Report: ‘Quiet Friction’ Between Mac Jones And Bill Belichick Brewing Over QB Battle with Bailey Zappe

Is there a QB controversy brewing in New England?

Bailey Zappe was more than able to hold his own against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a Week 4 game loss, and he and the rest of the team were firing on all cylinders when they faced off against the Lions last week and walked away with a 29-0 victory. He’s looking like a capable NFL starter. Following the win, Bill Belichick wasn’t about to talk about the possibility of Zappe replacing a healthy Jones as the starter during a chat with WEEI. While you could argue he was simply trying to avoid tipping his hand, he also didn’t publically commit to Jones once he’s ready to play.

Of course that got plenty of people talking—including NFL insider Mike Florio.

The Pro Football Talk personality discussed the current situation in New England with Chris Simms earlier this week, and Florio channeled his inner Brian Windhorst while suggesting Belichick’s comments may be reflective of some behind-the-scenes tension.

“Let me be careful how I frame this because I don’t really have this nailed down yet, but I have reason to believe there’s something between Mac Jones and the coaching staff… I think Mac may be a little disconcerted with the quality of the coaching this year.

You go from Josh McDaniels last year to this amalgamation of Joe Judge and Matt Patricia, two guys who weren’t offensive coaches before they became head coaches, before they failed as head coaches. And now, Matt Patricia calling the plays.

I have reason to believe there’s some quiet friction there that could boil over at some point.”

Florio may or may not be speculating, but it could certainly be worth keeping an eye on in the coming days and weeks.

Belichick is going to  play whoever he feels gives him the best chance of winning.

He’s not going to play Mac Jones if he truly thinks Bailey Zappe is the better QB.

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