Communication Breakdown: Patriots' Mac, Zappe 'Hardly Talk'?
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have flip-flopped as the New England Patriots' starting quarterback, and apparently, it's had an effect on their relationship.
According to the Boston Herald, the two quarterbacks, while not outright hostile to each other, aren't exactly as close as many would think.
"Jones and Zappe, whom teammates say are cordial to one another, hardly talk," writes The Herald. "Instead of rallying to support the starter each week, they are often siloed in their own preparation. Several members of the organization believe they would have benefitted from a veteran backup with experience in more cooperative rooms who could direct them and tie the room together."
Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
While Zappe only became the starter in early December, it was far from his first action of the year. In the 11 games Jones started, Zappe replaced him four separate times.
Reportedly, the Patriots' faith in Jones began to waiver when they lost 34-0 against the New Orleans Saints, the worst home loss in franchise history. However, Zappe's own struggles in relief resulted in Jones keeping the job until much later in the season.
“We had no chance to win with Mac at quarterback,” a locker-room source told Callahan.
The offense has indeed looked better since Zappe took over in Week 13, but at that point, the damage had been done. Some in the locker room reportedly believe that the Patriots put Jones in a position to fail, while others attribute the blame more to him.
With the season almost over, it's likely that the two quarterbacks won't be teammates much longer. Jones is likely to leave New England in the offseason, and if Zappe does stick around, it will likely be as a backup to whoever the Patriots draft in April.
