Chicago Bears 33-14 New England Patriots: Mac Jones benched in first half as Patriots suffer heavy defeat at home to Bears | NFL News

New England Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones benched early in the second quarter after two ineffective drives and an interception; Bailey Zappe immediately leads team on two scoring drives to see them take the lead before the Chicago Bears take over, scoring 23 unanswered points

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was benched in the first half of their Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was sent to the bench in the first half of their heavy 33-14 loss at home to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

Story of the Game

Jones had missed New England’s past three games with a high ankle sprain but earned the starting job back for Monday’s matchup, only to make way again for backup Bailey Zappe with 12 minutes still left in the second quarter.

Jones led the Patriots offense to two three-and-outs and an interception on his three series’ to start the game, with the home fans in Foxborough heard chanting ‘Zappe!’

They got their wish, with the rookie fourth-round QB – who won both of his first two NFL starts – coming into the game for Jones and immediately leading New England on two touchdown drives to suddenly see them take a 14-10 lead.

The Patriots scored on back-to-back possessions, with Jakobi Meyers firstly clawing in a terrific leaping grab for a 30-yard touchdown pass from Zappe, and then Rhamondre Stevenson rumbling in for a four-yard run score after another big pass play of 43 yards to DeVante Parker.

But that was as good as it would get for the hosts on Monday night, with Chicago reclaiming their lead by half-time, with Zappe losing a fumble on New England’s next possession.

After the break, the Bears ran away with the game, with Zappe throwing two further interceptions, to make it three on the night for the relentless Bears defense as the visitors racked up the score.

Chicago quarterback Justin Fields went 13-of-21 passing, throwing for 179 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 82 yards and another score on Monday night. He also threw one interception in the first half.