Patriots Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe Already Working Toward 2023 Season: WATCH
The New England Patriots quarterback room has something to prove this offseason. After a down 2022 season where the Patriots' offense struggled under the direction of then-coordinator Matt Patricia, many started to wonder if they had the right guy in Mac Jones.
Jones' second year in the NFL didn't go as smoothly as his rookie year, playing in a new system with a struggling offensive line and a set of wide receivers that didn't seem up to par talent-wise with the rest of the division.
Jones once again threw double-digit interceptions, 11, while only having 14 passing touchdowns. His noticeable regression has prompted him to make "re-earning respect" his offseason goal.
Jones was seen in multiple social media posts working out with former NFL quarterback Nic Shimonek, his trainer.
Yet, Jones isn't the only Patriots quarterback taking the time to get more work in. Even his backup Bailey Zappe was seen working out with Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thorton.
Zappe's on-field workout in Foxboro is part of a larger plan to get better acclimated to the northeast weather. As reported by ESPN, the former Western Kentucky signal-caller will split his time between Foxboro and Texas for his training.
Despite being drafted to New England in the fourth round of last year's NFL Draft, Zappe did see playing time. After an ankle injury knocked out Jones for three games, the Patriots pivoted to the rookie.
Zappe showed promise finishing 2-0 as a starter while recording a passer rating over 100 in his two starts. However, despite splitting time with the returning Jones against the Chicago Bears, Zappe's two-interception performance was the last we saw of him in 2022, as the Patriots never returned to the dual-quarterback system.
It is safe to say that both young signal-callers have something to prove this offseason; Jones wants to return to his rookie form, and Zappe will look to compete with Jones for the starting job potentially.
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