
via Getty
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots sits on the bench after the loss to the New Orleans Saints after the game at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

via Getty
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots sits on the bench after the loss to the New Orleans Saints after the game at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
While Mac Jones fights his way back into the team after an injury. His journey does not seem to be an easy one. As a backup quarterback and rookie, Bailey Zappe has shown enough to some fans to stake his claim as well. Following the news of Mac Jones preparing to start against the New York Jets on Sunday, the Patriots fan base stands divided. According to many, the decision in favor of Jones should be an obvious one. While other fans disagree.
Breaking news for Week 8: Patriots QB Mac Jones took about 90% of the first teams reps in practice today and will start for the team on Sunday against the Jets, per source. pic.twitter.com/Gc2js6YabK
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 26, 2022
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Since finding his way into the starting lineup, Bailey Zappe has sparked a strong reputation among the fans. So much so that former first-round pick Mac Jones, who made a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie year. Does not have a clear way into the team. While Field Yates shared the news over the Patriots, preparing for Jones to start the game. The fan base is not pleased. Most of the people who are already over Jones have shared their preference for the QB situation.
Fans react to Mac Jones gearing up for the start
Among the numerous voices on Twitter. Many fans made it clear that Bailey Zappe is their choice to take the team forward. A case made by the fans themselves.
Zappe’s better at passing and decision making. Turnovers weren’t his fault, only thing he needs to work on is not getting his throws batted down by the D line.
Zappe > mac
— psp (@PoolSharkPalmer) October 26, 2022
Although this is a fan of the Patriots, he has warned the team over his defection to Miami following their way of handling the situation.
As a die hard patriots fan I can tell you this is a bad move that will set our team back. It’s time to move on from Mack Jones. Bayley Zappe is the future. It’s time for the Pats to realize that! If Mack is still the starter week 9, I am going to become a fan of Miami!
— Walter Nichols (@stoolie_tweets) October 26, 2022
While the whole franchise recovers from the end of the Tom Brady era. This fan sees Zappe as the second coming of the GOAT.
Just wait… pic.twitter.com/aSp5b8MJXd
— Jmo 😈 (@DemonTimeJmo) October 26, 2022
This reply shows the level of confidence the fans currently have in Jones. They think he is no better than a backup quarterback and would just make the game easier for the Jets.
Jets get yet another backup QB on their cupcake schedule
— Tagovailoa's witness (@miami_ry) October 26, 2022
On the other hand, some fans have not forgotten the potential shown by the 24-year-old. Even imploring the others to show some faith in the player.
It’s about time we show some confidence in Mac. Let him prove that he is or isn’t our guy for the rest of the year
— Ricky Juan (@RickJuan3) October 26, 2022
And amidst all the chaos, this funny reply used a clip of popular NFL journalist Skip Bayless to get his message across.
Zappe when Mac throws his first pick pic.twitter.com/HCnackHc1i
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) October 26, 2022
The NFL fans were not afraid to speak up their minds.
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The quarterback call
Heading into Week 8 of the NFL, HC Bill Belichick seems to have his hands full with the tough decision. While they drafted Mac Jones 15th overall in the 2021 NFL draft. They brought Zappe in as a cover for the position, this year after getting him in the 4th round. He made his debut in the week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers. Jones was taken off due to an injury. Following his introduction. The rookie has a 2-0 record as a starter.
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Last week, Jones started but was taken off early in the second quarter after he threw an interception. Zappe came on and scored two consecutive touchdowns to inject some energy into the team. However, the team failed to score again and ended up losing 14-33 to the Chicago Bears. This saga has only divided the fan base. Even though Jones had a stellar rookie year. His slow start has cast an enormous shadow over his position in the team. One man’s loss is another man’s gain. Zappe has just done enough to make Belichick think about the way to move forward.
Watch this story: Mac Jones among big name quarterbacks, who have the best pass completion rate in the 2021-22 season.
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