Is the Mac Jones era in New England drawing to a close?
Mac Jones might be playing for his job this Sunday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots’ quarterback will be “on a tight leash” during their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Rapoport added that it remains uncertain whether Bailey Zappe, Will Grier, or even rookie Malik Cunningham might step in if Jones gets benched.
Sources say Jones is on a short leash, and a poor opening few series could potentially trigger another QB to take snaps in Las Vegas. It’s just not entirely clear who would take those snaps if Jones is benched.
While Cunningham lacks regular-season experience in the NFL, Rapoport mentioned that “there is a package in place for the speedster if the team chooses to utilize it.”
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the Louisville product has recently been given more time at the quarterback position during practice, after having spent most of the season on the practice squad primarily as a wide receiver. Part of this shift took place when he played the role of dual-threat Taysom Hill in preparations leading up to the Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien even went as far as to say that Cunningham is “probably one of the most improved practice squad players we have.”
The case for giving Cunningham some playing time is clear, as his dual-threat skills could inject some life into an offense that currently ranks 26th in the league in yards (287.4) and dead last in points (11.0) per game.
Cunningham was at his best during the 2021 season at Louisville, throwing for 2,941 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,034 yards and 20 scores on the ground. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a package designed for him in the red zone, where his mobility in read-option plays could force the Raiders to account for another dynamic threat on the field.
While Zappe seemed the most likely option behind Jones, considering he started two games last year, Rapoport noted that Grier “has been quick to study.” Grier’s most recent appearance in a regular season game was in 2019 when he went 0-2 as a starter for the Carolina Panthers.
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The Patriots don’t have the caliber of options they once had with Tom Brady, but change may be necessary after they managed to score just three points combined in their last two matchups against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
Jones appears to have regressed in his third season in the league. As a rookie, he was a Pro Bowler with 3,801 passing yards, 22 touchdown passes, and 13 interceptions. Those numbers declined to 2,997 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions in his second year, and he currently stands at 1-4 as a starter with five touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
If Jones fails to reverse this trend, it could spell trouble for New England. They are set to face division rivals and potential Super Bowl contenders in the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in the two games following the Raiders. A 1-7 start is a real possibility, which could shift the franchise’s focus towards the draft and the upcoming offseason, leaving Jones’ long-term future with the Patriots in doubt.
