Do the Patriots now have a quarterback controversy?

Even after going down at the end of last week’s game in Baltimore with a high ankle sprain, Mac Jones was around Patriots practice all week long. Amid speculation that Jones wouldn’t be healthy enough to play, the media continuously asked Bill Belichick who would be playing in his place. He finally revealed that trusted veteran, Brian Hoyer, would get the start over rookie Bailey Zappe if Jones were to be held out.

Despite his best efforts to get game ready, the team announced on Friday that their starting quarterback would miss the first game of his NFL career.

Although it wasn’t the most favorable choice, longevity and experience won the battle in making the decision. Given the familiarity with the system and the experience as a starter Hoyer has, Belichick viewed that to be more valuable in a tough environment to play in like Green Bay.

In the 40th start of his career, Hoyer’s day was cut short after only taking the field for two offensive drives. With offensive tackle, Isaiah Wynn giving up another sack, Hoyer was injured on the play and remained out for the remainder of the game with a concussion. For all those who hoped to see a Zappe-led offense, it didn’t take long to get their wish.

How did Bailey Zappe do filling in for Brian Hoyer and (kind of) Mac Jones?

Under some of the most unforeseen circumstances, Zappe got his first NFL start against the Packers and took them to task for a full 70 minutes.

The first half of the game went completely in the Patriots’ favor due to the slow start of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense, coupled with a young and aggressive New England defense. Zappe took advantage of their weak run defense and stuck to the run game through two quarters which worked all game long. But after a successful drive well into Packers territory, the rookie displayed weak pocket awareness on top of holding the football too long, leading to a strip-sack for -9 yards.

In what could’ve been a disastrous moment became nearly forgettable. The Patriots’ defense made a huge play on the Packers’ following drive, as Jack Jones snatched only the second pick-six at Lambeau Field in Rodgers’ entire career. With a third-string quarterback under center and a not fully-functioning offense, giving the Patriots a lead into halftime swung the momentum back to New England.

The second half became a much different story. Knowing Rodgers would kick it into high gear to start the third quarter, the Packers came out and immediately scored. But the Patriots’ matched that on their first possession after the half, regaining the lead and Zappe showing his arm strength with a 25-yard touchdown to DeVante Parker.

Tied once again after Green Bay’s next drive, Zappe took the offense down the field in seven plays and 66 yards. Damien Harris ran into the endzone on a five-yard carry and gave the Patriots another lead.

In an effort to seal the win in the last six minutes of the game, Zappe stuck to the ground game to help move the ball down the field. It was obvious this was the game plan from the start and the Patriots continued exploiting the Packers’ lack of run defense throughout. But when given the chance to make a pass to a receiver, Zappe’s poor awareness was displayed once again, taking another sack for -9 yards.

Both teams ended regulation with drives ending in punts and the game then head into overtime.

The Packers hit the field first and ended in a 3-and-out, giving Zappe and the offense the chance to put the game away. Marcus Jones’ return gave them great field position, starting at their own 49-yard line, but a missed pass to Hunter Henry ended the Patriots’ drive quickly and officially put the game into sudden death.

Rodgers then moved the ball slowly down the field, taking nearly seven minutes off the clock and securing the win putting Green Bay in position for a field goal. But regardless of the loss for New England, the team showed real determination and great effort to stay in the game the whole way through.

Has Zappe’s performance made the Patriots question Jones as their QB1?

Short answer? No, there is no quarterback controversy in New England after Sunday’s moral victory.

Looking at the game in its entirety, Zappe was certainly able to make enough plays to keep the game from getting out of hand. But his shortcomings were obvious and proved he still needs time to develop and work with the coaches to improve his skills.

Could the Patriots win more games if Zappe needs to play over the next few weeks? Absolutely. Sticking to the run game and creating game plans that focus on the type of offensive style he works best in will inevitably lead to success for the team. And his teammates rallied around him and hyped him up during and after the game, showing the team believes in the rookie no matter the circumstances.

But this is still Mac Jones’ team. The Patriots’ offensive performance on Sunday demonstrated that they indeed can get things figured out and move the ball down the field to score, and that was with a quarterback the starters hadn’t been working with all week. Upon Jones’ return, whenever that may be, the offense will need to keep the momentum going and be better at helping their quarterback make positive plays.

Because of what was seen from Jones through the first three games, it’s no surprise that doubt has crept into skeptics’ minds, and it’s not completely unjust. However, when looking back in Patriots history, the first month of any season has nearly always been imperfect under Belichick, even with Tom Brady leading the offense. Concerns that Jones’ play has regressed because of the struggles within the offense thus far are exaggerated and shouldn’t lead to calls for his replacement.

Upon Jones’ return, whenever that may be, the offense will need to keep the momentum going and be better at helping their quarterback make positive plays. As they currently sit with a 1-3 record, it’s easy to forget how close Jones was to get the wins in Miami and Baltimore. If it weren’t for costly turnovers from the quarterback and receivers, New England could very easily be 3-1 entering week five.

With the next several games appearing to be a much easier stretch of opponents, the Patriots have the chance to get back above .500 and out of last place in the AFC East. It’s unclear who the offense will be led by, but whether it’s Jones or Zappe, they have shown the capabilities to be a competitive and winning team.