Based off of the way Bill Belichick talked (or didn’t talk) about his quarterbacks over the winter and early in the spring, it was unclear whether or not there would be a quarterback competition when the team began spring workouts a few weeks ago. Was Mac Jones’ job secure heading into his third NFL season, or would Bailey Zappe push him for the top spot on the depth chart?

It turned out to be the former. Jones to the heavy, heavy majority of reps with the projected starting offense over the course of OTAs and Minicamp.

• It wasn’t until the final practice of the spring – Day 2 of Minicamp on Tuesday – that Zappe got impact reps with the projected starting group. While some saw that as a sign that perhaps Zappe was making a push – especially after a rough day for the offense all-around – that wasn’t quite the case.

  As we theorized on Tuesday and ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Wednesday, that practice session was about “contingency plans.” The point was to get the backup QB (Zappe) some time with the starters just in case.

• A team-building, no-practice day for Patriots on Day 3 of mandatory minicamp.
  
  There was a sense of finality after Tuesday’s practice. They went through everything, including contingency personnel situations (e.g. backup QB steps in, backup C steps in etc.).
  
  So now, some fun.

  — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 14, 2023

• Jones and Zappe weren’t the only ones to get that treatment. The Patriots did a lot of mixing and matching of their personnel on both sides of the ball on Tuesday.

  So no, there doesn’t appear to be any quarterback competition in New England. If Zappe is going to push Jones for the starting job, a lot will have to happen this summer.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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