Bailey Zappe receives harsh welcome from Patriots fans in preseason game

Because it was the first preseason game of the year for the Patriots, it was expected that Jerod Mayo would be experimenting with as many combinations on offense and defense, including switching out quarterbacks throughout the game.

Jacoby Brissett started the game, followed by two drives for Drake Maye, and then it was Bailey Zappe's turn. Although fans know how preseason goes, and this is standard, they were not too pleased to see Maye taken out and Zappe put in.

They were so displeased by it that they chose to boo Zappe as he went to lineup, something we haven't heard since they booed Mac Jones before his eventual benching.

What makes the booing even more bizarre is remembering how many fans were chanting "Zappe" last season as Jones struggled to do much of anything positive offensively. We know Zappe couldn't be much better, but booing him several months later feels harsh.

In all fairness, it probably had nothing to do with what Zappe did or didn't do last year and was more about fans wanting to see more of Maye before the Patriots decided he was done for the night. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case heading into halftime; at least there is nothing to suggest Maye won't get back on the field in the second half.

There was hope that the rookie would get more reps in with the starting offense, something he hasn't had often during training camp. He was in for one drive with the starting offensive line, which was a good sign, but the drive ended with a punt.

Zappe, on the other hand, needs to have a good showing in preseason to secure a spot on the team's 2024 roster. At this point, he's the odd man out in the quarterback room, so stacking a few great preseason performances would make it easier for Mayo to keep him around. It also might help sway the fans' opinion of him if he is on the roster.

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