Is there a quarterback controversy in New England? The short answer is NO, but Patriots fans are starting to get a taste of Zappe fever.
Rookie Bailey Zappe started for the Patriots in the absence of Mac Jones for the second straight week and got the win for the second straight week. As of late, the Patriots are playing their best football and have moved to the top of the league in both offensive and defensive metrics. When Mac Jones injured his ankle and exited in Week 3, the Patriots were 1-2 and sinking themselves in a hole. They turned it around, having won back-to-back games, and are back to 500.
The Western Kentucky product has posted a 100+ quarterback rating in his last three appearances. Additionally, he has completed 51 of 70 passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. He first entered in the first quarter of Week Four at Lambeau Field when Brian Hoyer exited due to a concussion. He managed to go neck and neck with back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers but fell just short in an overtime loss. However, Zappe’s accuracy, calmness, poise, and efficiency have led him to succeed, as he rarely makes the wrong decision with the football. This is similar to Mac Jones’s last year.
Furthermore, the playbook is dialed down for Zappe to make it easier on the fourth-round pick. Meanwhile, Mac has completed Sixty-six percent of his passes for 786 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. Although Zappe is playing lights out, this is Mac’s team. However, if Jones can’t return to his old self, the Patriots know they can count on Zappe…for now.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
