New England is getting hit with Zappe Fever
Starting quarterback Mac Jones was inactive for another week, and veteran Brian Hoyer is on injured reserve, which meant it was another week for Bailey Zappe. Rookie fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe is making things interesting in New England. In his second career start, he went 24/34 passing for 309 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
According to CBS, Zappe is the first quarterback in the Superbowl era to post a 100+ QBR and two wins in his first two starts. Zappe connected with seven different pass catchers against the Browns. Many expected the Patriots offense to be propelled by sophomore running back Rhomondre Stevenson, but he was held in check as Zappe was the difference maker for the offense.
Many still expect Mac Jones to remain the starter when he returns from his ankle injury as soon as next week.
Rookies have a huge day.
The 2022 rookie draft class is looking pretty good. Cole Strange, Tyquan Thornton, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, and Bailey Zappe contributed to New England’s win. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton had arguably the best day as he tailed four receptions for 37 yards, three carries for 16 yards, and two touchdowns. Thornton also had a rushing touchdown on a jet sweep that went for 19 yards.
Jack Jones also played a lot at cornerback; the rookie had two tackles and a pass deflection. Rookie Marcus Jones played snaps at cornerback and had a near pick, but his feet were out of bounds.
All in all, the Patriots rookie class looks strong and Patriots fans should be excited about the future.
Tyquan Thornton will have an impact on the Patriots offense.
Rookie Tyquan Thornton saw his biggest opportunity yet, as veteran receiver Nelson Agholor was inactive, and receiver Kendrick Bourne exited the game after one snap due to a toe injury. Thornton showed off his dynamic playmaking and accelerating speed. The Baylor product finished the game with four receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns. Thornton will continue to be a threat to opposing teams because of his top-notch agility.
Clean up the penalties
The Patriots were uncharacteristically sloppy with penalties. They had 12 flags totaling 96 yards. It was the first time New England committed more than ten penalties in four seasons. Their team discipline will have to improve if they want to compete at a high level.
The Patriots run defense holds the NFL leading rusher to a quiet day.
RB Nick Chubb came into week 6, leading the NFL in multiple categories, including yards per game, touchdowns, and yards per carry. The Patriots had a good game plan stopping Nick Chubb as they limited him to 56 yards and 4.7 yards per carry. If you take out the 18-yarder he had in the third quarter, he would only have 3.5 yards per rush for 38 yards. New England’s next game is against a run-first team in the Chicago Bears, and they will have to keep up their performance as they move along in the season.
Injuries are becoming a concern.
WR Kendrick Bourne, DL Christain Barmore, ST Cody Davis, and DL Deatrich Wise Jr. all had injuries against the Browns with different levels of severity.
WR Kendrick Bourne (toe)
Kendrick Bourne opened things up on Sunday by converting the first third-down of the game for New England for a gain of 17 yards but never saw the field again. He was later announced questionable to return with a toe injury and was seen in a walking boot leaving the stadium. Although Kendrick Bourne’s role on the offense has been slim, with Nelson Agaholor out, he was the WR3 for Sunday’s game. Bourne’s Injury should not be concerning, and the hope is he will be back next week on Monday Night Football.
DL Christain Barmore (knee)
After a third-down stop in the first half, Barmore remained down before being helped off the field. He went to the locker room under his power but was shortly ruled out at halftime. However, he was back on the sidelines with his helmet on to open the second half, which is encouraging for the sophomore defender. Still, his injury is something to monitor, as he was on the injury report last week with a knee injury.
ST Cody Davis (knee)
The veteran special team Cody Davis went down after covering a kickoff late in the first half. As Davis got hit, he immediately grabbed his left knee and was down for a couple of minutes. Although he walked to the locker room under his power, he was quickly ruled out with a knee injury. According to reports, Davis will get tests this week to see the severity of his injury.
DL Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder)
The five-year starter Detrich Wise went down in the fourth quarter after a Nick Chubb five-yard run. He didn’t remain down for long and jogged off the field. The injury was reported as a right shoulder injury, which he has been battling this season. Wise Jr. was back on the field shortly after and finished the game without missing more playing time.
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.
