Patriots Decision: Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe?

Bill Belichick has forged another round of QB-for-Trade interest either way

New England Patriots are in a familiar place in week 7 of the 2022 season. They have a backup quarterback who was pressed into action that has out-played the starter.

Now that starter, Mac Jones, may be able to return… But this decision isn’t as easy as the media is making it appear.

Jeff Howe @jeffphowe

Mac Jones will start for Patriots when healthy; no QB controversy: Sources via @TheAthletic

theathletic.comMac Jones will start for Patriots when healthy: SourcesThere is no quarterback controversy for the New England Patriots. Mac Jones will be the starter under center when he is healthy enough to return to play from an ankle injury, league officials with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. That could be as early as Monday when..…

Should Mac Jones automatically start when healthy? Jones has struggled in 2022 with the changes in the offense. Josh McDaniels is gone. His play exemplifies a quarterback taking on too much in his team’s offense. It has led to a well below-average start for him in 2022.

Through 3 games, the rookie has been the better quarterback in production while surviving a higher drop rate from his pass catchers and a simplified passing attack that resulted in a lower Average Depth of Target. He has adjusted to the NFL game.

With more experience and starts in New England, Zappe will grow and return to the level of his college ADOT of 8.6.

Now, what should this decision come down to? Continue to the audio below.