Hints emerge that Mac Jones is in danger of losing his starting job
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones 10) throws the ball during a game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after Sunday’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints that Mac Jones will remain the team’s starting quarterback, but there have been plenty of indications that a change could be implemented before long.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Patriots are planning to start Jones against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. However, Howe noted that this is viewed as an important week of practice for Jones as Belichick evaluates every position on the roster.
While QB Mac Jones is expected to start Sunday, I’m told this is still an important week of practice for him as the Patriots evaluate every position on the roster on the heels of the worst two losses of Bill Belichick’s career. Jones has six turnovers in those two losses.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 10, 2023
That would seem to indicate that Jones has to perform well in practice in order to remain at the top of the depth chart.
Some also felt Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was not all that convincing when asked on Tuesday about Jones’ job status.
Here’s The Globe’s @BenVolin asking Bill O’Brien about Mac starting Sunday – and a follow up on perhaps a break would help Jones. @wbz pic.twitter.com/n0oEYEZi2h
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) October 10, 2023
The Patriots have lost to their last two opponents — the Saints and Dallas Cowboys — by a combined score of 72-3. Jones was benched late in both games, though Belichick has insisted that was not for performance. The former first-round pick had six turnovers in the two games.
One NFL insider hinted this week that a change could be coming for New England’s offense. For now, that change does not pertain to the quarterback position. That may not remain the case if the Patriots get off to another slow start against the Raiders.
