Former Patriots player believes team should make change at QB

The debate regarding who is the best option at quarterback in New England has continued despite Bill Belichick seemingly ending the conversation last Sunday. There has been a lot said since Mac Jones was named the official starter for the Patriots’ week eight matchup with the Jets, and that conversation has carried on through the days following the win.

Most reactions to Jones’ early season performance were not the most complimentary. The second-year quarterback appeared to be struggling and unable to turn things around through the first three games. He then suffered an injury that kept him sidelined for a few weeks, allowing rookie Bailey Zappe to lead the offense in his absence.

During the two-and-a-half games that Zappe started, he defied expectations and brought life to what appeared to be a mediocre offense. He achieved wins against the Lions and the Browns, and his performance in Green Bay forced the game into overtime, almost snatching a victory from the Aaron Rodgers-led team.

Because of the success the rookie brought to the Patriots, many fans and media members in New England voiced their hopes of Zappe remaining the quarterback even after Jones returned. Those who caught the “Zappe fever” felt their passion for the quarterback so profoundly that they even booed Jones off the field in his return against the Bears.

After the disastrous decision made by Belichick to entertain a quarterback carousel in week seven, he made it clear that Jones was the Patriots’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Many have voiced their displeasure with the decision regardless of Jones getting another win last weekend. And now a former Patriot has also expressed his disagreement upon hearing the coach’s choice.

When speaking to NESN’s The Ultimate Betting Show on Wednesday, ex-Patriots running back, LeGarrette Blount was the latest to add to New England’s quarterback situation, disagreeing with Belichick’s appointing of Jones going forward.

"“My personal opinion, I like Bailey. Bailey has been playing really well with his opportunities. He’s taken full advantage of them. He provides a spark, and the boys respond to him really, really well. I’m going with Bailey, man.”"

Although he’s not entirely inaccurate with his statement, some questions come into play when considering benching a second-year, former first-round quarterback.

The offense did appear to play much better in the games led by Zappe. There is a lot to argue about why that may be, but it was apparent the group performed much more cohesively and positively when the rookie was on the field.

On the other hand, Jones had a noteworthy rookie season that brought the Patriots to the playoffs after missing the postseason the year before. There is a lot to argue regarding his performance so far throughout 2022, including the changing of coaches and his injury, but it’s fair not to be content with what Jones has shown so far this season.

Blount went on to explain why he’s come down with Zappe fever and said Belichick should make the quarterback switch as soon as week nine.

"“I’m on the Bailey Zappe train. He’s had a 300-yard game as well, but he threw [two] touchdowns with his. Mac had a 300-yard game and threw [three] picks with his. I’m on the Zappe train.”"

At this point, the quarterback controversy seems to be controversial no more, at least in the eyes of Belichick. Whether or not he will choose to make another switch during the season is unclear, but what is clear is Jones is the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.