While Bailey Zappe led the New England Patriots to a 2-1 record while filling as the starting quarterback, Zappe returned to the bench for Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears in favor of a returning Mac Jones. Only, Zappe didn’t stay there for long.
The Patriots got off to a slow start on Monday, quickly falling behind 10-0 to the underdog Bears. That led to the fans in New England chanting for Zappe. Things got worse for Jones on the Patriots’ third possession of the game.
This will do nothing to quiet the Bailey Zappe chants in New England. pic.twitter.com/5mqRMaquTp
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 25, 2022
When New England’s offense took the field again, Zappe was the man under center. The change paid immediate dividends for the Patriots.
…and naturally, he delivers with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers. pic.twitter.com/FiIEEwN2I0
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 25, 2022
After New England intercepted a Justin Fields pass, Zappe led another scoring drive. A 43-yard pass from Zappe to DeVante Parker helped set up a short touchdown run from Rhamondre Stevenson, putting the Patriots on top.
The Bears actually reassumed control of the game for the rest of the second quarter, scoring a touchdown and kicking a field goal to take a 20-14 halftime lead. But by that time, Zappe-mania had already taken over. And it wasn’t just limited to Gillette Stadium. Football fans everywhere were quick to note how much better the team looked.
I've never seen anything like this in my life. The entire team did a 180 when Zappe came in. #Patriots
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) October 25, 2022
Oh my god its Zappening
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) October 25, 2022
Where does Mac Jones get traded this week?
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 25, 2022
zappe is a legend
— Jessica Smetana (@jessica_smetana) October 25, 2022
Might be late to the party, but I think Pats got a new QB in Zappe.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) October 25, 2022
BAILEY ZAPPE IS HIM!!!
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 25, 2022
Furthermore, while it may not be all Jones’ fault, New England’s offense has been significantly more explosive with Zappe than Jones.
Bailey Zappe's 30-yard pass to Jakobi Meyers was his 3rd Pass TD of 25+ yards this season.
That's as many as Mac Jones has in his career. pic.twitter.com/dkyydINqp0
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 25, 2022
Time will tell if Zappe will ultimately replace Jones on a full-time basis. But there’s a definite quarterback controversy brewing with the Patriots.
