Mac Jones’ chances to lead the Patriots may be dwindling.
Following another bleak performance in Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Colts in Germany, Jones’ future with the team remains unclear as head coach Bill Belichick gave a cryptic answer Monday about Jones’ status as the starting quarterback.
“Yeah, we just got back from Germany. … We’ll look at everything across the board,” Belichick said about the team’s quarterback plans, according to NESN.
The Patriots’ quarterback situation fell further into chaos after Jones was benched in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss, with Belichick saying it was “time for a change.”
The permanency of these changes is unclear as Belichick hasn’t made up his mind on whether backup quarterback Bailey Zappe — who replaced Jones — will start Nov. 26 against the Giants following the Patriots’ bye week.
“Look, I made the decision, that’s what it was,” Belichick said Sunday, according to NFL.com. “We’ll deal with next week.”
Jones exited the game with a 15 of 20 passing performance for 170 yards, five sacks and a game-altering interception late in the fourth quarter.
It marked yet another uninspiring performance from the third-year quarterback.
Jones recognized Sunday his failure to meet the Patriots’ standard.
“Didn’t play very well,” Jones said. “I’ve played well in my career before, but just not right now. It’s peaks and valleys and I’m kind of in a valley right now.”
Jones was seen getting chewed out on the sidelines by offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien after an ill-advised flip nearly led to a turnover.
The Patriots are now 2-8, the worst record for the franchise through 10 games since 2000 when Belichick took over.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft went public with his mounting frustration before watching the game in Germany.
“This is our 30th year that I’ve had the privilege of owning this team, and I’ve never been 2-7,” Kraft said. “So it’s really disappointing and I had hoped that things would be a lot better, as I know our fan base did, and I hope today is a chance to reset and make this a much better year.”
Belichick said he agreed with Kraft’s statement, and he could look to a new quarterback to try to finish the season on a strong note.
“I think we all feel that way,” Belichick said of Kraft’s comments. “I think we’re all disappointed in the season. But we’ll keep going here. Seven games to go. Be ready to go next week against the Giants.”
