Is Mac Jones being benched by Patriots? Bill Belichick deflects when asked about QB’s status vs Joe Burrow’s Bengals

Mac Jones and the New England Patriots have struggled in recent weeks during the 2022 NFL season. They have lost three of their last four games entering Week 16 as their status in the NFL Playoff picture begins to fade.

Jones has been particularly disappointing across his last three games, exceeding 200 passing yards only once while throwing just one touchdown and an interception.

Head coach Bill Belichick recently answered questions during a press conference ahead of the Patriots' Week 16 clash with the surging Cincinnati Bengals. The head coach had to answer if the plan was to continue moving forward with Mac Jones as his starting quarterback. He deflected the question, answering indirectly, as he often does.

"Plan is to try to beat Cincinnati."

The Patriots invested a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Mac Jones out of Alabama. He had an excellent rookie season, appearing in the Pro Bowl and finishing second in the race for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Ja'Marr Chase, whom Jones will face off against in Week 16 when the Patriots play against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, won the award.

Jones helped the Patriots to a solid 10-7 record during the 2021 NFL season, throwing 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The 2022 NFL season has been a much different story. He has a 5-6 record with a disappointing seven touchdowns against eight interceptions.

The Patriots' overall record sits at 7-7 this year, with just three games remaining. They currently trail the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers by one game for the final Wild Card spot in the NFL Playoffs.

Time is running out for the Patriots to punch their ticket to the postseason. All three remaining games will be crucial, as another loss could potentially end their 2022 season.

While Bill Belichick declined to provide clarity on his starting quarterback for Week 16 against the Bengals, making a change is not out of the question.

Who will be the Patriots' starting QB if Bill Belichick benches Mac Jones?

Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones

If Mac Jones were to find himself on the bench for his recent struggles, Bill Belichick would likely name rookie Bailey Zappe as his starting quarterback. Zappe has started two games for the Patriots during the 2022 NFL season so far, earning victories against the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns.

Zappe has appeared in four games this year, completing 71 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has been much more efficient than Jones this year but with a smaller sample size. Zappe's 100.9 passer rating is significantly better than Jones' 82.6.

While benching Mac Jones may be a bold move, one could make a case that Bailey Zappe gives the Patriots the best chance to win right now. Bill Belichick will need to make a crucial decision about what to do with his two quarterbacks as he tries to get the Patriots back to the NFL Playoffs.