New England Patriots Choose Bailey Zappe as Starting Quarterback for Showdown with Chargers

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A little over three months ago, quarterback Bailey Zappe was waived by the New England Patriots after the preseason, facing an uncertain future. However, he recently made his mark as he stepped in as the Patriots’ starter in place of Mac Jones against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick had not made a public announcement about the starting quarterback leading into the game, but there were numerous indications that Zappe would be taking the field. This was evident as Zappe and practice-squad quarterback/receiver Malik Cunningham were taking top snaps at practice.

Furthermore, Jones didn’t hold his weekly news conference, with Zappe addressing reporters instead.

“It’s been crazy. It’s part of the journey,” Zappe said when asked about being waived by the team. “It’s been fun, a lot of learning, so I’m excited.”

Upon entering the locker room late Thursday afternoon, Zappe was greeted by a large crowd of reporters awaiting his arrival, to which he said, “All right, here we go.”

“It’s cliché to say it, but I try to prepare every week like I’m a starter as far as watching film, studying the plays and getting with the guys. So, for me this week is not any different,” he added.

Zappe had started two games last season when Jones was sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, contributing to two victories for the Patriots. He hopes that experience will be beneficial for him in his new role.

“Trying to limit turnovers. We were able to do that those two times and hopefully just trying to carry that over and do my job,” he expressed.