‘Even-Keeled’: Bill Belichick Praises New England Patriots' Starting QB Bailey Zappe

While reluctant to confirm his job title, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick appears to be impressed with the consistency of quarterback Bailey Zappe.

FOXBORO — The worst kept “secret” in the northeast continues to be the identity of the New England Patriots starting quarterback for their Week 13 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

However, Pats coach Bill Belichick remains reluctant to announce what everyone within Pats Nation already seems to know — quarterback Bailey Zappe will likley be making his first start of the season on Sunday, with incumbent starter Mac Jones relegated to backup duties, at best.  

“I’m not going to announce starters,” Belichick told reporters on Friday morning. “Everybody has to be ready to go.”

Still, all signs seem to point to New England’s second-year signal caller getting the nod against the Bolts. Not only was Zappe the quarterback of choice in speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, but he has also  taken the majority of his practice snaps with the first-team offense throughout the week, with rookie scout teamer Malik Cunningham getting looks as well. 

While Belichick may have fallen short of confirming Zappe’s Week 13 job title, he seemed impressed by the 24-year-old’s rational and steady approach to the impending transition. 

“He’s pretty consistent,” Belichick said when asked about Zappe’s preparation. “It’s about what it’s been all year. He’s pretty even-keeled, not a lot of roller coaster with him.”

Zappe’s steady hand may be exactly what New England needs to help spark an overall anemic offense. The Patriots rank at No. 31 in the NFL in scoring, and No. 23 in turnovers — with Jones bearing much of the blame. The 25-year-old has completed 224 passes for 2,120 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Having been benched in four of the Pats’ contests to date, the need to make a change at the position became almost certainly inevitable. 

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, QB Bailey Zappe / Cred: NBC Sports Boston

It should be noted that Zappe has also struggled this season. In four relief appearances, the Western Kentucky product has completed only 19 passes for 158 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He has routinely shown difficulty in making his reads, as well as getting the ball downfield. Still, the Chargers pass defense is among the worst in the NFL, allowing 280 yards per game and ranking No. 30 with 7.3 yards-per-pass. Though the Pats must be prepared for a potentially explosive pass rush led by linebacker Khalil Mack, Zappe may be in line to recapture some of his rookie season magic against Los Angeles this weekend. 

Bailey Zappe on Patriots Starting QB: ‘Nothing Set in Stone’

Should Zappe find success, it may bode well for his future in Foxboro beyond 2023. Despite the overall consensus that the Pats will be in the market for a starting quarterback, Zappe may solidify his place as the team’s primary backup. However, his head coach is clearly not ready to look too deeply into the future. 

“I really haven’t really thought about 2024,” Belichick said. “I’m trying to get ready for the Chargers here and get our team ready to go.”

“I think the preparation has been good,” he added. “Put in the time, preparation, I think everybody’s trying to do that across the board at every position. We’ll see how it looks on Sunday … That’s always the test.”

The Patriots and Chargers are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. 

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