At least the Patriots made this week attention-grabbing by making a quarterback controversy heading into the bye week.
There wouldn’t have been many questions on the present state of the 2-8 Patriots if Mac Jones wasn’t benched for Bailey Zappe on the finish of their Week 10 loss to the Colts.
Now everybody needs to know who’s going to begin and why the Patriots have made this example so unusual during the last two weeks.
Let’s reply these questions on this week’s mailbag.
@yungmacedgod
Why do individuals suppose Will Grier is able to something? #MailDoug
I believe it principally stems from the truth that he’s not Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe. Jones looks like a damaged quarterback, and Zappe has been horrible each step of the way in which since Bill O’Brien took over as offensive coordinator.
Zappe was so unhealthy this summer time in coaching camp and the preseason that he was waived at roster cuts. None of the opposite 31 groups needed to assert him, so he rejoined the Patriots’ apply squad earlier than signing to the 53-man roster earlier than Week 1. And he’s been worse than Jones in all three of his reduction appearances this season. And a supply mentioned he’s been simply as unhealthy in apply in the course of the season.
I don’t imply to rail on him, however Zappe is fortunate to have the backup job. Most different backup quarterbacks would have earned a begin over Jones at this level, however the Patriots can’t justify it.
Grier a minimum of presents an alternative choice. He wasn’t good in two begins with the Panthers, however these got here in his rookie season. He was fairly strong this preseason with the Cowboys however hasn’t had a lot of an opportunity to compete for the Patriots’ job since he missed all of coaching camp and the preseason. He even began the season on the Bengals’ apply squad.
Grier referenced Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs when requested about elevated alternatives he obtained in apply final week. I believe there’s one thing to enjoying free at quarterback, and I’ve a tough time imagining Jones or Zappe simply slinging across the ball in a sport. Both gamers look like they’re in their very own heads. I don’t know if Grier can be if given the identical alternatives.
But actually that’s how unhealthy the Patriots’ quarterback state of affairs has gotten. We know virtually nothing about Grier. But he’s nonetheless a extra promising beginning choice than the blokes who’ve been round since April.
That being mentioned, it could be a significant upset if he begins Sunday.
@NEPatsjunkie
If Mac begins. Does this inform you they’re not going to draft a QB within the first 3 rounds.
No, it doesn’t. The undeniable fact that there’s a quarterback controversy in any respect — given how poorly Zappe has carried out — is damning sufficient for Jones.
People I’ve talked to within the group have been down on Jones for weeks. I don’t understand how the Patriots deal with the draft subsequent April. It’s too early for the Patriots to even know that. But they want a brand new franchise quarterback.
@christie_fin
Should the Patriots be choosing the perfect QB to win video games, or the perfect QB to safe a excessive draft decide ?
I’m unsure if there’s a significant distinction there proper now. I believe finally, the Patriots have to discover a quarterback that different gamers will be capable of rally behind. And I’m unsure if that participant is on the roster proper now.
I’ll inform you what can be probably the most enjoyable choice: elevate Malik Cunningham from the apply squad and provides him extra reps at quarterback this week towards the Giants. I don’t know if he’s an every-down choice at this level, however I’d prefer to see some read-option seems to be with Cunningham below heart.
@kyleriel14
what’s the reasoning behind evenly splitting reps with zappe/mac? doesn’t it harm one man or the opposite by not letting them know early on within the week in the event that they’re beginning or not?
I believe the Patriots try to push Jones and see if Zappe can present sufficient enchancment to justify beginning him.
I believe the group made a mistake by benching Jones after they did in that sport towards the Colts. You can’t bench your quarterback earlier than a two-minute drill whereas down by 4 factors after which begin him the following week. That’s not how any of this works.
If the Patriots hadn’t benched Jones, then the group would have had extra viable choices. Jones might have mounted a comeback. If he did, then there wouldn’t be any questions on who was going to begin. But even when the Patriots nonetheless misplaced, then the idea can be that Jones would proceed to begin.
After benching Jones in that state of affairs, Bill Belichick simply opened himself as much as a huge quarterback competitors and controversy.
@VayaConDiosBruh
After the bye: how are Pop, Kayshon & Tyquan trying as receivers?
Demario “Pop” Douglas is unquestionably trying the perfect of the bunch. He’s fairly clearly been the Patriots’ greatest move catcher this season. He might overtake Kendrick Bourne because the Patriots’ receiving chief this week towards the Giants. Give the Patriots’ school scouting employees credit score for that decide. He’s been a steal within the sixth spherical.
Boutte lastly bought some work final week with DeVante Parker unavailable in concussion protocol. He made his first NFL catch. We’ll see if he goes again to being a wholesome scratch with Parker working towards this week.
Thornton was energetic however didn’t play a single snap in Week 10 towards the Colts. It’s honest to say he’s been a reasonably main second-round bust by means of two seasons now.
Source: www.bostonherald.com