After Brian Hoyer was ruled out, Bailey Zappe made the most of his opportunity.
The former Victoria East standout was named the second string on the depth chart on Sunday afternoon against the Green Bay Packers. Midway through the first quarter, Zappe was abruptly given the starting role.
After Hoyer took a big sack, and could not return with a head injury, the rookie entered against future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. A fourth round pick out of Western Kentucky this year, Zappe accounted for 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but it was enough to get the team into overtime, where they eventually fell to the Green Bay Packers 27-24.
Zappe hasn’t taken the field as a starter since last year’s C-USA Championship loss to UTSA at the Alamodome in San Antonio, where the Hilltoppers took the 49-41 loss. Still, Zappe lost his mind in the game, accounting for 577 yards, and effectively earning the state’s Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and C-USA MVP.
As a senior at Victoria East, Zappe passed for 3,770 yards and 37 touchdowns, while rushing for 633 yards and scoring 15 rushing scores. Despite his numbers, he wasn’t heavily recruited, and received only one scholarship offer from Houston Baptist. After three years with the Huskies, he entered transfer protocol, and followed former HBU offensive coordinator Zach Kittley to Western Kentucky. In his senior season, Zappe led the FBS in passing yard (5,545) and touchdowns (56).
Bailey Zappe on making his NFL debut, and how his teammates helped him stay calm under pressure 🗣️@baileyzappe04 pic.twitter.com/cx2TKeckm1
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) October 3, 2022
Zappe’s first start in the loss was highlighted by a 25-yard play-action pass to DeVante Parker, temporarily giving the Patriots a 17-14 lead. So far, he has the respect of the locker room, earning props from both coach Bill Belichick and offensive line.
As starter Mac Jones continues to deal with a nagging, high ankle sprain, Zappe will get the green light in Week 5 against the Lions.
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