Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has principally saved out of the general public eye since he was benched for Bailey Zappe after Week 12.
Jones had been benched in 4 separate video games earlier than the Patriots lastly handed the automotive keys to Zappe in Week 13. Jones went 2-9 to start out the season, and Zappe thus far has a .500 file in 4 begins.
Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien painted a constructive image of Jones when requested concerning the former beginning QB on Tuesday throughout video convention calls with assistants.
“I feel good about Mac Jones,” O’Brien mentioned. “I actually do. I believe Mac Jones is a great man. He’s a really arduous employee. He’s actually achieved a very good job on this state of affairs right here of being a very good teammate.
“Look, these are things that happen in the course of a lot of careers, right? You have some ups and downs, and he’s approached it the right way. He’s working hard, and I believe in Mac. I think Mac’s going to be just fine.”
Jones stays beneath contract for the Patriots in 2024, the ultimate 12 months of his four-year rookie contract, assuming the group doesn’t choose up his fifth-year possibility for the 2025 season.
Zappe is beneath contract for 2 extra years, and the Patriots’ present No. 3 quarterback, Nathan Rourke, will likely be an unique rights free agent after the season.
The Patriots must be trying so as to add their quarterback of the longer term this offseason, whether or not that’s by means of the draft, free company or a commerce. They had been in line to choose No. 2 general till Zappe led the Patriots on a game-winning drive to beat the Broncos on Sunday night time. Now, the Patriots are presently slated to choose fourth, doubtlessly taking them out of the sweepstakes for the highest two QB prospects, USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye.
Jones’ future might be dependent upon who the Patriots’ head coach and offensive coordinator is in 2024. Head coach Bill Belichick’s future with the group can be reportedly in query.
Jones presently ranks fortieth amongst 41 certified quarterbacks with a 52.2 PFF grade. Zappe is thirty sixth with a 60.0 mark.
Source: www.bostonherald.com