Pats select Western Kentucky QB Bailey Zappe at 137

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

He wasn't good, but I appreciate he didn't completely break down after that start.

Honestly this is my biggest takeaway from Zappe. He had the horrid start and yet kept playing hard and fought back to try to get them to win the game ever though he put them in a hole. Mac has no such ability.

Zappe is a gunslinger. He lacks the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL but he certainly has the mental fortitude. Again, a stark difference from Mac. There's zero question in my mind that Zappe is the far better QB.

But the Pats still need a franchise QB.

 

[lexrageorge]

Honestly this is my biggest takeaway from Zappe. He had the horrid start and yet kept playing hard and fought back to try to get them to win the game ever though he put them in a hole. Mac has no such ability.

Zappe is a gunslinger. He lacks the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL but he certainly has the mental fortitude. Again, a stark difference from Mac. There's zero question in my mind that Zappe is the far better QB.

But the Pats still need a franchise QB.

I always felt the idea of a backup QB is to keep the ship afloat if the franchise QB needs to miss a few games due to injury. Zappe seems like the type that can allow an otherwise good team to go 3-3 or 4-2 in the temporary absence of a starter. And he'll be cheap next year.

 

[jezza1918]

Honestly this is my biggest takeaway from Zappe. He had the horrid start and yet kept playing hard and fought back to try to get them to win the game ever though he put them in a hole. Mac has no such ability.

Zappe is a gunslinger. He lacks the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL but he certainly has the mental fortitude. Again, a stark difference from Mac. There's zero question in my mind that Zappe is the far better QB.

But the Pats still need a franchise QB.

What's so perplexing, and something Im not sure we will ever gain enough insight on to judge what happen - is that I completely agree with everything you write here. But at the same time, couldn't we have said the same thing about Mac after the first couple games this season. "Ok - he's regressed a ton since his rookie year, and lacks the tools to be the franchise qb. but at least he fought back and gave them a chance to win against two good teams even after falling into deep holes because of some self inflicted wounds." Even dating back to the last two losses last season, it was the same kind of story - holes against good teams and clawed back to within striking distance. Maybe if you have enough of those it just breaks you?
I dont have time to catch up on this thread and it's been awhile since Ive poked my head in so apologies in advance if the following thought has been discussed - but if the pats draft a rookie high, I dont know if Id want Zappe here as the starter or backup as I feel like that would cause some friction. Would prefer an older, cheap vet.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

What's so perplexing, and something Im not sure we will ever gain enough insight on to judge what happen - is that I completely agree with everything you write here. But at the same time, couldn't we have said the same thing about Mac after the first couple games this season. "Ok - he's regressed a ton since his rookie year, and lacks the tools to be the franchise qb. but at least he fought back and gave them a chance to win against two good teams even after falling into deep holes because of some self inflicted wounds." Even dating back to the last two losses last season, it was the same kind of story - holes against good teams and clawed back to within striking distance. Maybe if you have enough of those it just breaks you?
I dont have time to catch up on this thread and it's been awhile since Ive poked my head in so apologies in advance if the following thought has been discussed - but if the pats draft a rookie high, I dont know if Id want Zappe here as the starter or backup as I feel like that would cause some friction. Would prefer an older, cheap vet.

Mac looked kinda like that in his first two games. Then he collapsed. He had the mild rebound in the Bills game (the only game in his career where he showed some clutch ability) and then lost it all again. It cannot be described how bad he was in the Indy game. That awful INT at the goal line pretty much ended his career, and rightfully so.

Zappe plays differently than Mac. He moves around in the pocket more and is able to keep his eyes downfield. When he screws up, he dusts himself off and goes at it again. Mac could not do that.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Honestly this is my biggest takeaway from Zappe. He had the horrid start and yet kept playing hard and fought back to try to get them to win the game ever though he put them in a hole. Mac has no such ability.

Zappe is a gunslinger. He lacks the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL but he certainly has the mental fortitude. Again, a stark difference from Mac. There's zero question in my mind that Zappe is the far better QB.

But the Pats still need a franchise QB.

Zappe's a gamer. I think he does have potential as a backup.

 

[Justthetippett]

I think Zappe is the perfect backup. He can credibly steer the team and give them a chance to win, but he provides zero threat to take over from a competent, physically-gifted, starter of the kind they'll hopefully draft. He competes but keeps an even keel and has a good field/sideline presence, rarely trying to go outside of himself or the structure of what's being called. A much different story from Mac. Although to the latter's credit, he has seemed to support the team well after his demotion.

 

[tims4wins]

9-26 2 INT 11.4 rating. Zappe Fever!

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

9/26, 65 yards, 2 picks.

He got all those starter reps this week! That said, it was snowing out. When he gets starter reps, plays in perfect conditions, plays at home, and doesn't play divisional games, the man can put together 1 solid drive a game!

Better be starting next season.

 

[Gash Prex]

Is he even a competent backup?

 

[jsinger121]

Is he even a competent backup?

No. Both him and Mac needed to be dumped after this year.

