QB Change: New England Patriots 'Preparing' to Start Bailey Zappe Over Mac Jones

The New England Patriots have opted for Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones as their starting quarterback.

Despite coach Bill Belichick's vague responses and disinterest in naming a starting quarterback during Wednesday's press conference, the New England Patriots have reportedly made a decision.

According to The Athletic, New England will roll with Bailey Zappe, not incumbent Mac Jones, in Sunday's home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

"The Patriots are preparing QB Bailey Zappe to start Sunday against the Chargers," The Athletic reported. "It should be his job this week if all goes as expected."

The New England Patriots are expected to start Bailey Zappe at quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers / © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Jones, a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2021, has started each of New England's first 11 games and guided the team to a 2-9 record. He's been benched four times this season, including in each of the past two games.

It's been a difficult campaign for Jones, who's one of only three players (Desmond Ridder, Zach Wilson) in the league with more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (10) among those with at least 200 pass attempts.

In his four relief appearances, Zappe has completed 19 of his 39 attempts (48.7 percent) for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He went nine of 14 for 54 yards and an interception this past Sunday against the New York Giants.

Patriots QB Change From Mac to Zappe: Deserved or Desperation?

When speaking Wednesday, Belichick shared what Zappe needed to do to get playing time.

"Every player, whatever opportunities they have, need to do the best with them that they can – practice, games, meetings and other preparation opportunities," Belichick said. "So, that's what a player can do – be prepared, do the best he can and that's what each guy will have an opportunity to do over the course of a long season."

Zappe and rookie Malik Cunningham received first-team reps during the media viewing portion of Wednesday's practice while Jones stood in the background.

Evidently, Zappe's done enough to earn the nod ... and he'll get to make his third career professional start Sunday at 1 p.m. EST in Foxboro.

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