Bailey Zappe's Bill O’Brien comments speak volumes amid Mac Jones battle
Bailey Zappe is clearly enjoying working under Bill O’Brien after the offensive coordinator returned to the New England Patriots ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
The Patriots tallied an 8-9 record in 2022 and missed out on the playoffs for the second time in three years, placing pressure on head coach Bill Belichick. The Pats particularly struggled on offense; the team finished 32nd in red zone efficiency.
Mac Jones, a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled in his sophomore campaign after leading the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie, throwing for 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Once Jones went down with an ankle issue early last season, rookie Zappe had a chance to move up the depth chart and, eventually, impress.
After backup quarterback Brian Hoyer got knocked out of the game against the Green Bay Packers, Zappe stepped in and delivered. The 2022 fourth-round pick led the Pats to a crushing 29-0 win over the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium and followed it up with a 38-15 win at the Cleveland Browns.
When Jones was ready to return, many questioned if he should immediately get his job back and the 24-year-old ultimately never relinquished the starting job. Zappe will hope he gets his chance now that O’Brien is in the building as he is currently thriving under the former Houston Texans head coach’s scheme.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
“The install has been doing good,” Zappe said on Monday after the Patriots’ 11th training camp practice. “We’re way ahead of (where) we thought we were going to be.
“We’re really deep in into red zone, third down, open-field stuff. So I think we’ve just got to keep stacking days and continue just improving on the plays we have in right now. I’m sure there’s more plays to be done, but I would say we’re about 80 percent.”
New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) warms up near offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, right, during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (AP)Belichick echoed Zappe’s comments, adding: “We’ve got most everything in that we’re going to do. We’ve been through every situation on a practice field. We covered most of them in the stadium (last Friday) night. I mean, there’s always more to do, [but] we’ve covered all of the situations. We haven’t covered every single play we’re going to run, but we’re pretty far along.”
Ultimately, New England turned to O’Brien to resurrect a unit that faltered under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge last season. His return to the franchise has been positive so far, with players - including Zappe - speaking highly of his impact already.
While Jones has taken the bulk of first-team snaps, Zappe has taken some himself. The second-year quarterback has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with tight spirals, a quick release, and a familiar Tom Brady-like pocket presence.
Fans will get to see O’Brien’s system in action as New England host the Houston Texans on Thursday night to open their preseason schedule. Both Jones and Zappe are likely to get their chance to lead the offense and showcase their ability as they bid to be the team’s starter in 2023.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
