Zappe Replaces Jones
After two 3 and outs and an interception, Mac Jones was replaced by Bailey Zappe. Jones was 3/6 for 13 yards while rushing for 24 yards on three scrambles. After Jones threw an interception to Bears Safety Jaquon Brisker, Zappe entered the game to lead the Patriots on a four play 55 yard drive that was capped off by a 30 yard touchdown to Jakobi Meyers.
Bailey Zappe on his first drive in this game:
3/3
54 yards
1 TDpic.twitter.com/syjO9nWxYJ— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 25, 2022
Zappe would lead New England to another touchdown on a three play 50 yard drive that was capped off by a Rhamondre Stevenson run from four yards out. The big play on that drive was a 43 yard pass to DeVonte Parker. Parker would go up and snag a fantastic pass between two Bears defenders.
Zappe would end the first half fumbling a handoff to Jakobi Meyers, which was his third turnover of the season. Zappe would then throw an interception to Roquan Smith midway through the fourth quarter. Although the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage, Zappe had 6 passes deflected by defensive lineman tonight.
Another takeaway for the defense! 😈
📺: #CHIvsNE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/mFqiwBDm2B
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 25, 2022
Zappe would throw his second pick of the game with less than three minutes to go to seal the victory for Chicago.
Jone was running around looking good but his turnover troubles continued and I would expect Jones to get one more crack at starting. For the time being though Bailey Zappe has taken lead of the offense.
Matthew Judon Dominates In First Half
Matthew Judon with his 2.5 sacks retook the NFL lead in sacks with eight. Not only was Judon’s constant pressure a problem for the Bears but his deflection on a Justin Fields pass would lead to a Myles Bryant interception. Although Judon had a terrific performance again the Patriots defense was porous.
💪 Matthew Judon showing UP tonight. 💪 pic.twitter.com/TeTdGsXk98
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) October 25, 2022
Justin Fields Ran All Over New England
Justin Field would run all over the Patriots defense in the first half totaling 74 yards on 10 carries, many of them designed quarterback runs. Despite the Bears fumbling three times, they recovered all of them and scooped up a Bailey Zappe fumble as well. Fields finished with 82 yards on the ground while throwing for 179 yards in the air for.
.@justnfields finds the endzone for 6!
📺: #CHIvsNE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/ac2E5tg2j4
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 25, 2022
My Breakdown
The Patriots defense could not stop a nose bleed tonight and let one of the worst offenses in the NFL dominate them throughout the game. Even though Fields was scrambling for majority of the game he was able to keep his eyes downfield and make throws when he needed too.
Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery were unstoppable for Chicago tonight as they both were workhorses tonight. Although it was Field leading the offense, Herbert and Montgomery really were the straw that stirred the drink in this game.
There now is a legitimate quarterback debate for the Patriots as Zappe has fallen back down to earth. Jones who looked to be healthy didn’t have much of a chance after the interception and after watching how Zappe played I think Jones will get the call again next week.
Defensively the Patriots need to just move on and focus on next week. After stopping Clevelands monster rushing attack a week ago I think too much hype was surrounding New Englands average, at best, rushing defense. Going back to the drawing board and focusing on your defensive strengths (Pass Rush/ Coverage) while trying to improve on how to be better defending the run is all the Patriots can do. As the Patriots travel to Metlife Stadium to face the Jets next week Patriots fans everywhere can only hope for a better performance. Maybe the bright lights of Monday Night Football were what the Patriots needed to show the truth of what this team really is.
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