Mac Jones benched for Bailey Zappe at halftime after latest Patriots letdown

Mac Jones has been benched once again.

After remaining the Patriots’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, Jones was pulled at halftime for backup Bailey Zappe, the fourth time Jones has been benched in a game this season.

The Giants led 7-0 at halftime, but Zappe immediately led the Patriots on a game-tying 60-yard touchdown drive, with Rhamondre Stevenson rushing for a 7-yard score.

Zappe went 6-for-6 with 38 yards on the drive.

Jones threw two interceptions during the first half, completing 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards.

Reports before Sunday’s game indicated that both Jones and Zappe could see action against the Giants, and Jones’ poor first half made that an easier decision.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones fumbles while being hit by the Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux on Nov. 26, 2023.Getty Images

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick refused to name a starting quarterback in the leadup to Sunday’s game after Belichick benched Jones for Zappe for a late two-minute drive during a Week 10 loss to the Colts in Germany.

New England was on a bye last week.

Jones, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie after being taken No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games this season.

Bailey Zappe replaced Mac Jones as the Patriots’ quarterback at halftime against the Giants.Getty Images

Zappe, a fourth-round pick in 2022, entered the game 10-for-25 with 104 yards and an interception in three appearances this season.

The Patriots were 2-8 entering Sunday’s game.