Patriots’ Invoice Belichick – QB Mac Jones ‘totally out there’ vs. Jets

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Confirming that quarterback Mac Jones will begin Sunday for the New England Patriots, coach Invoice Belichick cited Jones’ well being as the rationale he did not play all the recreation in Monday’s loss to the Chicago Bears.

“He was able to play final week, however simply did not really feel it was the total recreation. This week is a special state of affairs,” Belichick mentioned Thursday.

The Patriots (3-4) go to the New York Jets (5-2) on Sunday. After seeing Jones at Wednesday’s observe, Belichick famous the dynamics of the state of affairs had modified as Jones was getting back from a excessive left ankle sprain suffered Sept. 25.

“Mac took a full workload yesterday and I anticipate him to be totally out there for the sport and able to go,” he mentioned.

Belichick’s unconventional dealing with of the Patriots’ quarterbacks in Monday loss, coupled with him not clarifying and detailing specifics when requested by reporters, sparked uncertainty on Jones’ standing because the starter.

Jones was pulled Monday after three collection that did not produce any factors, and his remaining play was an interception. Backup Bailey Zappe, who had began two video games in Jones’ place and helped the workforce to 2 victories, promptly led back-to-back landing drives earlier than fading within the second half.

The house crowd had chanted Zappe’s identify, including one other surprising layer to the weird strategy of enjoying two quarterbacks. Belichick additionally would not decide to a starter instantly after the sport, or two days later in his Wednesday information convention.

On Thursday, Belichick mentioned Jones’ skill to deal with a full workload Wednesday was necessary for each the quarterback, and all the offense.

“He is prepared to do this, so that is what he wants to arrange for the sport and that is what our offensive unit wants — everyone working collectively. We’ll get that this week,” he mentioned.

“That is the place we’re at. We’re preparing for the Jets. Interval.”

The Patriots formally eliminated Jones from the harm report Wednesday.