Pats' Meyers takes issue with Jones' benching: 'It was an ugly situation'

Not only did Mac Jones' benching Monday against the Chicago Bears take Jakobi Meyers by surprise, but it also rubbed the New England Patriots receiver the wrong way.

"It's tough as a man to see somebody who worked so hard get that kind of treatment," Meyers said, per NBC Sports Boston.

After Jones completed 3 of 6 passes for 13 yards and one interception through three series, New England pulled him for rookie passer Bailey Zappe. Meyers attempted to encourage Jones in a one-on-one conversation later in the game.

The fourth-year wideout also faulted Patriots fans for being part of an "ugly situation" after they greeted Zappe with cheers.

"Not even the coaches, just everybody. The crowd, all of it," Meyers said, per The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan. "It was an ugly situation, in my opinion."

Meyers confirmed Jones took most of New England's first-team reps in the week's final practice Saturday. The Patriots passer was making his return after missing three weeks due to a high ankle sprain.

But despite all of Meyers' misgivings about Jones' benching, the receiver said he understands the decision is part of life at the pro level.

"That's the NFL for you," he said, according to Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston. "It's a fast-changing business."

Zappe completed 14 of 22 passes for 185 yards and two interceptions Monday. He also threw a 30-yard touchdown to Meyers while leading New England on consecutive end-zone trips following his insertion into the game.

After the 33-14 loss, head coach Bill Belichick said the team planned to play both quarterbacks, partly due to Jones' injury. He declined to name a starting passer moving forward.

Regardless of who's under center, running back Rhamondre Stevenson doesn't believe there'll be any offensive drop-off for the Patriots.

"We all practice the same plays the same week," he said. "So, no drop-off or anything."