Oct 2, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Who is Bailey Zappe, the rookie who may start at QB for Patriots?

By Andrew Marshall | Last updated 10/5/22

After nearly shocking the Packers on the road in Week 4, Patriots rookie QB Bailey Zappe may start in Week 5 at home against the Lions. The Patriots may have no other choice with starter Mac Jones and backup Brian Hoyer nursing injuries.

Zappe, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, played most of his college career at the FCS level before transferring to Western Kentucky for his senior season. In his lone year as a Hilltopper, he led the nation in several passing categories, including touchdowns (62), passing yards (5,967) and attempts (686).

All those reps proved valuable when being thrown into the fire in Green Bay.

Bailey Zappe's first career TD pass gives the @Patriots the lead!

: #NEvsGB on CBS
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/YPHqeLC4zg pic.twitter.com/tsVOmLA3Eq
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022

Every year, rookie quarterbacks with far higher investment than the 137th pick in the draft look lost.

In Green Bay, Zappe displayed competence and composure after entering the game in the first quarter for an injured Hoyer. He had a healthy dose of running back screens and schemed plays, going 10-for-15 for 99 yards and one TD pass. If he had pulled off the upset, we might still be talking about it.

New England doesn't overinvest in players. They build their team and play their brand of football so as to not rely on just one guy, prioritizing depth.

They're not overinvested in Mac Jones. Or Bailey Zappe. Or any of the receivers. They're using their big-money free-agent tight ends as glorified blockers most of the time this season.

Zappe is an extension of this. The Patriots' mantra is: Be ready when we need you, because if not we have someone else. "Someone else" this week could be veteran Garrett Gilbert, whom the Patriots have added to their practice squad.

Zappe is an overlooked, underrated decision-maker who didn't flinch when his name was called. Bill Belichick likes that, because trust is a big thing for the guy with six Super Bowl rings as a head coach.

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