Back to Mac? Patriots Bill O’Brien: Everyone Has ‘Real Shot’ to Play

Though another change at quarterback is unlikely for the New England Patriots, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is leaving the door open to all possibilities.

FOXBORO — Might ol’ Mac be back in town for the New England Patriots before the conclusion of the season?

Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, when asked about the future of the quarterback position on Tuesday morning,  did not exactly close the door to the prospect of excommunicated starter Mac Jones re-taking the reins of the team’s offense from Bailey Zappe at some point within the final three games — for reasons other than injury. 

“I think everybody’s gotta be ready to play,” O’Brien told reporters via video conference. “Especially in the situation that we’re in. I really do. I think that everybody has to be ready to go. Anybody that’s on the 53-man roster really has to go out on the practice field and practice well and earn a shot to play.”

While the prospect of Jones being reinstalled as the Pats starting quarterback may seem unlikely — and even laughable, to some — O’Brien’s remarks serve as a sobering reminder of New England’s current state at the position in the wake of a 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Gillette Stadium 

Would the New England Patriots go back to Mac Jones at quarterback this season? :: (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

After starting 11 games this season, Jones was displaced by Zappe as New England’s “QB1” prior to the team’s Week 12 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers — a game which they lost 6-0. Since that time, he has not played a single snap. Through 11 games, the 25-year-old completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Pats 2021 first-round (No. 15 overall) draft selection routinely exhibited an inability to make sound decisions when most-needed. His struggles led to a foundering of both his confidence and his mechanics — as well as his being benched in five of New England’s games to date. 

While Zappe has yet to set the stat sheets ablaze, he has exhibited greater confidence and success as a playmaker than that of his predecessor. In seven appearances this season, the Western Kentucky product has made three starts, while compiling 719 yards on 123 attempts for four touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite strong first-half showings in each of his last two starts, the 24-year-old’s struggles with both pre-and-post snap recognition have led to second-half regressions. Still, Zappe has played serviceable football in relief of Jones. 

Though their 3-11 record places them last in both the division and the conference, New England is showing no signs of throwing in the towel. In that vein, the Pats may embrace O’Brien’s sentiments by choosing to play the hot hand in practice — no matter who gets the call to start. 

Half-Time: Patriots, Zappe Fading at Finish

”I know that you’ve heard that from Bill — but that’s the truth … You have to be ready to go,” O’Brien said. “Because if you practice really well, you’re gonna have a real shot to play. So, I think that goes for every position.”

Should all proceed according to plan, Zappe is likely to remain New England’s starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. However, with only him, Jones and newly-signed reserve Nathan Rourke currently residing on the depth chart, the Patriots are pretty thin at the position. If Zappe falters in practice, or severely struggles against the Denver Broncos defense in Week 16, the Pats may have no alternative than to place the ball back in Jones’ hands. 

 … and as the late, great Bobby Darin might say, “five’ll get you ten that ‘ol Macky may be back in town” just in time for Christmas.

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