 

[lexrageorge]

Is he even a competent backup?

Maybe. I mean, most backups around the league are not very good. He doesn't cost any cap space beyond the roster spot. Likely will have a chance to compete in training camp, but 50/50 he's on another team's roster next season.

 

[Devizier]

9/26, 65 yards, 2 picks.

He got all those starter reps this week! That said, it was snowing out. When he gets starter reps, plays in perfect conditions, plays at home, and doesn't play divisional games, the man can put together 1 solid drive a game!

Better be starting next season.

Dude played like a mid-late round quarterback

(not a compliment)

 

[Kull]

Absent a major improvement in the OL, Zappe is exactly who you want starting the season. Unless you're all-in on having the Pats top 3 rookie QB killed in one of his first few games.

 

[jose melendez]

Honestly this is my biggest takeaway from Zappe. He had the horrid start and yet kept playing hard and fought back to try to get them to win the game ever though he put them in a hole. Mac has no such ability.

Zappe is a gunslinger. He lacks the physical tools to be a good QB in the NFL but he certainly has the mental fortitude. Again, a stark difference from Mac. There's zero question in my mind that Zappe is the far better QB.

But the Pats still need a franchise QB.

I think this is a really good take.

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

At the end of the day, Zappe was actually worse than Mac by nearly every statistical measure. Lower completion rate, lower rating, higher interception rate, sacked more, etc. Depressing stuff.

 

[Frisbetarian]

Per Statmuse, Zappe had the 10th lowest single game QBR of quarterbacks with over 25 pass attempts in NFL history today (1.8). It was arguably the worst of all time, since the other quarterbacks all did this at least 19 years ago, and the game has changed appreciably. Including sacks, the Patriots had just 31 net yards on 30 pass attempts.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

I know the conditions weren’t great today but man was he bad today. I really hope I don’t have to watch him or Mac in a Pats uniform in 2024.

 

[DJnVa]

I find it really hard to fault him for today's game. The conditions sucked.

 

[8slim]

At the end of the day, Zappe was actually worse than Mac by nearly every statistical measure. Lower completion rate, lower rating, higher interception rate, sacked more, etc. Depressing stuff.

Yup. He just looks better being bad.

But he’s bad.

 

[8slim]

I find it really hard to fault him for today's game. The conditions sucked.

Sadly the worst condition was playing in front of the Pats OL.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Yup. He just looks better being bad.

But he’s bad.

I have never once argued otherwise. Yesterday was a farce all around.

Statistics be damned, he's better than Mac. But he's still terrible.

 

[Kliq]

The team had lost all confidence in Mac's ability to win games and played like it. Zappe was just a fresh face and it exacted some more energy out of the rest of the team, which led to more competitive play even if he was just as bad as Mac.

 

[bakahump]

I will give Zappe Credit.....there is no quit in the kid.

Mac.....ehhhh not so much.

That in itself is worth keeping Zappe around as day 1 "take the beating while the new kid gets Practice reps" starter with an eye toward the future clipboard. Though BB/whomever may want a Day 1 Starter/eventual backup with more experience to help mentor the new kid.

And isnt a "Gunslinger" the type you want for a backup? "Ok guys screw it lets win this!"

 

[RSN Diaspora]

nm

 

[Van Everyman]

Did Bailey Zappe retire?

 

[RSN Diaspora]

Did Bailey Zappe retire?

Oops. Wrong thread. Hahaha.

 

[Over Guapo Grande]

Did Bailey Zappe retire?

He would have spent his entire career as a Patriot, so there is that...

 

[Salva135]

Does anyone see him sticking around next year? I assume Mac is gone with the drafting of a QB at 3, but is Zappe the guy you want as a backup? It seemed pretty evident from quotes from Zappe last season that he was not only gunning for Mac's job but quite pleased with Mac's failures, and there was speculation as to whether this is the kind of guy you want in the QB room when you're trying to develop your starter.

I get the whole Brady "I'm never giving this job back" competition stuff, but Zappe had a number of shit-eating grins on his face at the podium last year and Belichick did nothing to squash the idea that him and Mac were climbing over each other for their careers. He clearly wants to start, and I don't know if keeping him is the best way to kick off the new regime with a new QB that is the key to the entire operation.

 

[jsinger121]

I want Zappe gone as well next season. He’s not the type of guy I want around a young high drafted QB should they go that route.

 

[DJnVa]

I want Zappe gone as well next season. He’s not the type of guy I want around a young high drafted QB should they go that route.

In what way? Saying "type of guy" makes it sound like he's an a-hole.

 

[BaseballJones]

Clean house at QB. Draft Maye/Daniels and sign a legit vet backup like Brissett.

 

[DJnVa]

Clean house at QB. Draft Maye/Daniels and sign a legit vet backup like Brissett.

I don't disagree, was just wondering about the phrasing.

 

[BaseballJones]

I don't disagree, was just wondering about the phrasing.

