Rookie watch: Patriots’ rookies struggle in loss to Bears

It was a team-wide struggle for the Patriots in their embarrassing defeat to the Chicago Bears on Monday night and it did not spare the rookies. A week after shining in a victory over the Cleveland Browns, the rookie class of 2022 failed to give the team the lift it needed on a weird night. Bailey Zappe wasn’t expected to see any action but came in and immediately gave the Patriots a brief lead. Then the wheels fell off for him and it’s expected that Mac Jones will be back as the starting quarterback in week eight. Here’s how Zappe and the rest of the rookies performed on Monday night.

Jack Jones, B

Jones is still being platooned in the secondary as both Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones were back in the lineup, but he did play over 50% of the snaps. Jones was not targeted in the passing game but showed that he is making strides against the run. Jones tallied a season-high four solo tackles and recorded his first career tackle for loss.

Brenden Schooler, B-

There was no game-changing play this week on special teams, but Schooler was able to make his presence felt with two tackles, a career-high. He will become more important in the kicking game with Cody Davis sidelined for the season, so it was good to see him have an impact. The one negative was a 27-yard punt return that the unit gave up.

Bailey Zappe, C+

Zappe came in hot leading the Patriots to touchdowns on each of his first two possessions. He was able to find a wide open Jakobi Meyers for a touchdown although Meyers was the one who made that happen and set up the second touchdown by hitting DaVante Parker down the sideline in stride on a beautiful ball.

After a 4/4 start for 97 yards, Zappe came back to earth and turned the ball over three times (one fumble, two interceptions) in the final five possessions. There were also numerous balls that were batted down at the line of scrimmage as Zappe’s lack of height came into play.

Marcus Jones, C

Jones saw a bit more action on defense and nearly had an interception on a diving attempt of a Justin Fields pass. It was the only time Jones was targeted but he continues to show good coverage skills and should be in line to replace Myles Bryant who continues to struggle in coverage.

Jones has already replaced Bryant in the kicking game but this was not his best game as a returner. Jones was only able to take one kickoff past the 25-yard line as he routinely cost the Patriots field position and his two punt returns tallied a combined 12 yards.

Cole Strange, C-

It was the worst game of the year for the rookie guard who has been pretty good otherwise. Against a poor run defense, the Patriots were only able to gain 70 yards on the ground as they continually lost the battle at the line of scrimmage. Strange was beaten a few times, allowing some pressures and picked up his first penalty of the year with a holding call. He faces another tough test this week with Quinnen Williams and the Jets.

Tyquan Thornton, C-

With Kendrick Bourne out and Nelson Agholor still working his way back, expectations were a bit higher for Thornton especially after his two-touchdown performance last week. This week, Thornton was targeted five times but was only to catch one pass for 19 yards. The Patriots tried to find him deep a few times, but the connection isn’t quite there yet. His last target resulted in an interception although that was more on Zappe as Thornton had created some separation.

Pierre Strong, Incomplete

Strong saw three snaps on offense but did not record a stat as he struggles to find a role.

Sam Roberts, Incomplete

Roberts saw his defensive snap count go down to one this week as Lawrence Guy was back in action. Even without Christian Barmore, Roberts struggled to see the field other than special teams.

DaMarcus Mitchell, Incomplete

Mitchell continues to be strictly used on special teams and did not record a stat

Chasen Hines, Incomplete

Hines dressed but once again did not see the field even with Isaiah Wynn inactive

Inactive: Kevin Harris