FOXBORO — Bill Belichick had yet one more shock up his sleeve in what might have been his final sport as Patriots head coach.
The Patriots made Mac Jones, who was the group’s Week 1 starter, inactive as an emergency third quarterback in Sunday’s season finale, which they misplaced 17-3 to the Jets. It was the primary time Jones had been inactive all season.
“Nathan had a good week of practice, so we activated him for the second spot,” Belichick mentioned after the 17-3 loss to the Jets.
It was not a significant shock to see Jones demoted to 3rd string primarily based on how follow reps had been divvied up all through the week, in accordance with a supply. Beyond Rourke’s efficiency in follow, there was no motive given for why Jones was handed on the quarterback depth chart.
Rourke was claimed off waivers from the Jaguars after Week 15. He was the group’s emergency third QB in Weeks 16 and 17 however didn’t see any motion with the Patriots.
Jones is below contract by means of the 2024 season. The Patriots need to resolve after the season whether or not or not they’re going to choose up his fifth-year possibility that will lengthen him by means of the 2025 season. Based on how the final two years have gone, that appears unlikely.
Jones has an 8-17 document as a starter during the last two seasons. He accomplished 64.9% of his passes for two,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.
Bailey Zappe, who began the Patriots’ ultimate six weeks of the season, was 2-4 as a starter this yr.
Source: www.bostonherald.com