QB controversy brewing for Pats?

By Karver Jordan, Class of 2024

Heading into the midseason mark, the Patriots appear to have a quarterback battle. Mac Jones, second-year quarterback out of Alabama, has missed some time due to the high ankle sprain in the Ravens' game. Most Patriots fans thought that was it to our season—seeing your young star quarterback in pain is not a sight you want to see. The injury left us wondering when may we see Mac suit up again? Jones was not having a great season to be completely honest with two touchdowns to five interceptions. Not good at all.

Heading into the Packers' game, it left us wondering who will play quarterback for the Patriots? At that point it was either the journeyman Brian Hoyer or would the Patriots roll with this quarterback named Bailey Zappe?

Who is Bailey Zappe you may ask yourself? Zappe had one of the best college seasons ever. Zappe had 62 touchdown passes to 11 interception with 5,967 passing yards. A great season at Western Kentucky University.

Bailey Zappe went into the Packers game as back-up to Hoyer. Hoyer went down with a injury in the first half and that's where the legend of Bailey Zappe started. Zappe went on to lose that game but most Patriots' fans were very proud of the rookie. Zappe has been amazing so far this season with 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Now we're heading into almost the halfway point of the season. It’s time for Bill Belichick to make a decision on who will play quarterback for the rest of the season. Hall-of-Fame quarterback Kurt Warner chimed in on the quarterback controversy in New England. He said it wouldn't be the first time Belichick had to make a decision about the quarterback, and it won't be the first time a rookie quarterback had to step up and win games for the team due to a quarterback injury.

People are comparing this situation to the Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe controversy back in 2001. Belicheck is going to put in whoever he thinks will win the Patriots the games.

Finally, what will the Patriots' pass catchers think of the change? I believe that the Patriots have Zappe play until he screws up. Zappe has been playing at near-perfect levels. However, I also believe Belichick will start Jones Monday against the Bears, and if he fails, Bailey will be recalled. You never know with Belichick, I would start Zappe this upcoming game vs. the Bears on Monday Night Football. Jones said he is 85-90% healthy. The Patriots need a quarterback who would be 110% ready to go. Zappe has got everyone saying, “Don’t worry, be Zappe.” For Pats fans, he has significantly changed the season. I'm hoping he stays on as the starter or the back-up. The rookie made it clear that he is talented and competitive. To compete with him,

Jones must rise to his level.