Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones Benched in Fourth Quarter of Loss to Colts, Future Uncertain

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was benched in the fourth quarter of his team’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and head coach Bill Belichick has hinted that Jones’ place on the sideline could be permanent.

“We just got back from Germany here,” Belichick said.

“We’ll work through everything. We’ll look at everything all the way across the board.”

“Not specifically any one position, just start looking at everything, do the best we can here going forward,” Belichick added.

Jones has been the Patriots’ primary starting quarterback since the beginning of the 2021 season.

New England drafted Jones in the first round in 2021, after finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting the year before at Alabama.

Zappe Replaces Jones in Late Game

On Sunday, Jones was benched after throwing a fourth-quarter interception, with Belichick opting to play backup Bailey Zappe for the Patriots’ final offensive possession.

Zappe went on to throw an interception during his own appearance against the Colts.

Patriots Struggle in 2023

The loss to Indianapolis sunk New England’s record to 2-8 overall. The team sits in last place in the AFC East.

The Patriots are currently on a bye and don’t play another game until Nov. 26 against the New York Giants.

New England has had a dominant run as one of the NFL’s best teams over the last two decades.

This season’s two-win campaign is a stark difference.

The Patriots are on pace to win three or four games this season, which would be by far their worst record under Belichick.

Jones’ Struggles Continue

Jones finished Sunday’s loss completing 15-of-20 passes for 170 yards and an interception.

This season, Jones has thrown 10 touchdown passes, equal to his 10 interceptions.

Jones’ 10 interceptions is tied for the NFL lead with Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love.

Zappe is 10-of-25 this season for 104 passing yards and Sunday’s interception.