Bill Belichick gives typical answer on possibility of Bailey Zappe becoming starting QB
There are a lot of problems for the New England Patriots this season, but one of the main ones centers around the quarterback room. Throughout the last two weeks, the Patriots have suffered humiliating losses and because of that, Bill Belichick has made the decision to bench Mac Jones and put in Bailey Zappe instead. […]
There are a lot of problems for the New England Patriots this season, but one of the main ones centers around the quarterback room.
Throughout the last two weeks, the Patriots have suffered humiliating losses and because of that, Bill Belichick has made the decision to bench Mac Jones and put in Bailey Zappe instead. While he continues to blame it on the score at the time, there are questions about who will be the starting quarterback going forward.
Bill Belichick addressed this following Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, saying that Mac Jones is expected to remain the starter going forward. And as is typical for Belichick, he gave his answer in a hushed voice, mumbling his answer for reporters.
However his answer did little to settle the minds of others, with some still questioning whether this is the right move.
On Monday morning, Belichick was asked about whether Zappe is considered a "viable starting option," for the Patriots. However he decided to not answer, instead giving a typical response more targeted towards the media.
"I’m sure if I had left Mac in the game and he had gotten injured you’d be asking me why he was still in the game when it was 31-0," Belichick said. "So, it is what it is."
However, when asked about his confidence in Zappe, Belichick gave a little bit more away.
"Look, I have confidence in every player that is on the team," he said. "Otherwise, they wouldn’t be on the team. So, every player that is on the team, I have confidence in them."
Jones finished the day going 12-for-22 for 110 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Zappe on Sunday.
Fans clearly were upset over the offense's performance, booing Jones when he came on and off the field. Zappe chants began during the game, and when the backup quarterback took the field, there was a loud cheer throughout the stadium.
Zappe reportedly took more snaps during practice last week, but a change in terms of the starting quarterback was "not imminent."
He has served as Jones' backup for two seasons now and has proven that he can handle himself in games. After Jones was injured last season he came in and helped lead the team to two victories before the starting quarterback was ready to return.
And with Jones also struggling last season, many fans began to support Zappe as the starting quarterback.
While Belichick has faith in Zappe, right now he's sticking with Jones. However, things are always changing in the NFL, so let's see what happens.