Patriots start Jones over Zappe vs. Giants

The New England Patriots didn't make a change at quarterback for Week 12 after all.

New England started quarterback Mac Jones on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Coming off a bye, Bill Belichick declined to name a starter this past week after Jones struggled in a Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Jones has started every game this season but has been benched for Bailey Zappe three times.

The two passers split first-team reps in practice this week.

Jones, a first-round pick in 2021, had a strong rookie campaign but hasn't replicated that success lately. The Alabama product has completed 65.4% of his passes while tossing 10 touchdowns against 10 interceptions across 10 starts in 2023. His 80.2 passer rating ranks 26th in the NFL.

Zappe is in his second season with New England after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022. He started two games in Year 1 while replacing an injured Jones.

The 2-8 Patriots have lost three in a row. The 3-8 Giants will start quarterback Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie who started New York's last two games. He began the campaign as the team's third-string QB, but starter Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor are dealing with injuries.

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