Patriots HC Bill Belichick explains why Mac Jones remains starting QB

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke Monday about how Mac Jones held on to the starting quarterback job over 2022 fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe.

"Mac’s had a really solid spring and camp," Belichick explained during an appearance on sports radio station WEEI, per Patriots beat reporter Zack Cox of NESN. "... Out there every day, ready to go. (He’s) in excellent physical condition and, I would say, made a lot of improvement over the course of the spring and training camp in reads, decision-making and timing, getting more work timing with the guys he’s throwing to. He seems like he ... had a good camp, works hard, ready to go. I’m looking forward to the season here with Mac."

Jones and the New England offense struggled throughout the 2022 season under then-assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, and outsiders may never truly know everything about the offseason rumors that claimed Belichick shopped the 24-year-old ahead of this year's draft. The 2021 first-round draft pick ultimately received a fresh start working with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, and it was recently learned that Zappe "never truly threatened" Jones this summer. 

The Patriots waived Zappe and fellow quarterback Malik Cunningham last week before both were re-signed to the practice squad. New England also claimed 2022 third-round draft choice Matt Corral off waivers from the Carolina Panthers.

"Comes to work every day, comes in early, stays late," Belichick added about Jones. "Works hard, understands the offense, how it works, how to get his teammates involved, how to help them be productive. He’s had a really good stretch here in training camp and had a good spring to propel himself into this time period. It’s been pretty consistent all the way through." 

The Patriots must pick up or decline the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract next spring. If he fails to guide New England back to the playoffs as part of O'Brien's offense, the club could look for an upgrade at the position as soon as March 2024. 

New England opens the upcoming season with a home game against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.