Is Bailey Zappe starting in Week 13?

By | Niranjan Bhargav 30 Nov, 2023

The New England Patriots’ slide continued in Week 12 when they were defeated 10-7 by the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots failed to reach double digits for the second consecutive game, indicating their offensive woes.

Mac Jones had again another poor performance, completing only 12 of 21 pass attempts for 89 yards. He also had two interceptions before being pulled from the game in the second half. Bailey Zappe, the backup quarterback, took over, but things could have improved more. He only tried 14 throws, completing nine for 54 yards and throwing an interception.

Zappe drove the Patriots’ offense down the field on the game’s last drive, setting up a game-tying field goal that would have taken the game to overtime. The Giants won, however, because kicker Chad Ryland missed wide left.

Chad Ryland missed a 35-yard game-tying FG , and the patriots lost to the giants 10-7. They have a legit shot at getting the number one pick. How are we feeling pats fans? #patriots pic.twitter.com/dq3XB6iCi4
— DiehardBosFans (@diehardbosfans) November 26, 2023

While the loss stings, the Patriots may take heart in the fact that the Giants advanced to 4-8, 1.5 games ahead of New England, and retain the tiebreaker, assuring that they will be drafted lower than the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft if the two teams end with the same record.

The New England Patriots have the third overall pick, while the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals have the first and second picks, respectively.

Bailey Zappe will make his Patriots debut in Week 13.

After benching Mac Jones four times in 11 games, the Patriots have chosen to keep him on the bench indefinitely and play backup Bailey Zappe against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Patriots are preparing QB Bailey Zappe to start Sunday against the Chargers, per sources. It should be his job this week if all goes as expected.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) November 30, 2023

Zappe, the Patriots’ fourth-round draft selection in 2022, appeared in four games last season, starting two. He threw for 781 yards and five touchdowns on 65 of 92 attempts. He threw three interceptions, but the Patriots won both games in which he started.

This season, Zappe filled in for Jones in all four games where he was benched. The second-year quarterback has tried 39 passes but has only completed 19 for 158 yards. He has thrown two interceptions and 0 touchdown passes.

Since their Week 7 victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots have lost four straight games. They absolutely need a win to break their losing streak. The Chargers are also coming off three consecutive losses.

The matchup on Sunday provides an excellent opportunity for the Patriots to capitalize on a struggling club and stop their losing streak.

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