Mac Jones 'Hopes' To Start vs. New York Giants; New England Patriots' QB Plan?

The New England Patriots face an important decision regarding Mac Jones and their quarterback situation heading into their Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.

FOXBORO — When New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones walked from the field at Deutsche Bak Park in Frankfurt Germany, having lost 21-17 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10, many wondered whether they had seen the last of the 25-year-old as the team’s starting quarterback. 

However, Jones appears to be preparing to lead his team into MetLife Stadium for their Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants on Sunday. 

“Hope So … That’s the plan, I think.” Jones said when asked if he would be New England’s starting quarterback this weekend. 

When Jones was last seen in a Pats uniform, he sat silently, looking beleaguered and defeated on the bench, as the Colts offense marched onto the Frankfurt Stadium field — reveling in perhaps the Jones’ most cringe-worthy interception of the season. Accordingly, fans and media alike began to challenge the idea that the he even deserved the chance to retain his job, or yield the reins to second-year backup Bailey Zappe or relative newcomer Will Grier?

Still, the Pats have wisely exhibited caution in deciding whether or not to demote Jones. Zappe has only completed 10 passes for 104 yards and an interception during three appearances in relief-duty. Despite Grier’s veteran savvy, he has yet to take an in-game, competitive snap for New England this season. Lastly, rookie Malik Cunningham has largely underwhelmed in his limited duties, save for leading an exciting, game-ending drive in the Pats’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans. As such, Cunningham has mostly remained a mainstay on the Pats’ practice squad.

Will New England Patriots QB Mac Jones start against the New York Giants in Week 12? / Creator: Mike Stobe | Credit: Getty Images

Though there have been some signs of his ability to competently lead his team — including his orchestrating a textbook, game-winning drive against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8 — Jones' inability to make sound decisions when most needed has caused an obvious regression from which he seems ill-suited to recover. His discomfort in the pocket has led to a foundering of both his confidence and his mechanics — as well as his being benched in three of New England’s games to date.

Yet, Jones took his snaps with the first-team offense in both of the team’s practices since his benching against the Colts. Though rain will force Wednesday’s practice indoors the Socios Fieldhouse, Jones’ usage will likely be tell-tale in the pseudo-competition which both coach Bill Belichick and coordinator Bill O’Brien will be won by the player who “earns it on the practice field.” 

Belichick Refuses to Name Patriots Starting Quarterback vs. Giants

Whether Jones will indeed start on Sunday is still a matter of conjecture. While his initial comments seemingly indicate a quiet confidence, Jones later revealed that he has engaged in “good conversations” with Belichick, and that he is only “focused on what he can control.”  

No matter who gets the nod against the Giants this weekend, New England is in dire need of productivity on offense, Entering the bye week, the Patriots offense ranked No. 31 in the NFL, averaging 14.1 points per game. For better or worse, the quarterbacks have shouldered the majority of the blame — especially Jones. The third-year product of Alabama has completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through the season’s first 10 games. 

Will that be the last of Jones’ statistics as Patriots starting quarterback?

It appears that our answer will arrive just in time for New England’s 1 p.m. kickoff against New York at MetLife Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend. 

---