Yeah, I'm sorry. My post wasn't a response to yours. I didn't make that clear. I was just musing on what I'd do with the QB situation. I wouldn't keep Zappe. He doesn't seem like a "type of guy" (as a human being) I'm interested in getting rid of. He just isn't that good (by NFL standards) and I think they can upgrade even at backup QB pretty easily and cheaply.

 

[Bowser]

I don't know. You want your backup QB to want to start, and you want your starter -- even if he's a rookie -- to be tough enough to deal with a little competition. Zappe, to me, has the makings of a high-level backup, and he's cheap. I'd keep him. He might also change his tune if he's sitting behind Drake Maye rather than McCorkle.

 

[Cellar-Door]

I don't know. You want your backup QB to want to start, and you want your starter -- even if he's a rookie -- to be tough enough to deal with a little competition. Zappe, to me, has the makings of a high-level backup, and he's cheap. I'd keep him. He might also change his tune if he's sitting behind Drake Maye rather than McCorkle.

I don't want him because I want a vet to either backup or let the rookie sit a bit, and I don't see Zappe as worth a roster spot as the 3rd QB. I'd cut him and see if I can get him on the PS to be emergency 3rd

 

[j44thor]

Zappe probably still thinks he should be a starter in this league long term and you can't fault him for that. I don't think you want that as your backup/,mentor to the next QB you draft and invest high draft capital in though. To me the perfect backup/vet starter would be Tyrod Taylor. He should come cheap and you can run a similar offense with him that you can with any of the 3 QBs you would end up drafting as they are all fairly mobile. He is good enough to help you assess the rest of the team and make a smooth transition to your QB of the future when the time is right.

 

[DJnVa]

I don't want him because I want a vet to either backup or let the rookie sit a bit, and I don't see Zappe as worth a roster spot as the 3rd QB. I'd cut him and see if I can get him on the PS to be emergency 3rd

This is fair. Remember though, there may be some "extra" roster spots if Mayo doesn't use as many as BB did on straight special teams guys.

 

[Cellar-Door]

This is fair. Remember though, there may be some "extra" roster spots if Mayo doesn't use as many as BB did on straight special teams guys.

yeah, could definitely be a spot for him, but this is a young team with a lot of holes, I'd rather hold an extra WR, CB, RB, etc. more chance they contribute overall and they help on STs.

 

[Salva135]

Here's to hoping the new offensive staff clears the entire room. Draft the QB at 3, find a vet backup. Let's f'in goooo.

 

[AlNipper49]

I want whatever Vet backup’s skill set matches most closely to whomever we draft. Keep it simple, it’ll be like another coach and if we do depend on him then what is presumably going to be a young roster will adapt most quickly to

 

[DJnVa]

I want whatever Vet backup’s skill set matches most closely to whomever we draft.

Problem is that FA is before the draft and, assuming we're gonna go QB at #3 we won't know who that is.

I imagine that after the combine, when teams meet with these guys, we'll start to get some chatter about things in regard to the QBs.

 

[Cellar-Door]

I want whatever Vet backup’s skill set matches most closely to whomever we draft. Keep it simple, it’ll be like another coach and if we do depend on him then what is presumably going to be a young roster will adapt most quickly to

Won't know who we draft until after we sign the QB, though nobody out there will have exactly Daniels' skillset and he and Maye are similar otherwise.

Overall though, I think I want a competent QB who can be leaned on if the young guy is maybe not ready day 1 (particularly if it is the younger Maye).We have like 8 new coaches who have QB experience, so I don't need a "Coach" QB, just a solid pro who can set an example of working hard, etc. Brissett would be nice, Tyrod maybe?

 

[MuppetAsteriskTalk]

As long as we fire Mac into the sun, I don't care if Zappe stays or goes. The fact that he wants to fight to be a starter isn't a bad thing in my mind.

 

[lexrageorge]

Zappe is fine as a break glass in emergency backup for a game or three. He costs nothing to keep around as the #3 QB; hope they find a vet as #2 and draft QB1. His attitude does not even show up on the radar screen when it comes to the team's problems last season.

 

[PRabbit]

Maybe Mac was THAT much of a shitheel that Zappe felt a bit of schadenfreude.

 

[Salva135]

Draft a QB at 3, draft his backup in a later round. I'm done trying to outsmart everyone else. Keep it simple and play hard.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Maye
Brisset
Joe Milton (late round project QB)

Mac and Zappe long gone and hard to find.

 

[Salva135]

I want Zappe gone but I also realize these are no longer BB decisions, these are Mayo decisions. Completely unpredictable but fun.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I dont care if he's here or gone. I lean gone, because if you have him starting games, you're fucked. If that's the case - and he brings no other value to the spot like leadership or mentoring - then get gone.

 

[Bowser]

Zappe strikes me as a little like Zolak -- I think I'm remembering Zo correctly -- in that he has this unearned swagger that inspires a sense of optimism when he's on the field. Zo, like Zappe, mostly sucked, but on occasion he'd do something pretty decent, and he'd start firing the finger pistols and it would be fun and we'd think, hey, maybe we have something here. We didn't, but maybe that's a guy worth rostering.