2023 NFL quarterback analysis: New England Patriots

By Andrew Marshall | Last updated Jan 20, 2023 6:28 PM ET

Current starter: Mac Jones | Current backups: Bailey Zappe, Brian Hoyer

State of the position: After a stellar rookie season that included a playoff berth and a second-place finish in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, Mac Jones took a step back. He was 6-8 as a starter with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His yards per attempt dropped from 7.3 in 2021 to 6.8, and his sack rate increased from 5.1% to 7.1%.
Jones had his moments, but far fewer under Matt Patricia, who may be done after one season as the Patriots' offensive coordinator.

Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Western Kentucky, had his moments. He nearly won on the road against Green Bay when thrown into the fire in his first NFL action. Zappe was 2-0 as an official starter, completed 70.7% of his passes, and averaged an impressive 8.5 yards per attempt.

The 2022 season was a down year for New England. Changes should be made, starting with the hiring of a new offensive coordinator and extending to the personnel side of football operations.

Key stat: Jones attempted 30 or more passes in 12 of his 14 starts, but he only had four games with multiple touchdown passes.

2023 QB forecast: New England's answers to the quarterback position are on the roster. Despite a sophomore slump, Jones should remain starter.

Zappe should serve as the backup heading into his second season. There may be some debate about if Zappe could overtake Jones' starting spot at some point.

Zappe will be there if Jones underperforms again, and his presence should serve as healthy pressure to keep Jones in check.

New England will likely retain Hoyer for another year. He will be 38 next season and is under contract for 2023. He has a $1.64 million dead cap hit if cut in 2023.

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