In the world of professional football, the quarterback is a key player in the team’s success. The New England Patriots are no exception, and as they prepare for the 2023 season, questions abound regarding the future of their quarterback position.
With uncertainty surrounding the status of Mac Jones, who experienced a difficult year following a promising rookie season in 2021, another contender has emerged – Bailey Zappe. As the Patriots’ head coach, Bill Belichick, remains tight-lipped about his decision, fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipate the outcome of this quarterback battle.
While the Patriots have yet to officially name their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, Zappe, the team’s 2022 fourth-round pick, is poised and ready for the opportunity. Speaking at a youth football clinic in Newport, Rhode Island, Zappe expressed his determination to make the most of any chance he gets to lead the team on the field. Though the final decision lies with Belichick, Zappe’s eagerness to prove himself demonstrates the competitive spirit that fuels the team’s success.
Bailey Zappe spoke today between drills as the @PatsFoundation held a youth football clinic at Naval Station Newport. He was asked by @NBC10_Joe about his mindset entering OTA’a and competing at quarterback. pic.twitter.com/VB1Lz7tRsf
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 12, 2023
How has Bailey Zappe performed on the field?
Zappe made an impressive NFL debut last year at Green Bay, stepping in after injuries to both Jones and Brian Hoyer. In his first game, he completed 10 of 15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, helping the Patriots secure an overtime victory against the Packers. After starting in two more games, Zappe finished the season with a completion rate of 70.7% and five touchdowns. These statistics, combined with his rushing ability, showcase Zappe’s potential as a formidable starting quarterback.
Can Zappe outshine Jones in the Patriots’ offense?
Comparing the two quarterbacks, Zappe’s stats from his brief NFL career are quite similar to those of Jones. In his 14 starts, Jones completed 65.2% of his passes for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. While Jones has more experience under his belt, Zappe’s promising performance in his limited appearances has many speculating about whether he can overtake Jones as the team’s preferred quarterback.
However, the return of Bill O’Brien as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator could play a role in the quarterback decision. O’Brien previously worked with Jones at Alabama, where they won the national championship during the 2020 college football season. However, Belichick’s recent comments suggest that this connection may not guarantee Jones the starting position, as the coach emphasized the importance of giving all players an opportunity to compete for playing time.
As Patriots fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this quarterback competition, training camp will likely provide more insight into Belichick’s preference for the 2023 season. Will Zappe rise to the challenge and secure the starting position, or will Jones reestablish himself as the team’s leader on the field? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the New England Patriots are gearing up for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
