Nobody is sure who will start at quarterback for the Patriots on Sunday. Not even Mac Jones.
While the team sits at a 2-8 record, Jones admits the next starter is out of his control. The one thing he can govern, however, is his emotions. He does hope he gets the go-ahead from head coach Bill Belichick, however.
“Hope so,” Jones told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “That’s the plan. I always work really hard for that; really put a lot of attention and detail into the week.”
The Patriots and Belichick had a bye week to think it over as the team prepares to face the New York Giants.
“A lot of that decision-making is things I can’t control, but I can control my attitude and effort,” Jones said. “I’m really thankful overall just to be in the NFL and to be playing quarterback. On Thanksgiving, it’s a great week to be grateful for a lot of things. To play this game, the game we love, together, that means a lot to me regardless of the situation.”
Belichick did say he addressed the entire team and let each player know that they need to be ready to go regardless of the elephant in the room.
Jones was benched in the 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. When he was replaced by Bailey Zappe, the backup quarterback managed to perform worse, throwing an interception.
Zappe continues to get reps during practices.
“We’ve been splitting them for a little bit of time here,” Jones said. “So I’m just trying to take advantage of when I get in there, and when I don’t get the reps, go off to the side and throw with the receivers, and with an equipment manager, and make sure I get all the throws I need.”
Overall, however, Jones said he’s feeling pretty good physically.
[ESPN]
