Image courtesy of Timothy Ludwig/Getty Images

Sunday’s loss to the Bills is further proof that the Patriots need to find a franchise quarterback this off-season. No offense to Bailey Zappe, but he isn’t it.

It has nothing to do with the three interceptions. Two of the three were arguably not Zappe’s fault and despite the turnovers, he competed and gave the Patriots a chance to win. 

That is the problem. He gave them a chance. He could not lead them to a win because he simply cannot elevate the play of his teammates. 

Just look at what Lamar Jackson or Jordan Love did yesterday. They looked and played like the franchise quarterbacks that they are. Even Kyler Murray and Justin Fields willed their teams to wins and looked like franchise quarterbacks. The Patriots don’t have anyone that resembles a franchise quarterback. 

Zappe and Mac Jones compete but as we have seen this season, neither is elite enough to make plays that change the game or put their teammates in position to make plays that can win you a game.

We will spend the coming weeks and months debating what the Patriots will do but those conversations will be an exercise in wasting our breath. I do not care who is in charge come April. There is only one decision to be made. What quarterback do we want to take? 

Whether it is Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jaylen Daniels, trade up and get them. I do not want to hear about an offensive tackle, edge rusher or any other position. Draft the quarterback and build the rest of the roster from there.

The Patriots screwed up Jones. They cannot screw up the next guy. They need to get it right. Zappe allows you to do it right. He is good enough to be a bridge quarterback for at least half of next season. That will buy the Patriots enough time to develop their next quarterback and not rush them. 

I have openly advocated for considering a trade down in the first round if the right offer comes along. My thinking is the Patriots have a lot of needs and they could accumulate the necessary picks to replenish the roster. 

After yesterday, I have changed my tune. Given where this franchise is, they can I’ll-afford to do that. They need to take a quarterback. Plain and simple. 

If the Patriots are serious about contending again, it starts under center. They need to get their next franchise quarterback in this draft. If they pass up the opportunity, no one involved with the organization is serious about winning.