Sports World Reacts to Bailey Zappe Replacing Mac Jones vs. Bears

NFL fans were in awe watching the rookie QB ignite the Patriots offense after a sluggish start on Monday Night Football.

Many NFL fans didn’t expect much excitement entering the Bears-Patriots game on Monday Night Football. That is until the Patriots made an intriguing change under center early in the second quarter.

Quarterback Mac Jones’s return from a three-game absence ended after just three drives Monday night as Patriots coach Bill Belichick elected to pull the incumbent starter for rookie Bailey Zappe after falling in an early 10-0 hole. Appearing in his first game since injuring his ankle in Week 3, Jones led two three-and-outs and tossed an interception to Bears rookie safety Jaquan Brisker to halt a 10-play, 41-yard drive as Pats fans chanted “Zappe” in hopes of seeing the rookie play.

Jones’ rough night went from bad to worse, as Zappe immediately came into the game and made a difference, going 3-for-3 for 54 yards including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers.

BAILEY ZAPPE SEIZED THE MOMENT! #FOREVERNE

(🎥: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/pKb2DWRAkJ

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 25, 2022

Although reports coming into MNF suggested the Patriots could play both QBs, Zappe’s performance didn’t stop the sports world from weighing in on what could be a budding QB controversy in New England.

Check below for some of the best reactions to Zappe stepping in for Jones in primetime:

When Bailey Zappe got drafted on the Saturday of Draft Weekend in Vegas, Mac Jones was just two months removed from doing The Griddy in his Pro Bowl appearance down the Strip.

Not a soul saw this as possible.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) October 25, 2022

Bailey Zappe watching Mac Jones from the sidelines: pic.twitter.com/Di0qDqOZjw

— Pickswise (@Pickswise) October 25, 2022

This #Patriots team has a completely different energy with #Zappe in at QB! You know Bill don’t mind 2 QBs competing for a job. Mac Jones better watch out! You CAN lose your job to injury lol. #MNF #CHIvsNE

— Michael Robinson (@RealMikeRob) October 25, 2022

Bailey Zappe talking about Mac Jones: pic.twitter.com/isLX6YaCpi

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) October 25, 2022

The business of football is a cold one, especially in New England. #Mac #Zappe

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 25, 2022

No way Zappe should lose his job to Mac Jones

— Howard Chen 陈定豪 (@TheHoChen) October 25, 2022

I don’t know that I have ever seen a game turnaround with a QB change like this one. Mac Jones better get used to holding the clipboard moving forward cause Zappe is GOOOOOOD!!!

— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) October 25, 2022

I want to feel bad for Mac Jones but I’m too impressed by Bailey Zappe right now

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 25, 2022

A cartoon with an explosion and the word ZAPPE! but the thing exploding is Mac Jones’ career

— Zach Ewing (@zewing) October 25, 2022