FOXBORO, Mass. — Mac Jones lasted just over a quarter in his return to the Patriots’ lineup.
Jones started at quarterback Monday night against the Chicago Bears, but he was replaced by rookie Bailey Zappe after throwing an ugly interception to end New England’s third offensive possession.
The Gillette Stadium crowd, which had begun chanting Zappe’s name as the Patriots went three-and-out on their first two Jones-led drives, erupted in cheers when the Western Kentucky product checked in.
Zappe, who won both of his starts in Jones’ absence, immediately led a touchdown drive, hitting running back Rhamondre Stevenson on a swing pass for 20 yards on third-and-5 before connecting on a 30-yard deep ball to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Meyers landed inside the Bears’ 5-yard line and crawled across the goal line.
Then, after a Myles Bryant interception gave the Patriots possession at midfield, Zappe led another scoring march. He launched a highlight-reel 43-yard completion to wideout DeVante Parker, and Stevenson finished the job two plays later with a 4-yard touchdown run.
The Patriots’ offense had been sputtering before Zappe’s entrance. Playing for the first time since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3, Jones had more rushing yards (24 on three scrambles) than passing yards (13 on 3-of-6 passing) across his three series as New England went punt, punt, turnover.
On his interception, Jones was flushed from the pocket and heaved up a deep ball to tight end Jonnu Smith that was snared by rookie safety Jaquan Brisker. It was Jones’ sixth pick in four appearances this season.
The Patriots’ defense also struggled early, with the underdog Bears building a 10-0 first-quarter lead. The touchdowns on Zappe’s first two drives put New England ahead, 14-10.
A pregame report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated the Patriots could play both quarterbacks against Chicago, so it’s unclear whether Jones’ removal was the direct result of his turnover or part of a pre-planned rotation.
