The Patriots find themselves in a challenging spot early in the2022 NFL season. Having lost three games after four weeks, New England now may depend on third-string, rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe to right the ship.
Mac Jones suffered a high-ankle sprainin Week 3, a 26-37 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and his return to the field remains in doubt. With backup QB Brian Hoyer is on injured reserve with a head injury,it looks like Zappe could get his first start on Sunday against the Lions.
Making the playoffs remains the teamâs goal, but the outlook is not great. In addition to itsquarterback situation, New England iscurrently bottom of the AFC East as thedivision rivals look stronger than ever. Will the Patriots ultimately find their way to the postseason? Julian Edelman thinksthey should focus on one game at a time.
Julian Edelman says Patriots canât think of NFL playoffs yet
âWill the Pats make the playoffs? Right now, they need to just worry about winning a game,â Edelman said, via Hayden Bird of Boston.com.âItâs way too early in the season to think about the playoffs, especially when youâre on your third quarterback, Zappe. Zappe, am I saying it right? I keep on thinking Zippo, like a lighter. Thatâs what I was thinking about when he came in. Maybe heâll give them a light. No light, no light.
âIt was still great to see the Pats compete against Green Bay in Lambeau. And thatâs what theyâre going to be: Theyâre going to be a competitive football team. But itâs real right now. Right now, they canât think about the playoffs. They need to think about winning a game. They have to think about winning a game.â
Edelman knows a thing or two about winning in Foxborough, and his view makes sense. The Patriots still have a long way to go, and their start wasnât the best. The best they can do is to take it game by game.
