Another week, another New England Patriots controversy at quarterback. It seems like every time you look up there is something in the news about Bill Belichick being coy or not committing to one quarterback or another. Plus the constant in-game switching between former first round pick and incumbent starter, Mac Jones, and backup Bailey Zappe, doesn’t exactly help calm the chatter.
After being given a second chance post a poor outing against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany, Mac Jones was once again pulled from the starting line up at half time in Week 12 against the New York Football Giants, leading many post game questions about his future viability leading the team. Especially, considering the many report that vividly depict his lack of popularity in the locker room.
Reports today came out with clues, pointing towards a certain QB direction being taken by the coaching staff. Now, we can confirm that Belichick and the Patriots have made their decision for Week 13.
The Patriots are preparing QB Bailey Zappe to start Sunday against the Chargers, per sources. It should be his job this week if all goes as expected.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) November 30, 2023
NB: I know this account is, for some reason, unverified on Twitter, but trust me, this guy is the NFL National Insider for The Athletic – the news is legit.
Why Are The New England Patriots Starting Bailey Zappe?
The New England Patriots, after last week’s diabolical loss to none other than rookie undrafted free agent and low-level internet sensation, Tommy DeVito, are clearly not content with their situation at the quarterback position. Despite the fact that the game was lost on a shanked field goal from highly disappointing (so far) rookie kicker, Chad Ryland, both Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones ought to bear much of the responsibility for the loss to the now 4-8 Giants.
(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Yet, as someone who watched parts of the game, or more accurately, basically whatever minor highlights the NFL Redzone were cruel enough to put us through – essentially just turnovers – Bailey Zappe and the second half offense seemed to be at least a marginal improvement upon the interception ridden, stagnant offence of the first half. Even though Jones has always been moderately efficient throwing underneath routs, he has always struggled at the pro level to push the ball downfield, and when he has he is turned over far more often than he, or anyone unlucky enough to be on his side, would like.
So it makes sense to give Zappe, who last year had some impressive games against the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, and went 2/2 in starts – a chance to put some sort of stamp on the position for at least the rest of the year.
And hey, if it doesn’t work out, the team still have Malik Cunningham, who may end up being the backup this week (one can only hope) – and has an opportunity to be a dynamic, dual-threat playmaker for the Patriots at some point in the future.
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