The dark cloud hanging over Foxborough doesn’t appear to be dissipating.
As the curtain closes on what’s been a miserable Patriots season, a new report illustrates the bleak atmosphere around New England in what may be Bill Belichick’s final rodeo as the team’s head coach
The aura was described as “glum” and “depressing” prior to New England snapping its five-game skid last week in a win over the Steelers on “Thursday Night Football,” according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Bailey Zappe, previously the backup to starting quarterback Mac Jones, threw three touchdowns in the 21-18 victory.
Jones, however, has been benched multiple times this year for poor play.
At points “in the middle part of the season,” the organization “hoped Zappe would show enough in practice to take the starting job from Jones,” the team’s 15th overall pick in 2021, according to the report.
The Patriots reached an apparent “breaking point” with Jones, 25, in Week 12 when he was benched at halftime in a 10-7 loss to the Giants, with an ESPN source stating at the time, “I think at this point, there’s a sense that it just couldn’t be worse.”
With Zappe, 24, under center, particularly last Thursday, a team insider noted, “The offense plays with more energy for him.”
New England is now focused on its upcoming clash against Kansas City, all the while combatting rumors the organization could be parting ways with Belichick, 71, in the new year.
Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston reported earlier this week that Belichick’s fate was sealed in November, when the team lost to the Colts, 10-6, in Germany.
“When they came out of Germany, conversations I had that week made it very clear that a decision was made,” Curran said on “Arbella Early Edition.”
“They were going to play out the string, and at the end of the year, there would be a parting of the ways for a variety of reasons.”
When pressed on the matter Wednesday, Belichick — who has been at the helm in New England since 2000 and has won six Super Bowls with the organization — replied, “I’m getting ready for Kansas City.”
As for what happens three weeks later, when the regular season concludes, is anyone’s guess.
The Patriots (3-10) host the Chiefs (8-5) on Sunday at 1 p.m.