New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) and quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) run onto the field before a game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

What controversy? These Patriots are Bailey Zappe's team

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Oct 24, 2022 9:46 PM ET

When Bailey Zappe led the New England Patriots to a 2-0 record as a starter the past two weeks, there were murmurs of a QB controversy with Mac Jones. After Monday night's start, there doesn't appear to be a controversy anymore.

This is Zappe's team.

Bailey Zappe enters the game at QB for the @Patriots #ForeverNE

: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/jR9nL6KT8t
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022

Jones got the start after missing the last three games with a high ankle sprain and the Patriots quickly fell down 10-0 to the lowly Chicago Bears. Jones was 3-6 for 13 yards and one interception.

Needing a spark, coach Bill Belichick elected to insert Zappe into the lineup. He promptly led the team down the field, highlighted by an incredible play by wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

Bailey Zappe to Jakobi Meyers for a TD! #ForeverNE

: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/sQSRQLKdEo
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022

The run continued on the next drive with a 43-yard strike to wide receiver Davante Parker. Zappe started the game 4-4 for 97 yards.

DeVante Parker OH MY

: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/bHm7xgcf6w
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022

It's been a stunning run for the rookie fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky. He entered the Patriots Hall of Fame after his incredible start through two games. At this rate, Canton will be calling next.

The internet went wild as his stunning run continues.

LMAO. This Zappe thing is incredible
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 25, 2022

This is not fair. Bailey Zappe is too good for the NFL. Illegal.
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 25, 2022

BAILEY ZAPPE IS HIM!!!
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 25, 2022

OH MY BAILEY ZAPPE
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 25, 2022

If all the Patriots receivers are gonna turn into 2007 Randy Moss when Bailey Zappe is in, he should probably be the quarterback.
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) October 25, 2022

Bailey Zappe to Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/rcje14fDjg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 25, 2022

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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