Patriots Rumors: Bill Belichick Could Start Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones vs. Giants

The New England Patriots are on a bye this week, and they reportedly could be using the time off to make a significant change.

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler reported that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is likely to use to bye week to replace starting quarterback Mac Jones with Bailey Zappe.

"I will go ahead and predict that Bailey Zappe will be the Patriots' starting quarterback when they come back from their bye week to play the Giants in Week 12," Graziano wrote. "Sunday's game in Germany felt like a breaking point for Mac Jones, and sources I'm talking to think coach Bill Belichick could use the two-week break to make a change and get Zappe ready to start. Jones has been a massive disappointment this season, regressing in key areas and repeating too many mistakes week in and week out."

Jones put forth an uninspiring effort in Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Frankfurt Stadium. He completed 15 of his 20 passes for 170 yards and a crushing red-zone interception in the fourth quarter. He was also sacked five times in the game, with four of them coming on third down.

Zappe was inserted into the game with under two minutes left while Jones was bothered by a minor shoulder injury, and he also threw a demoralizing interception that sealed the loss for the Patriots, which dropped them to 2-8 this season.

Fowler noted while the decision for New England's starting quarterback is still "up in the air," it still "wouldn't surprise if Zappe gets more time, either subbed in or as the starter." Many believe Jones has endured a massive regression in his abilities since his promising rookie year, and that was displayed through Sunday's performance.

"The frustrations with Jones surfaced earlier this season, and about a month ago, his grip on the job became shaky due to poor decision-making and struggles under pressure," Fowler stated "New England decided to roll with Jones, who gave the Patriots a chance in multiple games. But the situation appeared to reach a boiling point in Germany."

While Zappe is New England's most reliable backup quarterback, Fowler pointed out that the team could look to evaluate the other signal-callers on the roster. The Patriots are headed for a lost season, so they need to determine if they need to draft a quarterback of the future in 2024.

"Zappe is likely the next man up, but it feels like anything is possible over the next eight weeks. Malik Cunningham and Will Grier can't be totally overlooked," Fowler stated. "The Pats' quarterback room could look far different in 2024 when New England could have a top-five pick in a draft that features several talented passers."

It remains to be seen who will be under center when the Patriots return to action on Nov. 26 against the New York Giants.