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New England Patriots bench Mac Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•10/24/22•

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 11: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots warms up during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Mac Jones returned from a severe ankle injury on Monday, playing for the first time since Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Thus far against the Chicago Bears, it’s been tough going for the New England Patriots on offense. Because of that, head coach Bill Belichick has decided to make an in-game switch at quarterback.

Bailey Zappe is now in for New England, taking over early in the second quarter. He has been the Patriots’ starter for the past three weeks, guiding the team to a 2-1 record. With Jones now struggling, Belichick is going back to somebody who has been solid over the past few games.

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When Jones left the game, he was three of six with just 13 yards and a bad interception. In his one drive, Zappe has surpassed the former first-round pick and then some, completing all three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. It looked incredibly easy out there for the Western Kentucky product.

New England has invested a first-round pick with Jones but if Zappe continues to inspire the offense, Belichick will have no chance but to keep him in. There is still plenty of game remaining on Monday Night Football as Zappe continues to impress.

More on Mac Jones, comeback from injury

Jones had been out for four weeks, suffering a high ankle sprain against the Baltimore Ravens. New England was off to a rough start under the former first-round pick, dropping two of three. Zappe was able to get two wins and now, the Patriots have a chance to get over .500 on Monday night.

In three games, Jones has thrown for 786 yards and two touchdowns. However, five interceptions — including three against Baltimore — have been the downfall for the quarterback.