New England Patriots give massive QB update for week 8

The New England Patriots gave a massive quarterback update ahead of what appears to be a must win game in week eight of the 2022 season.  So maybe the team does not have a QB controversy after all?  A source told ESPN’s Field Yates that Mac Jones to a vast majority of the first team snaps in practice on Wednesday, and that the second year player is set to start for the team in week eight against the New York Jets

After just three series in the game against the Bears, the team pulled Mac Jones and let Bailey Zappe finish the rest of the game.  In Jones’ limited action, he didn’t look that good, to be fair.  Zappe didn’t play overly well either, but was able to get some production out of the offense.

To me, it’s a puzzling decision to start Mac Jones over Bailey Zappe.  On the season, Jones has thrown for two touchdown passes against six interceptions.  He is clearly not playing nearly as well as he did in his rookie season, and some wonder if the new offense that the Patriots are running is simply not a fit for Jones.

Zappe has more mobility and perhaps brings a different type of spark to the offense that they need.  In his action with the team this year, Zappe’s passer rating is over 100.  It’s unknown how big of a leash Jones will have.  They travel to MetLife to face the Jets, and it’ll surely be a tough win to get.

The Jets‘ defense is stingy and they boast a very good secondary.  The pass rush is alive and their inside linebackers are quality veterans.  I do wonder how the team will operate if Mac Jones struggles to begin the game.

The New England Patriots might tell themselves that Mac Jones is “the guy” for them, but the play would indicate otherwise.