The Patriots ready to rally behind Bailey Zappe?
Despite the loss to the Packers on Sunday, the Patriots showed guts and played tough. The Patriots are now 1-3, for the second straight season. They’ll also have to navigate their schedule with Bailey Zappe under center.
Zappe came into the game in the first quarter after Brian Hoyer was knocked out of the game with a head injury.
The Patriots had Zappe ready for the game against the Packers and it showed. He led New England on two touchdown drives in the second half. The former fourth-rounder became the first rookie quarterback to score a touchdown this season.
“It’s a dream come true to play in an NFL game,” said Zappe. “It’s obviously not the outcome we wanted at all. I first want to give credit to my teammates. They kept me calm, getting the nerves out of me. Everybody played well tonight. O line played well, we ran the ball well, it really just comes down to me, I’ve got to make more plays.”
Zappe’s teammates gave his massive praise following the game.
“I just wanna give a huge shoutout to Zappe, man,” Matthew Judon said postgame. “The way he stepped up in that game. I don’t believe he even took that man reps with the [first-team offense]. And the way he played, the poise he had — that’s amazing for a rookie. That’s good for our team. But just big shout-outs to him for being ready.”
“Proud of the way he competed,” captain David Andrews said. “Went really quickly from probably thinking he wasn’t playing much this year, to getting thrown in the mix in a pretty hostile environment against a really good defense. I thought he led us well, thought he did a really good job.”
The Patriots coaches had Zappe ready after a shaky start. His coaches definitely protected him with the game calling, despite that, he made big plays.
Zappe went 10-for-15 for 99 yards, a touchdown and a 107.4 QB Rating. The rookie was also sacked three times during the game.
“I thought Bailey really competed well, a lot of guys compete well, we just obviously came up a little bit short,” said Bill Belichick.
It’s unknown the status of Hoyer for the next game against the Lions. Mac Jones is expected to miss another game. The team feels like they can trust Zappe. Now the Patriots need to find a backup if Hoyer and Jones are down for next week.
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