New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots captain backs Mac Jones with QB1 role in limbo

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 11/15/23

After a disastrous Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany that saw Mac Jones benched for the third time this season, the New England Patriots remain tight-lipped on who will be their starting quarterback moving forward.

During a Tuesday appearance on WEEI's "Jones and Mego," Jones admitted that he remains in limbo as to whether he will start in Week 12 against the New York Giants following a bye.

Mac Jones admits he hasn’t been told he’s still the starter ! pic.twitter.com/hxhneTpGVv
— Jones & Mego with Arcand (@JonesandMego) November 14, 2023

Yet, while New England isn't champing at the bit to anoint a Week 12 starter, Patriots players aren't shying away from backing Jones as their guy under center.

“We still believe in him," Patriots captain Deatrich Wise said of Jones on Tuesday while speaking with reporters. "There are a lot of tough things going on but he's doing a great job handling the criticism that is coming his way. We, as a team, support him and are behind him. We'll continue to be behind him until the season is done.”

Deatrich Wise on Mac Jones: "We still believe in him... we're behind him & we'll continue to be behind him until the season is done" pic.twitter.com/OgiF7rstPh
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) November 14, 2023

Jones was sent to the bench in Week 10 after back-to-back interceptions, stripping him of an opportunity to lead a potential game-winning drive in the final minutes of play. Bailey Zappe, who the Patriots turned to under center, threw an interception on a fake spike to drop New England to 2-8 on the season.

Bailey Zappe’s fake-spike interception essentially ended the game between the Colts and Patriots

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Mu57PjxvR4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 12, 2023

Jones' 10 interceptions are tied with Green Bay Packers first-year starter Jordan Love for the second-most in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2021, Jones has amassed the third-most turnovers (40) of any quarterback.

After notching a Pro Bowl berth and leading the Patriots to a playoff appearance as a rookie, Jones has regressed over the past two seasons, throwing just three more touchdowns than interceptions. Still, New England would be wise to ride things out with Jones for the remainder of the season.

Neither Zappe, Malik Cunningham nor Will Grier are the long-term answer for the Patriots under center. Jones may very well fall into that category as well. Nevertheless, with a projected top-five pick on the horizon for the Patriots, confirming whether Jones is the guy or not is a must.

More must-reads: