Mac jones and bailey zappe of the new england patriots were both forced to play in a tough 2023 season, and their relationship off the field may have been even worse. Jones, a pro bowler as a rookie in 2021, had a disappointing campaign, eventually being replaced by zappe for the final six games. The duo’s interactions behind the scenes were uneven, as zappe’s move to watch film in 2022 showed. “in the last two years, the quarterback room (jones) became toxic, so that bailey zappe, as a rookie, would often watch tape in the receiver room.” Jones completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
With jones as the starter, new england went 2-9. Under zappe, the patriots were a modest 2-4 team, with 1,272 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions while connecting on 59.9 percent of his attempts. No two players gave me hope that they’re good enough to go forward with next season, but with jerod mayo replacing bill belichick as head coach and offensive coordinator alex van pelt joining the fold, questions about jones and zappe’s status remain. Jones’ odds of returning as a starter seem to be slim at best since mayo, the patriots’ linebackers coach, was inside the building to witness the fizzling relationship. “it’s really difficult to live down your history with an nfl team, and jones’ with the new england patriots is not good,” breer wrote. “he was drafted 15th and hasn’t quite reached his potential.”
He was a rookie and has regressed badly since. “he was well-liked early on, but he lost his support in the building as time went on.” With a new staff, this legacy will not just vanish, and mayo’s first season as president could be tarnished if jones returns but suffers early failures. Consider the rights of new england to the no. 88 to the no. 88 to be explored further. Jones’ hopes are only further shattered as a result of the 3rd overall pick in april’s draft, which could include north carolina’s drake maye or lsu’s jayden. So, what’s the next step for the 25-year-old who is still on his first day of employment?
“i think the best for jones is if he lands somewhere like san francisco as a backup, has a year to learn, play if he gets injured, and resurrect his name and reputation in the league,” breer writes. “i think there’s a good quarterback, like a chad pennington quarterback,” somewhere.
