We all know at this point the Patriots are better off losing the rest of the season. The window for our 7th Super Bowl victory is unfortunately closed for at least this season. What Bill Belichick needs to do now is reassure the team that they are still professionals and a losing season is not the end of the line.
The high expectations of playing professional football won’t be any different heading into 2024.
The Patriots tried giving Bailey Zappe a chance to start in another game after Mac Jones‘ continued troubles. With the offense unable to put up a point with Zappe, it’s clear that our starting quarterback isn’t the only issue.
Going forward, I believe it would make the most sense for the Patriots to start either Malik Cunningham or circle back to Mac Jones.
Although Jones has been bad this year, he has not been bad his whole football career. He earned himself the 85th spot on the NFL’s top 100 players back in 2022.
Seeing the regression from Mac is upsetting yet humbling. It’s not easy to make that list and hopefully, that can motivate him. Even through his struggle, I find it hard to believe his NFL career is nearing its end. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Malik Cunningham
Before this season’s film is buried behind the practice field, it would benefit the Patriots to see what he can do in an NFL game. He showed his abilities in the preseason and looking back on it, that may have been the high point of the entire season.
With how everything has gone for this team, I’d say he has earned the opportunity to compete.
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe don’t have any trade value as of right now and if Cunningham is going to generate any value heading into 2024 he will have to showcase it on the field.
With Rhamondre Stevenson believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, the Patriots are going to need some help running the ball anyway. It wouldn’t make sense for Rhamondre to come back onto the field this season. He is arguably the best offensive weapon on the roster. We wouldn’t want to rush him back into the lineup.
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