By Jordan Long
The New England Patriots stand at 2-8, on a 3-game losing streak heading into their bye week. They are on a bye week after losing a close game in Germany to the Indianapolis Colts 10-6. During that game, starting quarterback Mac Jones was benched for the Patriots’ final drive in favor of Bailey Zappe. Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski thinks Jones should ask for his release after the benching.
New England originally drafted Jones with the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He became their starter that same year. Jones helped the Patriots earn a playoff spot with a 10-7 record. He passed for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. Jones seemed to be reading NFL defenses well and not forcing the ball into coverage with 13 interceptions. New England was beaten in the Wild Card round by the Buffalo Bills. In the playoff loss, Jones was 24 of 38 passing for 232 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 picks. The Patriots were anticipating Jones would improve his game even more.
It didn’t happen. Last season, Jones’ record as the starter was 6-8. He threw for 2997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Jones missed 3 games dealing with a high ankle sprain. The Patriots missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
This year, Jones isn’t looking like an improved quarterback. Jones has shown the ability to help the Patriots march down the field with 2,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. The problem is he is a turnover machine with 10 interceptions.
In Sunday’s loss, Jones started the game. He was 15 of 20 passing or completing 75% of his passes. That seems like a high number, but his completions didn’t go far, totaling 170 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown and was picked off 1 time. It wasn’t all his fault as he was blitzed all game long. The Colts’ defense sacked him 5 times but that doesn’t count the times he was hit.
The Patriots thought Zappe gave them the best chance late in the game to come away with a victory. This was a perplexing move since Zappe didn’t play until 1 minute and 52 seconds left in the game. Zappe’s drive started at Patriots’ own 14-yard line. He moved the Patriots to their own 40-yard line. He was intercepted with 36 seconds left in the game.
According to CBSsports.com, Gronkowski, “I think Mac Jones should ultimately just go and ask for his release. Ask for his release and then he should go sign with the Cleveland Browns and start a new career right there.”
Gronkowski can say what he wants. It is his job as an analyst. The truth is the Patriots will decide what is best for the franchise moving forward at the quarterback position. They return to action on November 26 against the New York Giants. It could be Jones is still the quarterback under center but right now is not the time to release him.
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