Desperate New England Patriots bench Mac Jones as Germany defeat ends in chaos
New England Patriots head into their NFL bye week following a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The Patriots were beaten 10-6 by the Colts at Deutsche Bank Park, home of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, in Germany as part of the final installment of the 2023 NFL International Series. Running back Jonathan Taylor scored the only touchdown of the game as the Colts handed the Patriots their eighth loss of the season.
As a result, pressure is likely to increase on Belichick's shoulders with almost two weeks before their next game. The 71-year-old has been the head coach and de facto general manager since 2000, winning six Super Bowls over the past two decades.
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The Patriots have now fallen to 2-8 for the season, which is the first time that the team has had that record during Belichick's tenure as head coach since his very first year back in 2000. New England does not return to the field until Nov. 26 against the New York Giants.
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Patriots quarterback Mac Jones started the game in Frankfurt but finished the afternoon on the sidelines. With 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter, trailing by four points, Belichick decided to bench Jones and put backup QB Bailey Zappe on the field.
Jones completed 15-of-20 passes for 170 yards with no touchdown passes and one interception. The first half also saw Jones sacked five times by the Colts defense. A single field goal was the only score for the Patriots in each half.
Belichick explained the decision to bench Jones in favour of Zappe, but was typically blunt with his response.
“I just thought it was time for a change," Belichick told reporters in a press conference after Sunday's game in Germany.
“I made the decision, that’s what it was. We’ll deal with next week, next week.”
“We’ll worry about next week, next week. Game just finished like half an hour ago,” Belichick added when asked about the future of Jones as the long-term starting quarterback for the franchise.
Belichick could not hide his frustration following the loss to the Colts. The Patriots head coach explained how he noticed similar trends to previous losses this season, and why he was left wondering what might have been had the offense taken their chances on the field.
“Obviously, a disappointing game,” Belichick said. “Similar theme we’ve had with other games this year. Just too many missed opportunities in all three phases of the game. Just have to play better situational football and do a better job taking advantage of the opportunities we had.”
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