New England Patriots Bench Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe During Dallas Cowboys Blowout: Changing of the Guard?

The New England Patriots made a necessary quarterback switch in their blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. Accordingly, let the questions begin.

‘Zappe Times’ are here again for the New England Patriots .. The only question is, for how long? 

With the Patriots enduring the worst loss of Bill Belichick's 29-year career - 38-3 to the Dallas Cowboys - the Patriots benched Mac Jones and inserted backup quarterback Bailey Zappe with 3:41 remaining in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. 

In a nightmarish showing by Jones, the Pats fell victim to two turnovers resulting in touchdowns — a fumble by Jones, as well as a Pick Six to Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland. 

While pulling a struggling starter in the midst of a blowout loss is far from being unprecedented, Jones’ Week 4 showing has been cloaked in poor decision making, questionable throws and poor physical performance.    

Accordingly, the questions surrounding the future of the Patriots quarterback position will only intensify throughout the week. 

New England Patriots Mac Jones (10) and Bailey Zappe (4)

As for Zappe, this was not the first time he has spelled Jones during the month of October. 

While the Alabama product was shelved due to a high ankle sprain in October last season against the Green Bay Packers, Zappe performed well. The then-rookie demonstrated poise, as well as comfort within the Patriots system. He led the Patriots to a 2-0 record during the games in which he started. Zappe finished the season completing 65 of 92 passes for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Still, Zappe’s 2023 preseason performance down the stretch caused his stock to fall. Though he had some aesthetically-pleasing moments — including a 42-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte in the second preseason game against the Packers — Zappe’s struggles reached a crescendo when fumbling the ball three times against the Tennessee Titans in the Pats preseason finale. Zappe ultimately finished the preseason by going 30 for 51 (58.8 percent) for 253 yards with one touchdown and the aforementioned three fumbles. He was released during final roster reductions in late August before rejoining the team — first via the practice squad, and then signing to the 53-man roster. 

Following their 15-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3, the Pats hoped to earn a .500 record for the first time this season. Dallas, clearly feeling the sting from their surprising 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week, erased all hope of the Pats leaving Dallas with a win by dominating in all three phases. 

New England was without the services of stating cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle) and left guard Cole Strange (knee) who are inactive due to injury. Conversely, Dallas was devoid of starting left tackle Tyron Smith.

With time winding down in the first quarter, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez injured his shoulder while attempting to tackle Cowboys running back Tony Pollard. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game. 

Linebacker Matthew Judon also left the game early in the fourth-quarter after appearing to injure his elbow/forearm. 

Meanwhile, Dallas decimated New England for a 38-3 loss. In the process, they have injected both uncertainty and uneasiness into a franchise not accustomed to either. 

Let the fun times begin in Foxboro. 

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