Report reveals why Patriots won't start Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones

It was previously learned that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could turn to unproven 2019 third-round draft pick Will Grier over primary backup Bailey Zappe if Mac Jones fails to impress during Sunday's game at the 2-3 Las Vegas Raiders. 

There's more information about why Zappe hasn't yet received an opportunity to start over Jones and why the 2022 fourth-round draft choice was cut this summer before he was later re-signed to the practice squad.

"One source said Zappe’s offseason was a 'rough transition to the new offense,'" Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported for a piece published Thursday. "Another source said Zappe’s performance in training camp and the preseason 'wasn’t good enough on multiple levels.' A third said it 'stunk.'"

It was thought this past spring that both Zappe and Jones were given "fresh starts" working with new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and that the two could even compete for the starting job through the preseason. However, it's now known Jones was never truly in danger of losing the job before Zappe reached waivers, was passed over by every other club and ultimately landed back in New England. 

Belichick benched Jones in favor of Zappe during the Week 4 38-3 defeat at the Dallas Cowboys and Sunday's 34-0 home loss to the New Orleans Saints. Zappe went a combined seven-of-18 (38.9%) for 79 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions filling in for Jones. 

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote in late August that "Zappe became less of a fit" in O'Brien's offense by the time the preseason concluded. The 24-year-old seemingly hasn't caught up and may have lost his QB2 job to Grier, a 28-year-old who has attempted a total of 52 regular-season passes during his career. 

As of Thursday evening, OddsChecker listed the 1-4 Patriots as three-point underdogs for Sunday's contest at Allegiant Stadium. If either Zappe or Grier is needed this weekend or for the Week 7 game against the Buffalo Bills, New England's season could be considered over before Halloween.