Bill Belichick Still Backing New England Patriots’ QB Mac Jones After Abysmal Showing vs. New Orleans Saints?
FOXBORO — Might a "changing of the guard" at the quarterback position be brewing for the New England Patriots?
While it is likely too soon to tell in the aftermath of yet another blowout loss — this time a 34-0 dismantling at the hands of the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 at Gillette Stadium, early indications are that Pats coach Bill Belichick is sticking with his guy.
Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones completed only 12 of 22 pass attempts for 110 yards with two interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown) before being relegated to the bench for the second straight week.
When asked during his postgame meet with the media whether Jones was still New England's primary option at the position, Belichick tersely responded:
“Yeah. There was a lot of problems. It certainly wasn’t all on him.”
Whether deservedly so or not, Jones is bearing much of the fanbase’s blame for back-to-back putrid offensive performances. Against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, the 25-year-old was responsible for three calamitous turnovers, as well as a failed quarterback sneak which led to a turnover on downs early in the second quarter. Throughout the game, Jones exhibited both confusion and carelessness — two traits which unilaterally lead to disastrous results on a football field.
New England Patriots Bill Belichick, Mac Jones
Cred: New York Post Images
Despite a collective vow among Pats players and coaches to get back on track in Week 5, Sunday's matchup with the Saints brought more of the same. Facing third-and-6 from their own 24 yard-line, Jones was hit as he attempted to make an ill-advised throw intended for running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Unfortunately, the Pats quarterback was unable to put any authority on the wobbly short toss, which was intercepted for a touchdown by Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. Jones threw his second interception of the afternoon with 1:06 remaining in the third quarter, while attempting to find hybrid receiver/rusher Ty Montgomery on a deep right route. The ball slipped through Montgomery's fingers into the waiting hands of New Orleans' linebacker Pete Werner. Jones was subsequently replaced by backup Bailey Zappe on the ensuing drive. Zappe completed only three of nine passes for 22 yards in relief duty.
Despite Zappe's pedestrian performance in what has become colloquially known as "garbage time," Jones' future understandably remains the story of the afternoon. The Alabama product's dismal 30.5 quarterback rating has many wondering not only if a change is in the team's best interest, but also necessary at this point. Though Jones was seemingly unwilling to engage in a semantical battle over his future as the team's starter, he rightfully acknowledged the angst currently felt by all within Patriots Nation.
"Just not being ready to go," Jones told reporters during his postgame remarks. "But, everyone's frustrated. Of course, we're frustrated. At the end of the day, you have to turn that into action."
While some of the blame for the Patriots' offensive woes may be placed on an inefficient offensive line, as well as inconsistencies among their pass-catchers, Jones' ability to process in pressure situations must improve for the Patriots to salvage the fate of a season which is beginning to slip from their grasp.
