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Mac Jones’ performance draws concern after being benched in favor of Bailey Zappe on ‘MNF’
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Mac Jones received the start for the New England Patriots on “Monday Night Football” against the Chicago Bears, his first game since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.
Unfortunately, the former Alabama star lasted just a few minutes into the 2nd quarter before being yanked in favor of Bailey Zappe. Jones was 3-of-6 for just 13 yards, while running for 24 yards on 3 carries.
Jones’ departure came with just under 2 minutes played in the 2nd as he was picked off by Jaquan Brisker with the Patriots driving in Bears territory. After Chicago went 3-and-out, Zappe came in and immediately led a 55-yard touchdown drive, going 3-of-3.
This isn’t what the Patriots and their fans wanted to see from Jones after he was taken in the first round in 2021. He could be in danger of seeing his job taken by the rookie from Western Kentucky, a 4th-round selection. That being said, knowing Bill Belichick, the longtime New England head coach won’t tip his hand.
As you might expect, social media was abuzz after Jones’ benching:
One thing I know, Bill Belichick doesn’t care if you’re a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th Round Draft Pick or a Free Agent…He gone play who gives them the BEST chance to win…He gave Mac Jones the start, the @Patriots needed some life & in came Bailey Zappe
— Harry Douglas (@HDouglas83) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/nolimit_shark/status/1584715740875468800
https://twitter.com/Ashton_Slot/status/1584715736496291840
Look I’m a huge bama fan but Mac Jones never really came across as the guy like Hurts, Tua, and Bryce. Maybe it was the small sample size but I’m not as hurt by this benching as I feel I should be lol
— CoolCalmTakes?? (@CoolCalmTakes) October 25, 2022
Mac Jones will be gone by the trade deadline next week?
— Pick King (@KingPickit) October 25, 2022
What’s the over/under on how long it takes Mac Jones to ask for a trade?
— Kyle Lewandowski (@KyleLewandowsk4) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/makleinbauer/status/1584715703005114370
https://twitter.com/mattiswashed/status/1584715698411970560
So Mac Jones is officially a bust now right?
— 7️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ TJ (@TJDMCR) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/Who2Pitts/status/1584715673573687296
https://twitter.com/kevin_jolin/status/1584715642359672832
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
