There are so many rumors and reports swirling around the New England Patriots and starting quarterback Mac Jones that it’s hard to know what’s fact and fiction.
However, if the possibility exists for backup quarterback Bailey Zappe to compete for the starting role, he’s ready to take it.
“If my opportunity presents itself, I’m going to take full advantage of it,” the second-year quarterback said Wednesday at a youth football clinic. “I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win.
“That’s really all I can say from that standpoint. That’s Coach Belichick’s decision. Whatever he decides. But if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready and take advantage of it.”
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
Zappe was a fan favorite last season when he appeared in four games for New England, starting two of them while Jones was injured. He was 2-0 in his starts and ended the season with five touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 100.9 passer rating.
Belichick certainly opened the door for the possibility that Zappe could usurp Jones when he said at the owners’ meetings that “everybody will get a chance to play, and we’ll play the best players.”
It remains to be seen if Mac Jones will indeed still be the Patriots’ starting quarterback by the time September rolls around.
