Since the New England Patriots made the change at quarterback, benching former first-round pick Mac Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe, the offense has improved. Not only are the Patriots scoring more points in their last three games, but they've managed to pick up two wins.
While many are already assuming the Patriots will be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason, Zappe's performance in the 26-23 win over the Denver Broncos may prompt questions of whether he could be their long-term answer under center.
That was a question posed to Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in a recent interview he had with Mass Live's Karen Guregian.
“I don’t know where he belongs, either, and I don’t think we have to rush to judgment on where these guys belong,” Warner said about Zappe. “I think with Bailey, his physical skill set, that’s kind of the one thing you say to yourself: ‘Can he carry a team with his physical skill set?’ Because that’s what truly separates the starter from the backup. Can he be that guy every time out that if he has to throw the ball, can he win games for you? That to me is a starting quarterback in the league.
“And right now, I think Bailey’s done enough to say, ‘I belong.’ Now, give me a shot to see where I belong. Give me a shot to see if I can be that guy, or not.”
The former fourth-round pick completed 25 of his 33 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. The win on the road over the Broncos included a game-winning drive orchestrated by Zappe as he led the Patriots 43 yards before Chad Ryland's 56-yard field goal.
It was one of Zappe's best performances in a Patriots uniform, and despite some in the fanbase wanting the team to "tank," he continues to try and lead New England to victory in an otherwise hopeless season.
The Patriots will be in action next on Sunday as they travel to Highmark Stadium to face the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
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