Patriots QB Bailey Zappe Will Start Against the Browns
It was confirmed on Saturday that Patriots quarterback Mac Jones will be out another week despite traveling with the team. Jones was questionable for the game leading up to the night before, so fans will be happy to see Zappe. Bailey Zappe is going to make his second career start in Cleveland on Sunday. Zappe completed 17-21 throws for 188 passing yards and added a touchdown and one interception against the Detroit Lions last week in a 29-0 win. Granted, he did hand the ball off for a good portion of the game, but his throws looked great. The Patriots are being cautious with Jones and his high ankle sprain and taking it “day by day,” as coach Belichick said to reporters and the media.
Lights Aren’t Too Bright for Patriots Zappe
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for the Patriots since Jones suffered the high ankle sprain against the Baltimore Ravens in the home opener. Zappe went from third-string quarterback to now leading New England right under center. He handled himself to the best of his ability in the overtime loss to the Packers. No one expected him to start one single game this season, but injuries let that happen. He has kept his composure leading this high-profile franchise for the foreseeable future.
Will Bill Belichick Have a QB Competition?
Will the New England Patriots season come down to Zappe versus Jones with a quarterback battle? Zappe has looked good in one and a half games this season after backup Brian Hoyer left the game against the Green Bay Packers with a concussion. He has 287 passing yards and two touchdowns on the year, with a passer rating of 104.7 on the season. Meanwhile, on the other side, Jones has 786 passing yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 76.2. If you’re the coach, you have to roll with the hot hand right now, even if Jones comes back fully healthy, and that’s Zappe right now. We all know we don’t get many answers out of Belichick, but this is an interesting situation to keep an eye on in the incoming weeks.
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