Bill O’Brien gives the first indication of the Patriots’ quarterback plan for Sunday
Entering Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season, the New England Patriots’ quarterback situation is certainly a question. With Mac Jones having been pulled from two games in a row, many have wondered if the team would make a change ahead of this Sunday’s game in Las Vegas against the Raiders.
That suspected change would be turning to Bailey Zappe. Zappe, a fourth-round pick last year, filled in when Jones hurt his ankle last season and won both of his starts. However, he struggled in training camp this summer and ended up being released as part of final roster cuts, before being re-signed to the practice squad and then eventually the active roster.
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From outside the building, the suggestions have been there. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on the Pac McAfee Show and said “it’s fair to say that when the Patriots play the Raiders this week the offense isn’t gonna look the same,” although didn’t clarify whether or not that change would include a quarterback switch. ESPN’s Mike Reiss also listed a number of offensive changes the Patriots’ coaching staff could be considering – including a QB change.
On Tuesday morning, the first comments on the matter from inside the building came from offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien. O’Brien was asked directly if he expects Mac Jones to start this Sunday.
“I do,” he replied.
If Bailey Zappe had given the Patriots a spark in either of his two relief appearances, it’d be a tighter decision this week. As it stands, the Patriots primarily need Jones to play better. https://t.co/awvkIwo8H3
WATCH: Zo & Beetle react to Bill O’Brien’s comments on Mac Jones
O’Brien answered multiple questions about Jones’ job standing and performance by saying “it’s not about one guy,” and referencing the need for improvement from other offensive positions, as well as quarterback.
“He’d be the first to tell you that there’s things that he has to do better, whether it’s – obviously take care of the ball, or maybe read the route better, or get us into a better player or whatever it is, but it’s a collective effort. That’s why it’s not a one-on-one sport,” O’Brien said.
“It’s an 11-man sport. You’re trying to get 11 guys on the same page to do the right thing on every play. And right now we’re not near doing that,” he continued. “So it’s not about one guy. But as the quarterback you’re going to shoulder a lot of that, and he he understands that. He’s working hard. He’s been here early – in here yesterday trying to think about things to do better. We had a good fundamental meeting right here about a half an hour ago. So we’re ready to go for practice today, take it one day at a time and try to dig ourselves out of it.”
Towards the end of his press conference, O’Brien was asked if Zappe will get any additional reps in case he needs to play if Jones gets pulled again. “I would say that Mac definitely gets most of the reps. Zap gets reps and Will Grier gets reps,” he replied. “They rep every week.”
O’Brien also was asked about rookie Malik Cunningham. Cunningham, a UDFA who played quarterback in college, has spent most of his time with the Patriots working at wide receiver but did see some quarterback reps this summer during training camp and in the first preseason game.
“Malik did a good job in the pre-season,” O’Brien said. “Malik works very hard. He does a good job on the practice squad. Plays a lot of receiver, played some quarterback last week with – mimicking Taysom Hill. But yeah, he does a really good job and he’s continue to improve. He’s probably one of the most improved practice squad players that we have so good guy to work with.”
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5 players to watch for the Patriots ahead of the NFL trade deadline
WR Kendrick Bourne
Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs with the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Through five games, Bourne has been the best wide receiver in the Patriots’ offense. He leads the team with 18 catches for 218 yards, and two touchdowns. That kind of production, in the context of what this offense has been, should draw notice around the league.
What could the Patriots get in return for Bourne? Using last year as precedent (and get ready for that to become a theme), a top-100 pick may not be out of the question. While there’s not direct comp for Bourne, there are two trades that happened that can be used to find the ballpark of Bourne’s value. The Kansas City Chiefs got third- and sixth-round picks for Kadarius Toney – who had been a healthy scratch for most of that season – and the Steelers got a second-round pick for Chase Claypool – who had comparable numbers to what Bourne does now at that point.
If contenders feel they need wide receiver help, there’s evidence that shows they’re wiling to overpay for a player. Could the Patriots take advantage?
TE Hunter Henry
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) runs a route during the second half at against the Philadelphia Eagles Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Like Bourne, Henry has been able to produce despite the issues around him. He’s right behind Bourne in most of the Patriots’ major statistical categories, with 17 catches for 176 yards and two scores.
Would he have the same value on the trade market? It’s a little harder to say. The only tight end trade at the deadline last year was T.J. Hockenson going with two fourth-round picks to Detroit for a second- and third-round picks. Plus, most of the top contending teams have high-level tight ends. Dallas could be a team to watch though if the Patriots take calls on Henry.
OT Trent Brown
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: Trent Brown of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Brown had his worst game of the year against the Saints, after a strong start. If the team keeps losing and he keeps sliding, would a contending team view him as a player who could bounce back with a change of scenery – especially as a pending free agent?
While there’s been a tackle shortage around the league the last few years, no tackles were moved at least year’s trade deadline. In fact only one tackle was traded in-season all year, when the Patriots sent Justin Herron and a seventh-round pick to the Raiders for a sixth-round pick. Brown would certainly get a better return than that, but by how much?
LB Josh Uche
Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) for a loss during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The first of two members of the 2020 draft class on this list, Uche figures to have a bigger role moving forward this season after Matthew Judon’s injury. However, if the team is losing games, does his status as a pending free agent supersede that? If the Patriots don’t plan on re-signing him this offseason, the Patriots have enough depth at pass rusher to allow themselves to get something for him now.
Last year’s edge rusher trades were all over the map. Robert Quinn went for a fourth-round pick. Quinn’s situation isn’t a perfect comparison for Uche right now, but it’s as close as their was in 2022.
S Kyle Dugger
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)
Of all the players on this list (keep in mind all five are on expiring contracts), Dugger probably makes the most sense to keep. Regardless of what happens with the coaching staff this offseason, Dugger is a player the team can build around in the future. However, he’s also probably one of the players they can get the most for.
Will a team blow away the Patriots with an offer for Dugger, hoping to be able to sign him to a long-term deal without having to go through unrestricted free agency. It could happen. But at the same time, there still should be an eye on keeping Dugger in New England beyond this season.
