New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Do the Patriots have a QB controversy between Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe?

By Andrew Marshall | Last updated 10/17/22

After a slow start, the Patriots (3-3) are clicking, and there's buzz that rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe is the reason. The fourth-rounder from Western Kentucky has played great since Mac Jones went down with an ankle injury against the Ravens.

In a 38-16 win over the Browns in Week 6, Zappe threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns. He's 2-1, the loss coming in overtime against the Packers.

Zappe has topped Jones in a range of stats, from TD passes (four to two) to interceptions (one on 70 pass attempts to five on 97 attempts). Per Pro Football Reference, Zappe has been more conservative passing downfield, averaging 6.5 "Intended Air Yards/Attempt" compared to Jones' average of 10.3.

Staying true to his cryptic self, head coach Bill Belichick hasn't guaranteed Jones will return as the starter.

Will Mac Jones start once he's healthy?

Belichick: "We'll see how that process is. Mac still wasn't able to play yesterday." pic.twitter.com/dOyZopnBqX
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) October 17, 2022

Keep in mind, though, that Zappe and Jones are operating on different difficulty levels of offense. In his second season, Jones has more pre-snap work and complicated progressions than Zappe.

something pleasing about this Mac Jones Dig throw right down the hash pic.twitter.com/wysPQkp8aF
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 20, 2022

If anything, Zappe's play is a reminder -- a blueprint, really -- for how Jones should operate within this offense. Belichick values a QB who plays mistake-free and under control.

Zappe has already exceeded his draft capital less than half a season into his career, but he probably won't retain the starter role once Jones is ready to return.

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