WATCH: Zappe throws TD pass immediately after replacing Jones

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Zappe Fever is back!

The New England Patriots started Mac Jones at quarterback in Monday night's Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears, but he didn't even make it through the first half.

After struggling to pick up yards and throwing an interception, Jones was benched early in the second quarter and replaced by rookie Bailey Zappe

Zappe, who started and won the previous two games for the Patriots, got the offense moving again with three completions for 54 yards on his first drive. The third completion was a 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Jakobi Meyers.

The next drive for the Patriots was even more impressive.

Zappe connected with DeVante Parker for a 43-yard gain down the left sideline. A few plays later, running back Rhamondre Stevenson ran into the end zone for another Patriots touchdown.

The Patriots' three drives with Jones ended with two punts and an interception. Zappe's first two series resulted in touchdowns, giving the Patriots a 14-10 lead. 

The quarterback controversy in New England is real. Jones had a great rookie campaign in 2021, but he has struggled in Year 2 and the offense looks better with Zappe at the helm. Right now, it's hard to make the case for playing Jones over Zappe. The Patriots should ride the hot hand and see where it leads.

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