5 New England Patriots players who must roar in Week 5 vs Detroit Lions
4. New England Patriots rookie QB Bailey Zappe can’t be the reason they lose
With Mac Jones listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions, it looks like New England Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe will make his first NFL start in what will be a must win for the team.
While it isn’t ideal that the Patriots are leaning on a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky to lead them to a win, Bill Belichick and the Patriots coaching staff will put Zappe in position to just not make the mistakes that will lose the game.
In that respect, Zappe is No. 4 on this list because he must stay within the game plan and lean on the Patriots’ rush attack which should have a big day against the worst run defense in the league. The Patriots defense also must step up to prevent Zappe from getting in a shootout with Jared Goff and the Lions.
A game manager?
That is what he will be asked to be. With a week to prepare, Belichick believes the rookie will at least have some more experience under his belt to be able to run the offense.
"“He’s gotten a lot more snaps [in practice], which is always a good thing for a quarterback in timing and communication,” Belichick told the media on Friday. “So he’s definitely making progress with more experience and more opportunity.”"
In making his actual NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, Zappe settled in nicely after some obvious jitters his first couple of drives. Zappe was 10-of-15 for 99 yards and a touchdown in relief of veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer. He almost helped the team pull off a major upset as the Patriots took the Packers to overtime.
What prevented that win was the team managing Zappe during an overtime drive that started at the Packers’ 50-yard line. The New England Patriots had a chance to grab a victory, but instead played it safe with the rookie. While that approach was understood, the Patriots will need Zappe to make some plays with his arm. Sunday will be a good time for that.