New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey Zappe already in Patriots Hall of Fame

Even if Bailey Zappe were to never throw another NFL pass, he'll always be in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.

Zappe's jersey from the team's 38-15 win over Cleveland this past Sunday found its way to the Patriots' Hall of Fame. Per the placard next to the jersey, "Zappe became the first NFL rookie quarterback to win his first two career starts and record a 100-plus passer rating in those games," while also "becoming the first Patriots rookie quarterback to win his first home start ... and first road start." 

Zappe filled in for QB Brian Hoyer in Green Bay after Hoyer suffered a concussion and nearly pulled off an improbable win. Zappe began the season as the team's third-string quarterback. The team's starting quarterback, Mac Jones, suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 3. In his two-plus games at quarterback, Zappe is completing 72.9 percent of his passes for 596 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.

In his first three games, Zappe played well enough for people to wonder whether there was a quarterback controversy brewing in Foxborough. Those rumors have been put to rest, with Jones potentially returning as soon as Monday night

Plenty of people expected the Patriots to crater in Jones' absence, but Zappe did his part to keep them afloat. Thanks to his record-setting stretch, the Patriots' Hall of Fame made sure Zappe's contributions won't soon be forgotten.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Dyson Daniels steals his way to Most Improved Player Award
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Texas football team reportedly has shockingly high payroll
Five-star USC commit Alijah Arenas receives positive health update
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
Collin Morikawa makes shocking change ahead of PGA Championship
Jets' Jordan Travis makes career-defining decision
Jerry Jones had harsh comment about Cowboys star CB
Astros pitcher who hasn't started since 2022 World Series set to return
Kelce brothers address Shedeur Sanders falling to fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider names front-runner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Report: Eli Manning interested in Giants ownership stake
Mystics 2025 first-round pick's season in doubt after concerning injury
Marlins outfielder expected to miss remainder of 2025 season 
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich

Want more Patriots news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.