Bailey Zappe: Still Patriots' QB1?

Bailey Zappe believes his extended cameo as the New England Patriots' starting quarterback was enough to earn some form of NFL longevity.

So much attention has been devoted to who the New England Patriots' future quarterback will be that the incumbent has been able to quietly plan his trajectory.

Bailey Zappe's time at the helm of one of the most thankless jobs in professional sports ... starting quarterback for the last six games of the Patriots' 2023 season ... has ended as listlessly as it began. Future generations of New Englanders will likely try to bury Zappe's extended cameo as the Patriots' starter. 

Mac Jones' future in Foxboro is unclear, but is Zappe's also?

David Butler, USA TODAY SPORTS

Sunday's snow was more than willing to do so during the 17-3 loss to the New York Jets that served as the merciful finale to the Patriots' worst season in nearly a quarter-century. The fourth-round pick from 2022 completed 12-of-30 passes for 88 yards and threw two interceptions as the seemingly immortal winning streak against the Jets came to an end, killing off the last remnant of championship glory left over from the team's six Super Bowl runs. 

With this season finally over, the Foxborough focus now turns to the Patriots' next suitor for the title of heir to Tom Brady. Whether that means using the third overall pick in next spring's draft on a passing prospect or perusing the free agent market remains to be seen, but, barring injury to the newcomer, Zappe has probably made his last start for the Patriots (4-13), even if he doesn't see it that way.

“I have the confidence in myself to know that I think I can go out there and lead a team and win games," Zappe said as the Patriots parted ways on Monday, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. "Of course, I want to be here. I’ve always dreamt of playing in the NFL, and of course, I want to be a Patriot. So whatever is decided this offseason, I’ll be ready for training camp, and I’ll come to compete and do everything I can help this team win and hopefully that’s (as) the starter and hopefully we can win.”

Though hardly spectacular, Zappe's play as the Patriots' primary quarterback over the last six games of the season should at least buy him an opportunity to back up the new franchise man. In six starts, Zappe was responsible for seven touchdowns (six passing, one rushing) and eight turnovers (seven interceptions, one fumble), posting a 75.6 passer rating. The Patriots posted a 2-4 record in that span, with the wins coming over playoff contenders from Pittsburgh and Denver.

Confident as he may be about his ability to stick around, Zappe knows he has plenty to work on. Amidst the distraction of who the Patriots might add in the offseason, Zappe vowed to work on his turnover issues. In two one-possession losses at the offensive helm, Zappe lost four balls, three alone coming in the 27-21 loss to Buffalo in Week 17. 

Zappe Welcomes Patriots 2024 QB Competition: 'Bring It On!'

“If you take those away, what happens these last six games? Who knows?" Zappe rhetorically asked in Kyed's report. "Those are things that throughout this offseason, watching film, get with the coaches kind of get a better understanding of how to eliminate those and do a better job at that then, of course, we want to win a lot of games next year.”

---