Benched Mac Jones on New England Patriots Future: 'I Need to Improve, Obviously'

With his status as the New England Patriots' franchise quarterback more tenuous than ever, Mac Jones isn't sure where he stands on the team's depth chart.

The New England Patriots have not started four quarterbacks in a single season since 1992, when Hugh Millen, Scott Zolak, Tommy Hodson and Jeff Carlson took turns negotiating a two-win team that ultimately rewarded the team with No. 1 overall draft pick Drew Bledsoe.

With Mac Jones benched three times, Bailey Zappe underwhelming and Malik Cunningham and Will Grier waiting in the wings of a lost season ... the Pats could be headed down the same, rocky road in the final seven games.

Until the infamously patient Bill Belichick breaks his silence, Jones will continue to wonder if he still holds the title of New England franchise quarterback. In the eyes of many, his reign ended last Sunday when he was relieved of duty before the Patriots embarked on a futile game-winning drive against the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt. As the Patriots mercifully work through their bye, Jones isn't sure where he stands as New England (2-8) faces a meaningless seven-game stretch to close the season, one that begins against the equally woebegone Giants on Nov. 26. 

"We haven’t talked about that,” Jones said about his status during an appearance on WEEI's Jones & Mego with Arcand. “Today, we watched the game film and kind of talked about the plans for the bye week. We have practice (on Wednesday), so just see how it goes there. The bye week’s a great time to work on things you can do better, so that’s what I’m going to do.” 

Mac Jones under pressure last Sunday in Frankfurt / Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

In what could go down as his final Patriots start, Jones completed 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards, capping things off with a backbreaking interception near the end zone. When New England got the ball back for one last attempt at a win, Zappe was likewise picked off.

The suspense over who will get the starting nod is perhaps the single bit of non-draft drama lingering on the Patriots' schedule. New England is reportedly unimpressed by Zappe which could afford snaps to preseason folk hero Will Grier and/or undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham.  

Bailey Zappe's Offseason 'Stunk,' Pats Backup Job In Jeopardy?

No matter where he lies on the depth chart moving forward, Jones vowed to maintain the same level of preparation and commitment he's claimed to have had throughout his Patriots career ... no matter how much time that has left.

“I’m really just focusing on things I can control, and focus on that," Jones said. "I really need to improve, obviously, and that’s what I’m going to focus on.” 

---