The New England Patriots have not named their starting quarterback for Week 12, leading to rampant speculation.
But anyone looking for a hint on which way the Patriots are leaning in their decision is wasting their time asking third-string quarterback Will Grier for insight.
Starter Mac Jones and backup Bailey Zappe struggled in a Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and the QB situation is so uncertain that offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said that Grier got some snaps as QB1 Monday.
Although he has played in only two career NFL games, the 28-year-old Grier has been around long enough to know how the game is played. And if the coach doesn’t want you tipping your hand about a personnel decision, you don’t tip your hand.
A reporter asked Grier if he took any first-team reps Tuesday.
“I’ll let [Bill Belichick] tell you about how the reps were divvied up, I’m not going to be the one to do that,” Grier said.
Patriots QB Will Grier: "I'll let [Bill Belichick] tell you about how the reps were divvied up, I'm not going to be the one to do that" 🤐 pic.twitter.com/La5G20UiW1
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) November 21, 2023
“I had to ask you,” the reporter said.
“I know, that’s fair,” Grier responded.
Grier chuckled, reporters chuckled, but the Patriots quarterback situation is no laughing matter. The team ranks 26th in the NFL in total yards, and is 31st in scoring. While Jones has been a popular target, there are some who feel he’s not the problem. Former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski told FanDuel’s ‘Up and Adams’ last week that Jones should ask the Patriots for his release so he can join another team.
“He’s not respected in New England,” Gronkowski said about Jones. “Coach Belichick has played all of these games with him. Bailey Zappe isn’t even close to being on Mac Jones’ level. You should never, ever sit Mac Jones. You tried it once, you tried it twice, it’s not working. Now he’s doing it again. He won’t name a starting quarterback. He’s not respected there.”
