When Bailey Zappe was cut from the Patriots during training camp, he called it his “wake-up call.” Once he was signed back to the practice squad, he vowed that he would eventually take over as New England’s starting quarterback.
He finally got his shot in Week 13, but it resulted in a disappointing shutout loss to the Chargers. Less than a week later, Zappe finally looked like a starting NFL QB, putting together an impressive performance against the Steelers on “Thursday Night Football.”
Zappe and the Patriots went into Pittsburgh and delivered a 21-18 win over the Steelers, snapping the team’s five-game winning streak. After combining for just 13 points in New England’s last three games, the offense exploded for 21 points in the first half, giving Bill Belichick’s crew a lead it did not give up.
“Just giving it to my playmakers,” Zappe said after the game on his team’s play. “Just doing the best I can to get them the ball. As coach Belichick always says, we can’t make yards until I get rid of the ball. Just give it to these guys, let them go make plays. That was kind of the whole mindset of this game.”
MORE: How Bailey Zappe secured QB1 role on Patriots over Mac Jones
The Sporting News takes a look at Zappe’s production against the Steelers on Thursday night.
Bailey Zappe stats vs. Steelers
Zappe and the Patriots’ offense came out aggressive in the first half. The New England quarterback became the first Patriot since Tom Brady in 2018 to throw three passing touchdowns in the first half of a game.
New England wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. On their opening drive, Zappe and the Pats marched down the field at Acrisure Stadium, punctuating the series with an 11-yard touchdown catch by running back Ezekiel Elliott.
FEED ZEKE! The @Patriots take an early lead in Pittsburgh. #NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/az6pNxbQd5— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023
After a Steelers’ field goal put the home squad on the board, Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers set up the offense nicely with an interception of Pittsburgh quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The interception gave New England possession deep in Pittsburgh territory, and Zappe needed just two plays to find the end zone again. This time, he connected with the birthday boy, tight end Hunter Henry, for an eight-yard score early in the second quarter.
.@Patriots make use of the interception quick! Zappe to Henry for the TD 🙌#NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/sMZTrR0LRv— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023
The Zappe connected with Henry yet again later in the second quarter. The New England QB placed a perfect ball into the outstretched hands of his tight end, as Henry made a phenomenal play for the touchdown to extend the Patriots’ lead to 21-3.
WOW! 😱 Zappe to Henry AGAIN for another @Patriots TD#NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/8kv5FZRGjb— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023
This pass and catch was just beautiful 🔥 @baileyzappe04#NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/PU2K6irKAG— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023
In total, Zappe finished the first half against Pittsburgh completing 14 of his 21 passes for 196 passing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 9.3 yards per throw, helping build a 21-10 lead for New England.
The second half was not nearly as explosive for Zappe. The Patriots were shut out in the final two quarters of the game, failing to cross into Pittsburgh territory at all. Zappe also threw an interception on the team’s second drive in the third quarter, giving the Steelers a chance to cut into the deficit, but the Pittsburgh offense did not capitalize off the turnover.
Zappe ended the game 19-of-28 passing for 240 yards, three scores and a pick, finishing with a quarterback rating of 115.2. He also added 13 yards on the ground, picking up his first win in 2023.
The fourth-round pick from 2022 bounced back extremely well after an underwhelming start against Los Angeles last week. The win pushed the Patriots to 3-10 on the year, and while it’s likely too little, too late for a playoff push, these games still have plenty of meaning.
Zappe most certainly solidified his role as QB1 going forward for Belichick’s squad. If he can build an impressive resume over these last four weeks, he will have a strong argument to be the Patriots’ starter in 2024.
