New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick remains famously taciturn when it comes to discussing preseason position battles.
However, one-time starter Mac Jones sent a clear message to competitor Bailey Zapppe during the Patriots minicamp on Monday.
According to Mark Daniels of masslive.com, Jones was “extremely accurate” to start practice, completing his first 25 passes before linebacker Josh Uche deflected the 26th pass.
“Overall, it was an impressive day for Jones as the Patriots offense looks to rebound after last year’s tough season,” Daniels wrote. “Jones went 10-for-12 in 11-on-11s on Monday. The only two incomplete passes he threw, in team drills, on this day happened when Uche ran into Mike Gesicki to deflect one pass and when Deatrich Wise batted down another at the line of scrimmage.”
On Jones’ 31 passes on the day, he completed a pass to 10 different players. Tight end Mike Gesicki (six receptions), tight end Hunter Henry (five), and running back J.J. Taylor (five) led the way on receptions.
While Jones has been “great” this spring, Daniels noted that Zappe “had a solid day as well.” The second-year quarterback went 10-13 in full-time drills and finished 9-of-12 in 7-on-7. “Zappe has continually taken reps behind Jones this spring, and that was the same on Monday,” Daniels wrote.
While months remain until the regular season starts, things certainly seem to be trending in the direction of Jones being the Week 1 starter for the Patriots.
