Ex New England Patriots Star Rob Gronkowski Makes QB Choice: Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe?
As losers of six of their last seven games, the New England Patriots (2-8) are spiraling - and have serious quarterback questions in need of answering. Entering Sunday's game against the New York Giants (3-8), the Patriots still haven't announced a starting signal caller.
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have received a bulk of the first-team snaps in practice, though third-stringer Will Grier has worked his way into the mix.
Jones has started all 10 games this year but has been benched three times, including in New England's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts before the bye week.
With two weeks to think about the decision, where will Patriots coach Bill Belichick go? One of his most iconic former players, tight end Rob Gronkowski, gave his take on the "Up & Adams" show.
"It’s a winnable game so start Mac Jones," Gronkowski said, via NESN. "If it wasn’t a winnable game, start Will Grier."
Gronkowski asserted this belief because the Patriots know what they'll get out of Jones, who's started 41 games since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2021.
This season, Jones has completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions, tied for third-most in the NFL.
While Jones hasn't done enough to firmly put his stamp on the starting job this season, Gronkowski believes his track record should earn him the nod against the similarly struggling Giants - though it wouldn't be the case if New England were playing a superior foe.
"Mac Jones has played plenty of games versus good teams - there isn’t that spark for them to get over the hump," Gronkowski said. "Will Grier may get them over the hump. But with Will Grier starting vs. a team that you can possibly win versus, you really don’t know what you’re going to get out of him.
"So, you’re not sure if you can get that victory with him starting. But, with Mac Jones starting you definitely have a chance vs. the Giants."
But wait - what about Zappe?
New England Patriots quarterbacks Mac Jones (10) and Bailey Zappe (4) at practice.
Cred: USA Today Images
Gronkowski isn't as fond on the 2022 fourth-round pick who's completed only 10 of 25 passes (40 percent) for 104 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in three appearances.
"Bailey Zappe, I don’t think he’s in the picture to start," Gronkowski said. "I think he’s had his chances and he’s just not up to par. I think Mac Jones is definitely a better player than Bailey Zappe, gives them the best chance to win the game no matter what the situation is."
In essence, Jones is the safe option, Zappe isn't a viable candidate and Grier is the wild card, at least for Gronkowski.
The 28-year-old Grier has played in only two regular season games, both coming in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers. He went 28 of 52 (53.8 percent) for 228 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions while losing both contests.
Grier starred this preseason for the Dallas Cowboys, going 64 of 84 for 640 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in three games before being waived after the final exhibition matchup.
In New England, Grier has largely worked with the scout team, but there's an element of intrigue surrounding his level of play ... and with neither Jones nor Zappe impressing much, Gronkowski would go towards Grier if the Patriots are facing one of the league's best.
"If it was a game where they’re playing a very, very good team and there’s really no chance for the Patriots to win, I think then you start Will Grier," Gronkowski said. "He can possibly give you the spark, that little spark to get the offense going to give you a chance to win versus that good team."
Neither of New England's next two opponents - the Giants and Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) - are above. 500. After that comes the Pittsburgh Steelers, who currently sit at 6-4.
The first team who truly fits the bill Gronkowski's talking about is the Kansas City Chiefs (7-3), who will travel to Foxboro for a Dec. 18 matchup inside Gillette Stadium.
Could Grier get the start then? Only time will tell - but he may get his first regular season snaps in four years well before that week.
The Patriots' quarterback decision, if only for this week, will be in soon enough, as they'll head to East Rutherford on Sunday for a 1 p.m. EST kickoff against the Giants inside MetLife Stadium.
