23 November 2023 , 14:52
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Mac Jones has stated his expectation to remain the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots - after a disappointing first half of the NFL season.
The Patriots currently stand at 2-8 in the 2023 regular season - the first time that the team has lost eight of the first 10 games of a season since Bill Belichick's first year in 2000. The last game resulted in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10 at Deutsche Bank Park in Germany.
Belichick's team had a bye week in Week 11, before returning to the field this Sunday against the New York Giants. Jones has been the starting quarterback all season for New England - as has been the case since he was drafted in the first round back in 2021 - but there have been increased rumours that Belichick could make a change.
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Against the Colts, Belichick benched Jones in the fourth quarter with the score 10-6 and decided to put Bailey Zappe into the game. The Patriots currently have Will Grier on the active roster alongside Jones and Zappe, while Malik Cunningham is on the practice squad.
Jones has completed 10 touchdown passes this season with 10 interceptions. Only Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders, both with 12, have had more this season.
Speaking to reporters , Jones was asked if he was still scheduled to be the starting quarterback this Sunday against the Giants.
"I hope so," Jones said in a press conference on Wednesday. "That's the plan. I always work really hard for that, really put a lot of attention and detail into the week.
"A lot of that decision-making is things I can't control, but I can control my attitude and effort. I'm really thankful overall just to be in the NFL and to be playing quarterback.
"On Thanksgiving, it's a great week to be grateful for a lot of things. To play this game, the game we love, together, that means a lot to me regardless of the situation."
Belichick was asked the same question earlier in the week about the Patriots quarterback situation. The 71-year-old responded by giving a blunt answer that did not specify who would be the starting QB for Week 12 against the Giants.
"I've told all of the players the same thing, 'be ready to go'," Belichick told reporters on Tuesday when asked if Jones would start versus the Giants. "So hopefully they will be."
"I've told everybody to be ready to go," Belichick added. When asked when a decision would be made, Belichick replied, with a wry smile: "I'll let you know on Sunday."