Patriots QB Mac Jones reacts to benching vs. Cowboys

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones seems to understand why he was benched by head coach Bill Belichick during Sunday's 38-3 blowout loss at the Dallas Cowboys. 

"For me, obviously didn’t play well in that game," Jones admitted during an appearance on Boston sports radio station WEEI, per Tim Crowley of NESN. "Gotta do things better in practice. That’s where it kind of starts. Looking back on it, it’s just things I can do better to not be in that situation. It falls back on the quarterback. Just gotta improve." 

Jones lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and tossed a terrible interception that was taken to the house for a score before he was replaced in the third quarter of Sunday's defeat by 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe. Belichick defended Jones multiple times on Monday after the coach said following Sunday's loss that the 2021 first-round draft pick will remain in the lineup when the 1-3 Patriots host the 2-2 New Orleans Saints this coming Sunday. 

"I’m working hard and I know that I can do it," Jones said during the radio spot. "I have to believe in myself and, you know, I really didn’t give them a lot to believe in the other night. I will show that I can do it and that comes from hard work, trusting myself and trusting them." 

The Patriots were hoping the offseason hiring of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien would help Jones return to the form that made him a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. According to ESPN stats, Jones ended Week 4 ranked 25th in the league among qualified quarterbacks with a 44.7 adjusted QBR and an 80.8 passer rating on the season. He matched five touchdown passes with four interceptions across the campaign's first four games. 

"For me, I’ve just got to go out there and win some games," Jones added about earning trust from teammates and coaches. "That’s what it all comes down to. Going out and doing my part." 

As of Tuesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed New England as a slight favorite (-120, -1.5) to defeat the Saints in Week 5. Belichick may feel he has no choice but to turn to Zappe for more than a cameo if the Patriots fail to hold serve at home against a .500 opponent.