Mac Jones appears to be on track to return for the New England Patriots' Week 7 showdown with the Chicago Bears. The real question is, how long will he last as the starting quarterback if he struggles?
Bailey Zappe has filled in admirably for Jones since the second-year signal-caller's Week 3 injury. The rookie forced overtime vs. the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, then led the Patriots to decisive victories over the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.
Perry's Mailbag: A real 'QB controversy' if Mac Jones struggles?
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Considering Zappe's play, Jones undoubtedly will be under more pressure to play a clean game under center and avoid the turnovers that plagued him early in the season. Otherwise, there could be a real QB controversy in New England.
How long will Jones' leash be if and when he does return as the Patriots' starting QB? Former Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel shared his take on the situation in a brand new episode of the Patriots Talk Podcast with Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry.
Patriots Talk: Will Mac Jones be looking over his shoulder in his return? | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
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"The coaches aren't gonna go up to Mac and say, 'Look, if you don't play well, then you're going to be looking over your shoulder at Bailey Zappe.' I think as a quarterback, you feel the presence of Bailey Zappe because of the way that he's played," Cassel said. "But you also want to give the utmost confidence to Mac Jones, understanding that when we make the decision that we're going to roll with you, that you're our guy. And you don't want him to falter from that confidence because him having confidence is a big part of him being successful.
"So, if you make that decision to go with Mac, then that's the decision that the coaching staff has made, coach Belichick's made, and that's what you've got to embrace. But at the same time, I will say this: if Mac Jones does go out there and falter, if he has some games where he's turnover-prone again, if he's not playing to the level that they think he should be or where he should be at, then I would say that there's a possibility that they do go back to Bailey Zappe. ...
Cassel adds that while Jones' leash may be getting shorter, it's a leash that will last for weeks and not halves. So don't expect Zappe to replace Jones on Monday Night Football if Jones looks rusty out the gate.
"You can't go into a game and say Mac Jones is going to start the half, he struggled in the first half for whatever reason and now the third quarter comes around and Bailey Zappe's in the game. You can't do that," he added.
Also discussed in the episode: Bailey Zappe or Mac Jones? People around the NFL disagree! Cassel on what it’s like to be in a QB competition with a teammate. And a Bears vs. Patriots preview.
Check out the latest episode of the Patriots Talk Podcast on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network, or watch on YouTube.