NFL Rumors: 3 QBs who could be benched between now and Week 1

3 QBs who could be benched between now and Week 1: Mac Jones, Patriots

The New England Patriots’ offense was all kinds of putrid last season. Losing offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels hurt that side of the line of scrimmage. Instead of getting an offensive-minded coach, head coach Bill Belichick had Matt Patricia, former defensive coordinator, and ex-Detroit Lions head coach, call offensive plays, while Joe Judge, a former special teams coach and failed New York Giants head coach, work with the quarterbacks. That strategy worked just as well as you would have expected.

The person who suffered the most with this change? Mac Jones.

After helping lead the Patriots to 10 wins and a playoff berth in his first year in the NFL, Jones’ production took a dip after McDaniels’ departure. In 14 games, Jones threw for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while posting a 65.2 completion percentage.

Bailey Zappe, meanwhile, got some starts last season, leading New England to wins in his two starts.

This season, the Patriots will have a much more experienced person calling offensive plays in new coordinator Bill O’Brien. This hire is a plus for Jones, but he’s not being guaranteed the starting job. Well, Belichick isn’t anyway.

While speaking with reporters, Belichick refused to name Jones the starter, stressing that all 90 players are competing for spots. This is what Belichick does, and what his assistant coaches have replicated when they get sideline boss gigs of their own (i.e. Judge with the Giants).

It’s hard to envision Jones not getting the Week 1 start. But, Belichick does what he wants, and can shock the world with his decisions. Let’s not forget that ahead of the 2021 season, Belichick named Jones the starting quarterback over veteran Cam Newton, who was released by the team.