30 July 2023 , 22:30
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Bailey Zappe suggested he is more comfortable today with the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick’s offensive system ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Despite two decades of enjoying a dominant dynasty, Belichick is looking to turn the AFC East franchise around. The Patriots tallied an 8-9 record in 2022 and missed out on the playoffs for the second time in three years, placing pressure on the head coach amid the development of an intriguing quarterback battle.
Mac Jones, a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled in his sophomore campaign with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions after leading the Pats to the playoffs as a rookie. Once Jones went down with an ankle issue early last season, rookie Zappe took his chance to impress.
After backup quarterback Brian Hoyer got knocked out of the game against the Green Bay Packers, Zappe stepped in and delivered. The fourth-round pick led the Patriots to a crushing 29-0 win over the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium and followed it up with a 38-15 win at the Cleveland Browns.
When Jones was ready to return, many questioned if he should immediately get his job back and the 24-year-old ultimately never relinquished the starting job. As Belichick refused to confirm Jones as the starter for the season, Zappe claimed he is "about 100 percent more" comfortable than this time last summer.
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The struggling Pats offensive unit will surely perform better in 2023 with Bill O’Brien returning as offensive coordinator. With the former Houston Texans head coach designing and calling the plays, the offense should fare better and could help the team return to the postseason again.
On Sunday, Zappe impressed by going 12-for-16 in passing drills with an interception. When asked what it is like to work with O’Brien, Zappe said: “It’s been great.”
Bailey Zappe has taken first-team reps with the New England Patriots in the 2023 offseason (AP)The Patriots have held an open quarterback competition throughout the offseason to determine the starter for the 2023 campaign, as Belichick often does not simply employ the highest-paid quarterback. Back in 2001, Tom Brady usurped Drew Bledsoe., with the sixth-round pick going on to win seven Super Bowl titles - six with New England.
While Jones has taken the bulk of first-team snaps, Zappe has taken some too. The second-year quarterback has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with tight spirals, a quick release, and a familiar Brady-like pocket presence.
Belichick will not wait to turn to Zappe should Jones struggle as he pursues the all-time NFL regular season winning record. He has 329 victories (including playoffs) which places him second for the most in NFL history among coaches behind Don Shula’s mark of 347.