3 most likely scenarios the Patriots will go through this season

Bench Mac Jones and elevate Malik Cunningham or Will Grier to QB1

Because Jones has been put in the center of most of the chaos this season, it doesn't seem like a stretch to say that Belichick may decide to bench him at some point if his play does not improve.

Regardless of who is really at fault for his poor performances, the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately?" league, and if the quarterback is losing games for you, then most coaches will want to take him out of the equation.

If that is the case for the Patriots, that would leave them with Malik Cunningham and Will Grier as the best choices to replace Jones. Considering how Bailey Zappe has looked in the two games he was put in for this season, and based on how he played throughout the preseason, it would seem as though he would be out of the running to become the starter for the offense.

Deciding between Cunningham and Grier would be an interesting decision for Belichick and the coaching staff.

If the plan is to keep up with the ever-changing direction of how offense is played in the NFL, going with a mobile player like Cunningham fits the bill. He's a dual threat who can get the job done with his legs, which is not something the Patriots have been known for with their quarterbacks over the years. But with mobility becoming more of a vital aspect of a quarterback's game, they may need to switch it up and test out Cunningham.

During his five years at Louisville, he recorded 619 carries for 3,182 yards and 50 touchdowns. He was impressive during the summer practices and willing to do whatever it took to make the team, even learning to play receiver if needed.

Grier is more of the prototypical player Belichick liked under center, which could give him a slight edge over the rookie. Although he hasn't started or played in a game since the 2019 season, the Patriots liked what they saw from him during his time in Dallas enough to sign him to the 53-man roster.

Since Grier's play is similar to what Belichick has grown comfortable with, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get the nod if Jones is benched. It's difficult to say if either quarterback would really be an upgrade over him because we haven't seen them on the field much since arriving in New England. But if the head coach decides that Jones isn't the guy, he seems on board with risking success by trying something new.