It’s straightforward to argue that the choice was made 9 weeks too late, nevertheless it seems the Patriots are mercifully making a quarterback change this week.
Backup Bailey Zappe has taken the majority of prime quarterback snaps in apply in a season that Mac Jones has been benched 4 instances beginning manner again in Week 4.
So, what’s going to that appear to be? And will he should share snaps with one other QB?
Let’s reply these questions on this week’s mailbag.
@theCIAgotJFK
Any likelihood we see Cunningham at qb on Sunday?
I don’t suppose Malik Cunningham will begin at quarterback. I count on Zappe to earn his first begin of the season.
But from speaking to a supply earlier this week, I do suppose it’s attainable that Cunningham might get some work at quarterback this week. Zappe was taking the vast majority of quarterback reps, however Cunningham obtain some snaps and regarded “fine,” in accordance with the supply.
After switching to huge receiver this summer time and solely sporadically working at quarterback, it appears unlikely that Cunningham, a four-year starter at quarterback in school, could be able to play a full recreation underneath heart. But there are six video games left within the season, and it’s value throwing the Louisville product into the combination to see what he appears like in sure packages. And possibly he could be prepared for a begin by the top of the season.
The hope is that it appears higher than it did in Week 6 when Cunningham was sacked in his solely dropback towards the Raiders when he served as Mac Jones’ backup.
The Patriots might additionally use Cunningham at huge receiver. Kendrick Bourne is on injured reserve, and Demario Douglas (concussion) and Kayshon Boutte (shoulder/sickness) each missed apply on Thursday. That leaves JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor as the one totally wholesome huge receivers on the 53-man roster.
@combustman1
Does beginning Zappe really feel like a fair higher approach to tank..or do you suppose he’ll really carry out higher?
Neither. Jones has been so dangerous that the Patriots are compelled to place somebody, anybody else at quarterback. And Zappe is essentially the most prepared.
I don’t personally suppose Zappe will carry out significantly higher than Jones. But he received his two begins final season. And there’s no less than hope that he’ll play higher as a starter with a full week of apply than he has as a reserve in 4 video games this season when he’s been even worse than Jones.
There’s nothing thrilling concerning the concept of Zappe beginning this week. But no less than it’s completely different.
As a staff supply just lately mentioned, although, “different ain’t always better.”
@BostonEmpire247
Should the Patriots have curiosity in bringing again Ezekiel Elliott? It looks like when the Stevenson/Zeke duo is on, they’re unstoppable.
“Unstoppable” is an odd approach to describe a staff that’s received two video games this season.
That being mentioned, Elliott has been good. I believe he’s value bringing again for one more season, assuming he needs to play for an inexpensive wage.
@SeanMcL45832660
Why did u guys in media smash max jones ?? No kidding however significantly u had a component in it together with Mac himself my query to u is that this staff wants a complete reboot however Jerod Mayo is the awnser time for a complete rebuild
I disagree with the notion that the media ruined Jones. I believe Jones has principally been lined pretty since he got here to the Patriots in 2021. He was appropriately praised for his efficiency as a rookie, and the media was fairly affected person with him and principally blamed teaching on his struggles in Year 2. He was given one other likelihood in Year 3 when Bill O’Brien took over as offensive coordinator, and the media principally threw within the towel and gave up on him in Year 3 even earlier than the teaching workers did.
@yungmacedgod
Has this been the toughest yr to cowl the staff? #maildoug
Yes. There simply aren’t loads of constructive tales to inform concerning the staff. There’s a scarcity of standout performances, and each recreation feels the identical.
But we’re nonetheless writing about soccer for a residing. No complaints right here.
@realjohncronin
Do individuals really suppose drafting a QB within the first spherical will repair the pats? I really feel like persons are fast responsible Mac and ignore the opposite points w the roster
Short-term? Probably not. Long-term? Absolutely.
The Patriots are primed to select close to the highest of the 2024 NFL Draft. What higher alternative is there to take a franchise quarterback?
People are fast responsible Jones for a motive. He’s been one of many worst quarterbacks within the NFL for 2 straight seasons. He’s been benched 4 instances this season, and his errors are preventable. There’s no attainable manner the the Patriots might pitch him to followers because the staff’s beginning quarterback subsequent season.
So, you begin over and take Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or one of many different prime quarterbacks within the draft and construct up the remainder of the staff in free company, trades and later within the draft over a number of years.
Source: www.bostonherald.com