New England Patriots QB Change From Mac Jones to Bailey Zappe: Deserved or Desperation?

The New England Patriots seem to be changing starting quarterbacks for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots appear to be preparing for a proverbial "changing of the guard" at quarterback in advance of their Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium this Sunday. 

Or perhaps more appropriately, "Zappe Days are [seemingly] Here Again." 

As Patriots Country previously reported, Pats quarterback Bailey Zappe took the majority of the reps with the first team offense during Wednesday afternoon's practice, with rookie Malik Cunningham also taking some snaps at the position. 

Conspicuous by both his presence — and mostly by his lack of usage — incumbent starter Mac Jones served only as an observer as the team prepares to host the Bolts in less than five days.  

Though coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien have remained unsurprisingly mum on the situation, Zappe looks to be the Patriots' choice to start in Week 13. The second-year product of Western Kentucky revealed that he will be speaking with the New England media from the Gillette Stadium podium on Thursday, a duty typically reserved for the team's starting quarterback. 

However, it should be noted that in the absence of an official confirmation, the status of Sunday's starter is subject to change. Veteran Will Grier, who was re-signed to the Pats scout team on Tuesday, also informed reporters that he would be unavailable to speak with the media (indicating a possible promotion to the 53-man roster,) while Cunningham drew praise from several of his teammates for his practice performance.

Still, the most prominent signs point to Zappe taking the coveted "QB1" role against Los Angeles. For many, this is a move which was both expected and long overdue.

The Patriots offense is the second-worst in the NFL and has only fallen to new depths of futility during each game this season, with Jones bearing much of the blame. The Alabama product’s inability to make sound decisions when most needed has led to a foundering of both his confidence and his mechanics — as well as his being benched in four of New England’s games to date. After completing only 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards — along with two baffling and costly interceptions — New England’s third-year starter relinquished the ball to Zappe to start the third quarter of the team’s 10-7 loss to the New York Giants in Week 12. Though 11 games, the 25-year-old has completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interception. 

Patriots-Giants Snaps & Grades: F-Minus All Around?

In spite of Jones’ dismal performance, the Pats have been reluctant to hand the reins of the offense to Zappe. In three relief appearances this season, the 24-year-old has completed only 19 passes for 158 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. In fact, some may argue that Zappe’s regular-season struggles have continued from those he experienced during the preseason. He fumbled the ball three times against the Tennessee Titans in the Pats preseason finale, ultimately finishing New England’s exhibition slate by going 30 for 51 (58.8 percent) for 253 yards with one touchdown. 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.

New England Patriots Bailey Zappe (4) and Mac Jones (10)  / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Should New England move forward with Zappe in the lead spot, they are undoubtedly hoping that the second-year quarterback can recapture some of his rookie season prowess. While Jones was shelved due to a high ankle sprain in October 2022, 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 — finishing the season completing 65 of 92 passes for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

When asked specifically about whether Zappe had recently shown enough improvement to earn the starting role — thus, regaining some of his rookie swagger — Belichick was typically cryptic in his response to reporters on Wednesday morning. 

“Look, every player, whatever opportunities they have, need to do the best with them that they can –practice, games, even in meetings and other preparation opportunities, Belichick said. “So, that’s what a player can do – be prepared, do the best he can … When those opportunities come, that’s what players need to do. That’s what they’ve been told, and they know and understand that, and I think they’re doing the best they can. We’ll see how it goes.”

In the final analysis, New England’s expected quarterback change should best be viewed as a necessity, as opposed to an inauguration. The fact that the Patriots are forced to make such a move 13 weeks into the season is more an indictment of their current option than it is a validation of their reserves. Still, it is the right move at the right time — and Zappe is the proper to choice take the starting snaps against the Chargers this weekend.

Unfortunately for both him and the Patriots, the finality of a disastrous season has all but shrouded this once proud franchise like a posthumous pall. 

Zappe days may be returning … but, the real story in Foxboro has only just begun. 

---