Belichick Reveals Patriots QB Plan
As the New England Patriots prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles in their season-opener on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, coach Bill Belichick appears to be pleased with the current state of his quarterback room.
Less than one week removed from what some described as playing a game of “waiver-wire roulette” with his backups at the position, Belichick is not only secure in handing the ball to Mac Jones as his starting quarterback.
“Mac has had a really solid spring and camp … out there every day, ready to go and in excellent physical condition,” Belichick said Monday morning during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. “I’d say he’s made a lot of improvement over the spring an training camp in reads, decision-making and timing — in terms of getting more work with the guys he’s throwing to.
“He’s worked hard. [I’m] looking forward to the season here with Mac.”
Whether deservedly so or not, Jones bore much of the fanbase’s blame for a dismal offensive performance last season. Despite entering the year on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, the former 2021 first-round pick (no. 15 overall) struggled to recapture his previous success. From a high ankle injury sidelining him for three games in October 2022, to his palpable discontent with the Pats new offensive system under de factor coordinator Matt Patricia, Jones toiled through a campaign in which he ranked in the bottom 10 of NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage and positive plays when pressured.
However, Jones has looked more comfortable and decisive under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Throughout training camp, the soon-to-be 25-year-old looked especially sharp during his red zone work with the Pats starting offense. Rather than settling for check downs, he is using the short game to his advantage, while taking chances downfield when the opportunity presents itself. Not only has Jones taken the initiative to make improvements to his game, he has embraced the “clean slate” provided to him by his new offenisve coordinator. For his efforts, O’Brien has given Jones greater authority at the line of scrimmage. Accordingly, Jones command of the offensive earned him the starting position, as well as Belichick’s respect.
Despite Jones’ place as the undisputed starter, the Pats quarterback room is still not drama-free. Belichick raised the eyebrow of many a Pats fan when he waived reserve quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham during mandatory roster cutdowns last Tuesday. While each player was subject to claim by all remaining NFL teams, both Zappe and Cunningham cleared waivers, and subsequently were signed to the Pats practice squad.
While many believed Cunningham’s stay on the practice squad to be inevitable, Zappe’s release was notably more surprising. For much of training camp and the preseason, the second-year signal caller was rumored to be in competition with Jones for the starting job — armed with an impressive rookie resume. When Jones was sidelined due to a high ankle sprain last October, Zappe performed well. The rookie demonstrated poise within the Patriots system, leading the team to a 2-0 record as a starter.
However, Zappe’s preseason performance down the stretch undoubtedly caused his stock to fall. Zappe ultimately finished the preseason by going 30 for 51 (58.8 percent) for 253 yards with one touchdown and three fumbles in their preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. As such, the Western Kentucky product was rumored to have fallen out of favor with the Pats coaching staff.
Belichick made an attempt to put that notion to rest on Monday.
“We’re glad to have Bailey," Belichick said. “Still think he is a good, young, developing player.”
Still, New England’s satisfaction with Zappe as a backup did not stop them from claiming ex Carolina Panthers quarterback — and Ole Miss standout — Matt Corral off waivers last Wednesday. The Panthers’ third-round pick in 2022 missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury suffered during a preseason matchup against New England at Gillette Stadium.
Photo Cred: New York Post
In spite of his rather thin pro-level resume, Corral’s skill set has intrigued both Belichick and O’Brien for quite some time. Having served under coach Lane Kiffin, the 24-year-old ran the Rebels’ spread RPO system at a high-level. Ironically, Jones also ran an RPO-heavy scheme during his time at Alabama under coach Nick Saban. Kiffin served as offensive coordinator under Saban from 2014-16. While the coaching tree connection between the two does not guarantee that he will recapture his collegiate success in New England, Corral’s familiarity with O’Brien’s offense may help him conquer the Patriots’ learning curve sooner than expected.
At the very least, Belichick is looking forward to working with him in the coming days and weeks.
“We’ll add him to the group. And see how it goes", Belichick said of the newest quarterback. “Based on what we saw with Carolina [Panthers] and the college film at Mississippi, he’s a player we wanted to work with.”
Regardless of the alignment of their quarterback depth chart, the Patriots will welcome the Eagles for what promises to be an exciting matchup on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET.
