The New England Patriots had one last gasp within minutes to score a go-ahead touchdown Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback Mac Jones was not the one behind center in an attempt to lead the offense down the field in Germany.
New England benched Jones for the final drive following an interception he threw on the previous drive. From the Colts’ 15-yard line and with the Patriots trailing 10-6, Jones took a snap on second-and-2 and targeted tight end Mike Gesicki – except the former first-round pick severely underthrew Gesicki, and Colts defensive back Julian Blackmon came up with the easy interception.
Said Jones after the game: ‘It was a terrible throw. Practiced it, hit it in practice. Just not a good throw. I knew where to go – I just didn’t do it right.’
Backup Bailey Zappe replaced Jones and the Patriots picked up two first downs. Disaster struck again for New England. Following a fake kneel attempt, Zappe threw over the middle of the field into a heavily covered area for an interception that effectively ended the game.
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After the game, Patriots coach Bill Belichick revealed little on the reasoning behind the change.
‘I just thought it was time for a change,’ said Belichick, who also refused to commit to a starting quarterback moving forward.
Belichick also would not reveal whether Jones’ health was a factor in the decision. Jones, who went into the X-ray room after the conclusion of the game, said after the game he was ‘bruised but good.’
Jones was 15-for-20 for 170 yards prior to taking a seat.
The Patriots have now lost six of their last seven games and are on track to secure a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL draft.