FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Mac Jones didn’t present a transparent reply when requested level clean Wednesday if he’s going to begin Week 12 in opposition to the Giants.
“Hope so,” Jones stated. “That’s the plan, I think.”
“I always work really hard for that,” he added. “Really put a variety of consideration to element into the week like I talked about. A number of that call making is issues I can’t management, however I can management my angle and my effort like I talked about. I’m actually grateful total simply to be within the NFL and to be enjoying quarterback on Thanksgiving, proper? It’s an amazing week to be grateful for lots of issues. To play this sport, the sport we love, collectively, I believe which means lots to me whatever the scenario.
Jones was then requested a follow-up whether or not that’s his plan or what he understands is the workforce’s plan.
“We’ll see, right?” he stated. “We’ve had those conversations, and like I talked about, just focusing on the controllables and being where my feet are is very important. And at the end like I said I’m thankful to be here, to be the quarterback and going to continue to work hard and put in the hours every day. That’s all you can do and see where you’re at.”
Head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t reply who can be beginning Tuesday morning when requested in regards to the Patriots’ plan at quarterback, solely saying that he had advised all the QBs to be able to go.
The high candidates to begin Sunday are Jones and backup Bailey Zappe. Zappe changed Jones after the starter was benched in final Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Colts in Frankfurt, Germany earlier than a two-minute drill whereas the Patriots have been trailing by 4 factors.
Jones stated Wednesday that the Patriots quarterbacks have been splitting reps “for a little bit of time here.”
“Not too bad,” Jones stated if that has been any totally different. “I believe all people has to get the prospect to get reps. …
“Just trying to take advantage of my reps when I go in there, and when I don’t get the reps, just go off to the side and throw with receivers or an equipment manager. Just make sure I’m getting all of the throws that I need.”
An interception from Jones precipitated his benching. Zappe’s personal interception to finish the sport solely makes Belichick’s choice this week extra sophisticated. Despite Jones’ struggles this season, he’s nonetheless been higher than Zappe in video games and on the observe subject.
Jones and Zappe cut up reps throughout a portion of observe open to the media Tuesday.
The Patriots even have third-stringer Will Grier on the 53-man roster and undrafted rookie large receiver/quarterback Malik Cunningham on the observe squad. Grier and Cunningham each sat out throughout these early passing reps.
Zappe has but to talk to reporters this week. Grier stated Tuesday afternoon that he was appreciative of getting first-team reps in observe final week throughout the Patriots’ bye.
Belichick stated that was “an opportunity to kind of give the guys who didn’t play as much an opportunity to run more of our stuff.”
Jones had a promising rookie season enjoying underneath offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels however has since regressed in Years 2 and three. Matt Patricia and Joe Judge cut up coordinator/quarterbacks coach duties final season. Bill O’Brien took over as offensive coordinator this yr. Jones was anticipated to return to his rookie-year type underneath O’Brien, however that has not been the case.
He’s led the Patriots to a 2-8 document whereas finishing 65.4% of his passes for two,031 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s been one of many NFL’s least environment friendly passers this season based mostly on his QBR and anticipated factors added (EPA) per play metrics.
Jones underwent an X-ray after final Sunday’s loss however was solely coping with a bruise.
“I feel good,” Jones stated Wednesday. “Obviously when you play a half a season, there’s some bumps and bruises, but overall I feel pretty good. Definitely working through some things but everyone is, right? We have a great training staff here that does a great job of getting us ready for the game. I really appreciate those guys.”
The Patriots weren’t required to launch an damage report after Tuesday’s observe. Wednesday’s damage report will point out whether or not Jones has been restricted in any method.
Source: www.bostonherald.com