Jones benched again for Zappe late in Patriots' loss to Colts
The New England Patriots replaced quarterback Mac Jones for Bailey Zappe for the team's final drive in Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany.
Jones was pulled from the game after a costly red-zone interception ruined a potential game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Julian Blackmon intercepts Mac Jones at the goal line!
- NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
: #INDvsNE on NFL Network
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/d4RDZpceuE pic.twitter.com/K0AHBzjFwM
However, Zappe also couldn't muster a comeback, as his possession ended in an interception. The second-string quarterback threw the pick after faking a spike.
FAKE SPIKE INTERCEPTION. #INDvsNE pic.twitter.com/wvW6l2ItDg
- NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
"I just thought it was time for a change," head coach Bill Belichick said postgame about the move, according to team reporter Evan Lazar.
However, Belichick was mum on Jones' status as the starter moving forward, adding, "We'll worry about next week, next week."
New England has yanked Jones multiple times this season, but the former top-15 overall pick has held the starting quarterback job the entire year.
Jones' dismal third season continued in Sunday's loss. He completed 15 of his 20 pass attempts but registered only 170 yards for no touchdowns and one interception. New England went 0-for-4 in the red zone.
New England's defense held its own against Indianapolis. The unit kept the Colts out of the end zone after Jonathan Taylor's first-quarter rushing touchdown.
The Patriots own the AFC's worst record at 2-8.
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