Bill Belichick’s Message to All Patriots Quarterbacks: ‘Be Ready to Go’
The Patriots have had a disastrous season, as third-year quarterback Mac Jones has struggled through the first ten games. The low point appeared to be during New England’s last game against the Colts, when Jones threw a game-losing interception in the Red Zone, leading to head coach Bill Belichick benching Jones for backup Bailey Zappe to end the game.
New England is coming off their bye week and is set to play the Giants this week, but there is no guarantee that Jones will get the start. At his press conference on Tuesday, Belichick declined to say who will start for New England on Sunday.
“I’ve told all the players the same thing, be ready to go,” Belichick said, “Hopefully they will be.”
After a reporter directly asked Belichick who will start the game vs. New York, the coach instead gave a timetable for his decision.
“I’ll let you know on Sunday,” he said with a smirk.
Belichick on starting QB: "I told everyone to be ready to go" pic.twitter.com/IUWDwaVzRg
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) November 21, 2023
Jones has started each of the Patriots’ 10 games this year, totaling 2,031 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Zappe, who has been the backup, has only played in three games, but he did appear in four games last year which included two wins in two starts.
Besides those two, New England also has former third-round pick Will Grier on its practice squad. Grier has only appeared in two games in his NFL career, both coming with the Panthers in 2019.