Why is Mac Jones not playing? Patriots QB benched for Bailey Zappe after awful interception

Mac Jones' return after a layoff wasn't the happiest.

The quarterback started the New England Patriots Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears in decent fashion, completing 3/4 passes for 13 yards. But the visitors were the ones dealing damage on offense, racing to a 10-0 lead, courtesy of a Cairo Santos field goal from 42 yards followed by a sensational touchdown drive, finished off by a tough run by quarterback Justin Fields.

Jones and the Patriots marched down the field into the Bears' half before the quarterback threw an ill-advised pass to Jonnu Smith which was overthrown and picked off by Jaquan Brisker.

Bailey Zappe benches Mac Jones, helps Patriots reclaim lead

The Patriots' defense stepped up and held the Bears to a three-and-out. Head coach Bill Belichick wasted no time and benched Mac Jones. He sent in backup quarterback Bailey Zappe, who helped the Patriots win two straight games in Jones' absence. Patriots fans inside Gillette Stadium were excited to see the backup quarterback enter the game.

The move paid dividends immediately as Zappe found a wide-open Jakobi Meyers, who hauled in a difficult catch before springing up and diving into the endzone for a touchdown.

On the ensuing drive, Justin Fields threw an interception that set Bailey Zappe and the Patriots' offense up with tremendous field position. They exploited it as the backup quarterback found wide receiver Davante Parker deep in Bears territory with a stellar pass.

Just two plays later, running back Rhamondre Stevenson jogged into the endzone to help the Patriots take the lead.

Bears fight back to retake the lead

Fields and the Bears' offense responded well to the Patriots' resurgence with a tremendous drive, capped off by a 25-yard catch and run by Khalil Herbert.

On the ensuing drive, a miscommunication between Fields and Meyers led to a fumble that was recovered by the Bears' defense.

The Bears capitalized and finished the quarter with a field goal to take a 20-17 lead into the halftime break.