The New England Patriots were used to competing at the highest level for more than two decades. But Tom Bradyâs departure has been a deadly blow for the franchise, and Bill Belichick hasnât been able to turn things around.
Belichick is just 30 wins away from Don Shulaâs record as the winningest Head Coach of all time. And while that might not be his no. 1 priority, itâs going to be a storyline from now until the end of the season.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft didnât want to make any promises about Belichickâs future beyond this season if the team underperforms again, which is why he might even consider benching Mac Jones if he doesnât deliver.
Bill Belichick Wonât Commit To Mac Jones Over Bailey Zappe
(Transcript via MassLive)
Q: Bill, would it be fair to say that both Mac and Bailey Zappe will be competing for the starting job over the summer? Or is it Macâs job?
âEverybody will get a chance to play. Weâll play the best players.â
Q: So itâs still kind of a competition?
âEverybody will get a chance to play.â
Q: Is that specific to the quarterback? Or is that every position?
âEvery position. Everybody will get a chance to play. Everybody thatâs on our roster, if they earn the opportunity to play, then based on what they do in practice and all that, then theyâll get an opportunity to play. Certainly veteran players that have been on the team before, if theyâre still on the team, theyâll all get an opportunity to play.â
So, Belichick might not want to take any chances this time around. There will be no excuse for Mac Jones to underperform now that heâs got an actual OC, and it seems like heâll have a short leash in 2023.





