EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Mac Jones started the game, but Bailey Zappe finished it for the New England Patriots on Sunday. 

Following a poor first-half performance, Jones was benched in favor of Zappe. After the game, Zappe took the podium prior to Jones and was asked when he found out he was going in. 

"As far as I know, we walked in the locker room and (Bill O’Brien) just looked at me and said, ‘Hey, you’re starting off second half’ and I said, ‘Yes, sir’ and that was really about it," Zappe explained and was later asked about his role heading into the game. "Try to help the team win."

Jones also explained it from his point-of-view. 

"Yeah, Coach O'Brien told me I was out and I understood," Jones said. "I wasn't moving the ball, wasn't scoring points, so I understand why that happened."

Heading out onto the field, Jones gave Zappe a very short, but strong message. 

"Yeah, he just said, ‘Go out there and win,'" Zappe told reporters after the game. 

On his first drive in the pocket, Zappe helped lead the team to the end zone for the first time that day. And it was Stevenson who was able to punch the ball over the line. 

However, the offense stalled for the remainder of the game. And a missed field goal gave the Giants the victory. 

Prior to the bye week, Zappe came in for Jones during the Patriots' loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. And after that game, Bill Belichick would not say who the starting quarterback was going to be going forward. 

He repeated those same sentiments all week, making it appear to be a game-time decision. And the two reportedly split reps in practice all week. 

Both had very similar answers when asked about how that was, explaining that they were focused on making the most of every opportunity. 

Yet, the two quarterbacks along with the team found out the answer to this major question during the week. And Zappe was asked specifically when he found out. 

"I think that’s a private conversation that we have during the week,
 Zappe said. "I think that’s a question for Coach Belichick, he made the decision, but I’ll keep that between us and the coaches.

Jones was also asked the same question, but he didn't really answer.  

"Yeah, we talked about it," Jones said. "You got to take advantage of the reps you get in practice and just got to do a better job translating it."

Belichick later admitted that he told the players prior to them leaving for the game. 

Based on what happened on Sunday, the starting quarterback for next week is still very much up in the air. And Zappe is prepared for whatever is asked of him. 

"That’s Coach Belichick’s decision. If I start, I’m going to do everything I can like I have the past times I’ve started and try to go out there and win," Zappe said. "Yeah, that’d be great but again, that’s Coach Belichick’s decision. Whatever he decides, if he wants to do – whatever. I’ll do whatever he says."

As for Jones, he was asked if any decision has been made regarding the starter for next week. 

"Not focused on that," Jones explained. "Really just trying to control what I can control and put my best foot forward and don't quit."

Patriots’ Bill Belichick finally reveals when he told the team who was starting against Giants

Guess it wasn’t as big of a mystery to the team.