The New England Patriots have one of the most anemic offenses in the league, if not the most. While there’s a lot of blame to go around, many haven’t hesitated to point the finger in Mac Jones’ direction. With Jones under center, the Patriots are 1-4 and are cellar dwellers at the bottom of the AFC East.
Jones, who has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,008 yards with five touchdowns against six interceptions, has already been benched twice this season. And both times, it’s because the game has been out of hand. With Bailey Zappe coming in relief, Patriots coach Bill Belichick made it quite obvious that Jones would continue to be his team’s starting quarterback going forward.
But whether that remains to be the case following Week 6’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders remains to be seen. According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Jones is expected to be on a short leash.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones is expected to start today, but he'll do so on a short-leash. And behind him at QB, it could get interesting.
My story: https://t.co/m6dApedSqn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2023
Sources say Jones is on a short leash, and a poor opening few series could potentially trigger another QB to take snaps in Las Vegas. It’s just not entirely clear who would take those snaps if Jones is benched.
But who would get those snaps in place of Jones? Well, that remains to be seen…
Rapoport reports that the Patriots split quarterback reps in practice this week, with Zappe and Will Grier getting their fair share. That’s also without mentioning Malik Cunningham, the former University of Louisville quarterback, who was signed to the team’s 53-man active roster earlier this week.
Those in the NFL world were quick to react to the update on Jones’ status.
Apparently, Mac could be pulled as soon as the first drive. Why even bother starting him? I’ve been saying for over a year, Mac should’ve asked for a trade. Too late now. https://t.co/2zPAcj5IKf
— Charles McCarthy (@CharlieMac81) October 15, 2023
Final hours of Mac era? https://t.co/f7aqcMYLX6
— Boston Radio Watch®️ (@bostonradio) October 15, 2023
They just signed a fourth QB to the 53-man roster. It’s a complete mess over there. https://t.co/Ud5EluM20V
— B.Scott from Hiram Clarke (@brandonkscott) October 15, 2023
Ian Rapoport notes here that it's "not entirely clear" who would come into the game if Mac Jones is benched this week.
We could get a tell pregame. Will Grier has been inactive and designated as the emergency 3rd QB. Watch to see if he's active this week. https://t.co/4K45NCHKpZ
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) October 15, 2023
In what way does leaking this help Mac and more importantly the team? https://t.co/qIPUp3aN5h
— Chris Curtis (@_ChrisCurtis) October 15, 2023
No pressure, Mac. Things have been bad and this feels like they could get even more “interesting.” Instability at QB is the worst thing a team can have. https://t.co/FKqlH0aWoc
— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) October 15, 2023
I cannot think of a better public message to send to a struggling young passer, by a team that hates its other options. https://t.co/L7974LM5aZ
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) October 15, 2023
In Jones’ last two games, he’s completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 130 yards with zero touchdowns against four interceptions. He currently ranks 31st in passer rating among the 33 qualified quarterbacks, as he has a combined passer rating of 35.0, which is the worst two-game span of his career.
[Ian Rapoport on Twitter]
