New England Patriots officially have a quarterback controversy
The New England Patriots’ offense has looked at their best in the last two weeks with Bailey Zappe at quarterback. Should he remain as the starter? It appears as if the Patriots have themselves a quarterback controversy brewing.
When Mac Jones left the lineup with a high ankle sprain, the idea was Brian Hoyer would guide the team and provide “just good enough” quarterback play to keep the Patriots in the games until Jones got back. Well, Hoyer left the Patriots’ game against the Packers, which left the third string quarterback, Bailey Zappe, to come in the game.
Since then, the team has looked the best they have all season. They nearly beat the Packers in Lambeau, and proceeded to blow out the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, all while their offense put up 29 and 38 points in both games.
Yes, the Patriots now have a quarterback controversy on their hands, and I don’t think the team should immediately insert Jones back into the lineup when he gets healthy. Zappe, in both games he’s started and finished, has gone 41/55 for 497 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
He’s gotten the ball to the playmakers as well. A whopping four Patriots’ pass catchers had at least 60 receiving yards on Sunday, and five of them had at least four receptions. Zappe also hasn’t been afraid to push the ball downfield, as his 309 yard passing total is evidence of that.
The offense has scored 67 points in the two games he’s started, and his passer rating is over 100 in all three of his appearances combined. He couldn’t be playing any better and has helped guide the Patriots to two consecutive wins.
The defense has also played extremely well, allowing just one touchdown in their last two games. They forced four turnovers and had another three sacks, and also greatly limited Nick Chubb on the ground.
All in all, the team has played their best football of the season the past two weeks, and Bailey Zappe should remain at quarterback as long as he can play well enough to keep the job.