Patriots HC Bill Belichick Addresses QB Controversy After Benching Mac Jones

The New England Patriots suffered another loss and this one came following the game against the Indianapolis Colts. It wasn’t the most challenging game the Patriots have had so far, but they ended up losing it. Head coach Bill Belichick considered benching Mac Jones late in the game, and of course, added fuel to the fire.

The Patriots QB controversy started at the same moment Tom Brady left the organization. Belichick threw a quarterback battle each training camp until now as he was trying to find a suitable replacement for his star signal-caller. Cam Newton shot his shot, but the Patriots parted ways with him.

Belichick may use Zappe again after benching Jones

Jones was supposed to be an ideal option for the team as he showed great results in Alabama. Belichick used a high pick to get him and the quarterback had a decent first season as a Patriots quarterback. It didn’t last long and Jones’ struggles were more than obvious. His second season with the team was a mess and so is this one. Moreover, we don’t even know if Jones will keep his job as a starter with the Patriots.

Bailey Zappe stepped in as a replacement for Jones in the loss to the Colts and recorded an interception. It wasn’t a good move, but Belichick decided to proceed with it.

The Patriots are playing against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 12. Who will take the starting position in that game?

“We’ll worry about next week, next week,” Belichick said.

Is Mac still the QB next week?

“We’ll worry about next week next week.”

Why put in Zappe?

“Yeah I just thought it was time for a change.” pic.twitter.com/EuS5eVDGY3

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) November 12, 2023

Why did he choose Zappe over Jones? Well, Coach B “thought it was time for a change.” Was it the best change he has made so far in the season?

JuJu Smith-Schuster said he was surprised Mac Jones was benched. pic.twitter.com/QMB3ddCY1g

— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) November 12, 2023

Zappe may feel like he is the best person to take Jones’ job, but Patriots players were really shocked by Belichick’s decision to bench Jones. Hunter Henry and JuJu Smith-Schuster trust Jones and sure support him as a starter, per Chad Graff from The Athletic.

It’s getting heated on the Pats sideline 😳

pic.twitter.com/OsEJpylfQN

— PFF (@PFF) November 12, 2023

In the 10-6 loss to the Colts, Jones had five sacks and an interception.

Jones is not the only one to sit on the hot seat again. Team owner Robert Kraft is really disappointed with the current result, saying that his team has never had a 2-7 record in the last 30 years.