The New England Patriots made a bold move during their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. With the team trailing 31-3 late in the third quarter, starting quarterback Mac Jones was pulled from the game. Jones had a rough outing, going 12-of-21 for 150 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. In his place, Bailey Zappe took over as the quarterback for the Patriots.
This decision by the Patriots coaching staff highlights their dissatisfaction with Jones’ performance and their willingness to make changes in order to try and turn the game around. It’s not uncommon for teams to make quarterback changes when the offense is struggling, and the Patriots felt that Zappe gave them a better chance to mount a comeback.
Jones, who was the Patriots’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown promise in his rookie season. However, he has also had his fair share of struggles. This game against the Cowboys was one of his worst performances to date, and it ultimately led to him being benched.
While it’s unclear how long Jones will be on the sidelines, this move could have long-term implications for his future as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. If Zappe performs well in relief and helps lead the team to a comeback victory, it could create a quarterback controversy in New England.
The Patriots’ decision to bench Jones also raises questions about the team’s overall offensive struggles. The Patriots have been inconsistent on offense this season, and Jones’ performance against the Cowboys was just the latest example of their struggles. The team will need to address these issues moving forward if they want to have success this season.
As of now, it’s unclear whether Jones will regain his starting role or if Zappe will continue to be the quarterback moving forward. Head coach Bill Belichick has always been known for making decisions based on what he believes gives the team the best chance to win, so it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.
In the meantime, Patriots fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Jones’ status and hoping that the team can turn things around. The Patriots have a talented roster and high expectations, so it’s important for them to find a solution to their offensive woes sooner rather than later.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, fans can follow along with the Patriots vs. Cowboys game through the live tracker provided by The Athletic. The live tracker includes score updates, odds, and highlights from the game.
In other NFL news, The Athletic has an interesting article discussing the rise of two-way players in the league. The article explores whether players like Micah Parsons or Travis Hunter could be the NFL’s version of Shohei Ohtani, who excels as both a pitcher and hitter in Major League Baseball. It’s an intriguing concept and one that could revolutionize the game if it were to happen.
Overall, the Patriots’ decision to bench Mac Jones during their game against the Cowboys is a significant development. It highlights the team’s frustration with their offensive struggles and raises questions about Jones’ future as the starting quarterback. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the Patriots moving forward.