The New England Patriots have a quarterback conundrum on their hands. Coming off of their bye week, it is anyone’s guess who will be under center for the team when they face off against the New York Giants in Week 12.
Don’t expect to get any answers from head coach Bill Belichick, who is playing things close to the vest. He was asked about who will be his starter this weekend and he opted to provide a vague answer, giving no details about what direction he is leaning in.
“I’ve told all the players the same thing. Be ready to go,” Belichick told reporters on Tuesday morning. “So, hopefully they will be.”
Those reporters did their best to get something out of Belichick, but he did not budge. He just provided them with the same message, some itineration of telling his quarterbacks to be ready to go.
While Belichick could be looking to create a competitive edge of the Patriots’ opponents this weekend, the fact remains, he doesn’t have inspiring options. 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones has struggled mightily, as he was benched for the third time this season in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts after a late-game interception.
He was replaced during the game overseas by Bailey Zappe, who promptly threw an interception of his own to end the game. Both players have struggled mightily this season in what has been the worst season in the Belichick era.
If the Patriots really want to throw the Giants for a loop, starting dual-threat Malik Cunningham could certainly do the trick. Cunningham has worked out with the wide receivers during his time in New England but played quarterback collegiately at Louisville.
He would at least provide the offense with a different dynamic compared to what Jones and Zappe have provided. A roster move would have to be made as Cunningham currently resides on the practice squad. Will Grier is another option the team could turn to as he had a great preseason with the Dallas Cowboys but has not had his number called yet.
At this point, each of them seems to have a chance at being the starter on Sunday against the Giants. Belichick is not sharing any pertinent information right now, as the Patriots are going to wait as long as possible to name a starting quarterback in Week 12.
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