The New England Patriots went away from rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, but it didn’t take long before they came right back to him.
Mac Jones got the nod to start on Monday night against the Chicago Bears after missing the previous three weeks with a high ankle sprain. Things started off rocky right away with Jones not seeing open receivers, before going completely off the rails with another interception for the second-year quarterback.
A chorus of boos started ringing throughout Gillette Stadium, and coach Bill Belichick made the decision to turn to his red-hot rookie.
Zappe ran out on the field to Patriots fans chanting his name, and he repaid them by leading the team on an immediate touchdown drive. He finished the drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass to wideout Jakobi Meyers.
Bailey Zappe to Jakobi Meyers for a TD! #ForeverNE
📺: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/sQSRQLKdEo— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022
He then led the team down the field for seven more points to bring the Patriots back from a 10-point deficit. The Patriots now lead the Bears 14-10 before the half.
Zappe-mania is running wild in New England once again—and rightfully so.
