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Patriots’ Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe address relationship around team’s preseason opener
FOXBORO — After a rainy training camp practice Monday, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones answered a question about his relationship with backup Bailey Zappe by speaking about his entire position room.
“Yeah, I think I’ve definitely been in some really good quarterback rooms and learned a lot from the guys that were here when I was young,” Jones said, “and hopefully I can do the same for the guys that are younger than me.”
Speaking after Thursday’s preseason opener versus the Texans, Zappe fielded a similar question about his relationship with Jones. He answered in the same way.
“I mean, I think the quarterback room, like I said, we all want to win,” Zappe told reporters following the 20-9 loss. “That’s the main objective of everybody on this team. We want to do what’s best for the team. I mean, that’s pretty much as simple as it can be.”
Playing into the third quarter, Zappe went 12-of-14 for 79 yards, no touchdowns and zero interceptions against Houston. He was also sacked twice. Zappe eventually handed the reins to veteran backup Trace McSorley, who yielded to undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham in the fourth quarter.
Cunningham proved to be the story of Thursday’s loss, accounting for the Patriots’ only touchdown and leading them in rushing with 34 yards. He also 3-of-4 for 19 yards as a passer. No word yet on how Cunningham feels about his veteran teammates.
Jones did not take a snap in Thursday’s preseason game, another firm indication he remains the team’s starter. Jones has taken virtually all starting reps in training camp practices, while Zappe has performed worse against the second-team defense.