Bill O'Brien Reveals Plan For Patriots' Backup QBs
Mac Jones is the undisputed starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, but every team needs some insurance under center.
In that regard, the Patriots have one of the more interesting backup situations in the NFL. Currently, the only other quarterback on the 53-man roster is Matt Corral, whom the Patriots claimed on waivers last week. New England then has to go to the practice squad for its third-stringer in Bailey Zappe after his surprising cut on roster cutdown day.
It certainly seems like a tenuous situation, but that doesn't phase offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who sung both quarterbacks' praises this week. In regards to Zappe, O'Brien believes that he has taken major strides from his rookie season.
“Bailey's a much-improved player,” O'Brien said. “I think every year is different when it comes to Bill’s [Belichick] decisions with [Patriots director of player personnel] Matt Groh, relative to what the 53-man roster can look like. Those are conversations that I’m not really a part of that. I know Bailey has improved, I’m really happy that he's back with us.”
Zappe, the Patriots' fourth-round pick last year, filled in for Jones at points last year and played quite well given the circumstances. In four appearances and two starts, he completed 70.7 percent of his passes for 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. Even with a rough showing in the preseason, Zappe's release came as one of the biggest surprises on cutdown day. Given that he had to pass through waivers, the Patriots are fortunate to hold onto him.
Corral, meanwhile, has already impressed coaches with his work ethic in just his first week with the team. O'Brien noted how Corral has been a near constant in the Patriots' facility and is always eager to learn.
“Matt has been here morning, noon and night ... You can’t throw everything at him at once because that’s a lot of information," O'Brien said. "So, we try to do a good job of giving them the things that are important for him right now. And it’s a team effort, and he’s done a good job of just coming in here and trying to learn and soak it up.”
Corral is also entering his second year in the NFL, being a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers last year. However, it may as well be his rookie season as he missed all of last year after suffering a Lisfranc injury in the preseason, coincidentally against the Patriots. By coming to New England, Corral is hoping to put his injury behind him and get a fresh start.
While the Patriots likely don't anticipate either quarterback playing in Sunday's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, it's safe to say O'Brien feels confident no matter who's running his offense.
