Report expands on how much Patriots' Mac Jones has lost locker room

New England Patriots reporter Mark Daniels of MassLive suggested after the club's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany this past Sunday that at least some New England players have lost faith in quarterback Mac Jones. 

According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Jones may not have many supporters left in the locker room with the Patriots sitting at 2-8 during their bye. 

"After he was benched for a second time this season during a Week 5 loss to [the New Orleans Saints], several members of the organization lost faith in Mac Jones," Callahan wrote. "But now, after getting benched for a third time last Sunday in Germany, Jones' support is vanishing."

Before the Indianapolis game, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer reported that Jones had "really infuriated people" within the Patriots throughout this season with his decision-making. It was later said that the 25-year-old "has lost some players in the room" since the start of the 2022 campaign. 

"One team source estimated that at least 80% of the Patriots' locker room is out on Jones," Callahan continued. "Another said the 'vast majority' of players are done with him. Both said the lack of belief spreads to both sides of the ball, with a shared sense that Jones' worst mistakes negate the best efforts of his teammates."

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Jones said during a Tuesday appearance on Boston sports radio station WEEI that he didn't know if he or backup Bailey Zappe will start at the New York Giants (2-8) on Nov. 26. For a piece published Wednesday morning, ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that "sources I'm talking to think coach Bill Belichick could use the two-week break to make a change and get Zappe ready to start." Jeremy Fowler of ESPN added that "the frustrations with Jones surfaced earlier this season, and about a month ago, his grip on the job became shaky due to poor decision-making and struggles under pressure." 

According to ESPN stats, Jones begins Week 11 ranked 26th in the NFL among qualified players with a 38.9 adjusted QBR and 27th with an 80.2 passer rating on the campaign. His 10 interceptions are tied for the second-most thrown across the season's first 10 weeks of action.