As a former NFL QB, CBS broadcaster Tony Romo has become a QB apologist, almost always taking the side of the signal-caller in whatever game he is covering. Things have not gone well for New England Patriots QB Mac Jones, as his brutal play and sketchy decision-making have him on the verge of being benched. Not even Romo would come to his aid on Sunday.
Jones faced off with former Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday. Garoppolo was injured and replaced by yet another former Patriots QB, Brian Hoyer. Arguably, both Garoppolo and Hoyer played better than Jones on Sunday. Romo couldn’t keep his criticism silent any longer and let it fly.
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What Did Tony Romo Say About Mac Jones?
Jones has made it a habit of throwing ill-advised throws, committing back-breaking turnovers for the New England offense.
MORE: New England Patriots Depth Chart
Jones continued the trend on Sunday when he air-mailed a throw back across to the middle, to no one in particular, which landed in the Raiders DB’s hands.
All Romo could say was, “This is just a horrendous throw by Mac Jones.”
"This is just a horrendous throw by Mac Jones." – Tony Romopic.twitter.com/hKRzN09ohl
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 15, 2023
Romo wasn’t speaking out of school by commenting on Jones’ play. The Patriots signal-caller has been the worst starting QB in the NFL the last month, and a once-promising future in New England now appears in doubt.
What Other Options Do the Patriots Have at the QB Position?
If the Patriots decide to make a switch at the QB position, they could turn to Bailey Zappe. Zappe was a record-setting QB from his collegiate days and has moments of brilliance but has not been able to play at a high level consistently. Patriots faithful have called for him in the past, but eventually he falters.
Maxx Crosby drops Mac Jones in the endzone for a SAFETY — potentially sealing the win for the #Raiders 😤
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 15, 2023
The Patriots could turn to Malik Cunningham. Cunningham is an uber-talented QB from Louisville but is a project and needs plenty of refinement to be considered a starting-caliber QB at the NFL level. Cunningham is more of an athlete, a running option that can give defenses a different look.
HONEY BADGER HOUSE CALL 🏠📞#Saints S Tyrann Mathieu picks off #Patriots QB Mac Jones and takes it to the crib!
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2023
Reportedly, the organization is intrigued with current fourth-stringer Will Grier. Grier is considered a gunslinger and needs some tutelage on decision-making inside the pocket. Yet, he has a strong arm and the talent to get excited about, but the shift to him would be curious.
Ultimately, it doesn’t appear that the Patriots’ starting QB in 2024 and beyond is on the roster currently. With the 2023 season spiraling down the drain, the New England front office has one eye on QB prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Shedeur Sanders.
