The quarterback controversy at the New England Patriots is getting worse every week. The Head coach, Bill Belichick’s form of redressal, however, is not helping the Patriots at all. In Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Belichick resorted to quarterback rotation. Mac Jones, who had taken most of the practice reps, was replaced with Bailey Zappe, who took most of the snaps in the game. The confusion was visible on the faces of the offensive players. And so was everyone watching.

Belichick tried to quell the speculations during Thursday’s press conference, but he achieved quite the opposite result. “Mac [Jones] took a full workload yesterday. I expect him to be fully available here for the game and ready to go,” Belichick said at the start of the press conference.

Read More: “…Basically It’s Gronk’s Entire Career”: Rob Gronkowski’s Entire Career Was Based On This Play Run By The Peyton Manning’s Colts

A reporter’s confirmatory question about Jones starting was met with a “That’s what I just said, isn’t it? He got a full load.” A third question, aimed at confirming Jones’ status as the #1 QB, likely did not go down well with Belichick. He said, “Don’t keep trying to trap me into stuff down the future, because I can’t. Like today’s today.”

“We started the game [how] we wanted to start it last week. And we talked about the way it ended up. This week’s a different week, so different situation. Mac will be the quarterback.”

Belichick essentially confirms that Mac Jones will be the starting QB, against the New York Jets, on Sunday. But his refusal to bring into the spotlight, his plans for the two players vying for the top spot, is a tad bit concerning.

Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick refuses to name a #1 QB after disastrous loss

Monday’s loss against the Bears saw the Patriots make a surprise QB rotation mid-game, swapping starting QB Mac Jones for rookie Bailey Zappe. Jones’ time ended with a turnover (interception), his 6th interception of the season. The fact that it was raining may give some relief to people defending Belichick’s tactics. For Jones is still recovering from his ankle sprain, and Belichick definitely doesn’t want him out of action again.

One could also argue that the 10-0 score, capped with the interception, prompted the change. And although Zappe rallied the offense into gaining 14-10 lead, it all broke down just as quickly. Zappe threw 2 interceptions, had a fumble, and failed to score in 5 consecutive possessions.

Zappe has had a decent opening to the season after replacing the injured Jones. But it is not nearly enough to cement his status as the better QB in the team. This inability of both players to assert their position, capped with Belichick’s stubbornness to pick a side, may just cost the clueless Patriots’ offense in the short and long term. Will Jones’ redemption arc start against the New York Jets this Sunday?

Watch This Story: Gisele Bündchen met with Robert Kraft after being extremely angry at Bill Belichick’s treatment of husband Tom Brady