New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick did nothing to clear up his team's quarterback controversy in his meeting with reporters on Tuesday.
After using both first-round pick Mac Jones and the unheralded Bailey Zappe in a 33-14 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday, Belichick was asked Tuesday if Jones would be the starter going forward if he's fully healthy.
“Again, that’s a hypothetical question so let’s see where that is and what that is," Belichick said.
Notoriously guarded in his press conferences, Belichick didn't sway from that strategy after a dramatic night in Foxboro, Mass.
Jones, who returned after missing three games with an ankle injury, started but went just 3-of-6 for 13 yards and an interception.
With the crowd chanting for Zappe, Belichick made the move after Jones threw his interception. Before the game, Belichick said both quarterbacks would be used.
Zappe, who went 2-1 as the starter in Jones's absence, opened with back-to-back touchdowns but faltered badly in the second half.
Asked if Jones would have played the full game if he was fully healthy, Belichick said: “That didn’t happen so that’s another hypothetical question."
Belichick was asked if he was worried about Jones' confidence being shaken with the home fans clearly supporting Zappe, who guided the team .
“I think Mac has plenty of confidence," Belichick said.
The Patriots (3-4) return to action on Sunday against the host New York Jets (5-2).
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