– FOXBOROUGH According to reports, there is no quarterback controversy among the New England Patriots, and if the attitude of two important offensive players is any indication, they are eager for Mac Jones to make a comeback.
After missing three games due to a high ankle sprain, Jones is anticipated to make his Week 7 comeback and start against the Chicago Bears, according to several reports.
The Patriots are anticipating Jones’ return, even though some people might be disappointed that Bailey Zappe and the fever surrounding him are being put on hold.
Jakobi Meyers, a receiver for the Patriots, is eager to regain Jones’ competitive attitude.
Having the boys back is always a plus, Meyers said. Man, Mac is a dog. He is the ultimate rival. Thus, just having him around and his spirit of resistance work wonders. Just men who want to compete and triumph. It is beneficial for you if your squad has more players that fit that description.
Rhamondre Stevenson, a running back for the Patriots, had a similar idea.
I think of Mac Jones as a competitor first and foremost,” Stevenson added. He was a warrior when he was able to return to the field, therefore I believe he is up to the task.
Of course, there is still some doubt as to whether Jones will participate. He participated in every practise session over the previous two weeks until being declared out just before kickoff. But Meyers isn’t letting it interfere with his routine preparation.
Football, Meyers remarked. “We have done it for our entire lives. There are many things that are unknown to us. When we get there, we’ll just show up and start playing. Whatever is on the field, we’ll figure it out and simply play as best we can.
Meyers is grateful for Zappe’s performance during the past few weeks, though. When he took over for Brian Hoyer in Week 4 as the Patriots lost to the Green Bay Packers in overtime, the fourth-round rookie who had won both of his starts showed poise under pressure.
With Zappe, Meyers only participated in the last two games, catching 11 of his passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.
Bailey Zappe Jakobi Meyers for the TD to make it 26-0 over the Lions pic.twitter.com/pjOoQceUUD
— Patriots Nation (@PatsNationCP) October 9, 2022
He is grateful that the Patriots have two quarterbacks with a track record of success in the NFL.
It’s a blessing, said Meyers. “You are better off in the long run if your squad has more capable players ready to go. They claim there are injuries in football at a 100% rate. Even while you never want one of your teammates to lose, you always want to have a strong player in reserve.
The possibility that Mac Jones will be totally healthy for the Patriots shortly is also something Stevenson views as a benefit.
We would benefit greatly from having every member of the team healthy, according to Stevenson. It will therefore be a tremendous deal whenever we get [Jones] back.
Given what the two have accomplished in their little time together, it’s understandable for Meyers to be thrilled about Jones’ homecoming. Meyers had a team-high 82 receptions for 855 yards and a touchdown during the previous campaign. With 13 receptions for 150 yards in their first two games together this season, the pair was already causing significant damage.
“That’s football, we’ve been doing it all our lives.”
Jakobi Meyers talks about preparing for two different quarterbacks & not knowing who could start on Monday vs. the #Bears pic.twitter.com/vG6ygt7XPu
— NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) October 20, 2022
There is a distinct element. Meyers thinks that the offence will improve with Mac Jones’ return, though.
First and foremost, Meyers added, “just the leadership.” He was the one who, in a sense, brought us together all year. You’ll hear his voice the most, even in OTAs. Just that kind of leadership, and returning it to the group. He’ll make plays, no doubt. He plays the field like a dog, too. He’ll be there, hopefully playing and turning it around a little.
When the Patriots play the Bears on Monday night, Meyers, Stevenson, and possibly Mac Jones will try to lift their team above.500 for the first time this season.
