5 Patriots Most Likely to Be Inactive vs. Saints in Week 5

3. Bailey Zappe / Will Grier

One of the key reasons why the Patriots were stomped last week was Mac Jones' abysmal play under center. The third-year quarterback couldn't get anything, completing just 57.1% of passes for 150 years while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble that was returned for a TD.

Late in the third quarter, Belichick had seen enough and opted to replace Jones with backup QB Bailey Zappe.

Even though the stakes were low and the game was out of reach upon his entry, Zappe didn't look all that good. He only went 4-of-9 (44.4%) in the pocket for 57 passing yards while finishing with an uninspiring 65.5 passer rating.

The Patriots will likely start Jones again against the Saints, but I wouldn't be shocked if Will Grier or Malik Cunningham dresses in the backup role over Zappe.

Grier, who was signed on Sept. 22, deserves a shot after balling out in the Cowboys' preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, racking up 305 passing yards with a pair of TDs. Meanwhile, Cunningham's mobility could come in handy if he's forced to replace Jones given how inconsistent our offesnive line has been when it comes to pass protection.

While I fully expect Zappe to be the backup QB for the remainder of the campaign, giving him a week off to get back on track could be what he needs the most. That being said, Belichick seems content on running things back right now, which could lead to Grier being the emergency third QB instead.