’ current status on the roster:
I feel good about Mac Jones, I really do. I think Mac Jones is a smart guy. He’s a very hard worker. He’s really done a good job in this situation here of being a good teammate.
His statement offers fans an interesting perspective to consider. Past reports indicated that there were internal displeasures with how Mac Jones handled various aspects of his tenure as the starter. With coaches not happy that he elected to go outside of the organization to seek help last year, and his lesser ability to galvanize any teammate inspiration , his benching appeared to indicate the franchise would be looking in a different direction.
Including body language, and blatant outbursts against opposing defenders, concerns would have been about how Mac Jones would handle his benching. But with this latest report, it shows that the staff still believe in the work he is putting in to remain a backup for the rest of this year.
New England Patriots Future Quarterback Options
What could also be a clear attempt of minimizing any further discussions about the franchise, Bill O’Brien could also be looking to simply protect his quarterback from any further humiliation.
When starting, Mac Jones went a total of 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in his performance through 11 games, it looked to be the final straw for him in Foxboro. Not known for being mobile, his biggest asset coming out of college was supposed to be able to make the correct reads, and to avoid the turnover causing plays. Seeing as his third year resulted in being benched toward the end of the New York Giants loss, the best past forward for his career would be a change of scenery, at a new team next year.
As his replacement, Bailey Zappe has played well in spurts, leading the New England Patriots to two wins with many of the same offensive pieces around. While he appears to have revitalized this team for the season, most will still look to the draft for the starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
With the latest victory appearing to seal any prospect of the top two pick to be out of reach, the possibility of needing to draft best player available, regardless of position, has now become a part of the conversation. While a lot of shuffling will happen between now and draft day, fans will have to now look a little deeper through the quarterback prospects that will be available this upcoming April.