There's a chance Zappe starts over Brissett

[PatsFan2]

Now hear me out: Zappe could start over Brissett.

There are a few prerequisites to believing this might happen. You must believe or accept:

1. 1. Mayo's claim that QB1 is up for grabs (but not for the rookies).
2. 2. Either the Pats are going with 4 QBs OR that Milton is going to the PS.
3. 3. The Pats will not start the season with Maye (or Milton) as QB1 or QB2.
4. 4. Zappe can outplay Brissett in the preseason.

Now, I'm no Zappe apologist, but I'm also not a hater. I suspect the gap between Zappe and Brissett is small enough such that it's possible that Zappe outplays him in the preseason. I admit it's not likely, but man, it sure would be entertaining to see the heads of Zappe haters exploding if Zappe lights it up and Mayo starts him as QB1, true to his word.

Getting a lottery pick in the NFL Draft is good sometimes but it's means that you stunk the previous season I don't want to get use to that. My point: that will happen if Zappe is even considered a Starter. My hope is that Maye Starts: Zappe doesn't have "it" neither does Biscuit.

 

[Pape]

I see it as, post OTAS, unless **** really goes sideways in camp...

Starter (Interim) - Brisket - AVP bluntly stated that Brisket is the starter... I believe him more than I believe Coach Mayos equivocating on the topic...

Second String, Primary Back up - Zappe - Zappe is a career back up/spot starter type player... and there isn't anything wrong with that... he can carve out a nice career for himself, just ask Brian Hoyer... in regards to 2024, I really can't see the team rolling into the season with just rookies as backups... doesn't make sense... unless some other vet who AVP is familiar with, who knows his system to a decent degree, gets kicked loose in/after camp, Bailey should get the nod here... and bonus, he's cheap...

Third String (Future Starter, post bye start w14? perhaps, we'll see) - The other #10, Drake Maye

Fourth String - Milton (practice squad / scout team only, will not be active all year)

The 2024 practice squad rules changed in regards to quarterbacks only... they can be elevated an unlimited number of times, without the former three game restriction... So there are options to move guys back and fourth between the active roster and the practice squad without exposing them to the waiver wire after three call ups... it's an exercise in roster management, but it can be easily exploited to keep all four guys in the fold...

 

[jdlboot14]

Theoretically I understand the scenario that could see Zappe start a game or two at the start of the season.
But, the problem is, Zappe is such an underdog, and striving so hard to be seen as a viable NFL QB, that he comes off as an arrogant jerk to most of the team. His "competitive" nature is what really fractured the locker room 2 years ago, and I think ultimately destroyed Mac.
(Not saying BB didn't have a hand in that, or Mac should have overcome it...) but, do we really want a hungry punk who thinks he should be playing over the chosen one? I thought they should have dumped Zappe - just for the fact that he's tainted. It's not like he was a 5+ year vet who provides stability for this transitioning team. In fact, he plays like Maye did in college, only Maye has infinite more physical ability. So, if they're going to go to Zappe because Brissett is hurt, just go with Maye instead and get the rookie year out of the way.

 

[Ross12]

I like Zappe but I don’t see this as plausible. Brissett was signed to be the starter to teach Maye, unless Maye turns out to be so good and ready by week 1 that he just needs to be on the field and that outweighs any teachings he might have gotten on the bench. I just don’t see where Zappe starting instead fits into that equation.

 

[jdlboot14]

I see it as, post OTAS...

(Interim) Starter - Brisket - AVP bluntly stated that Brisket is the starter.
Back up - Zappe - I really can't see the team rolling into the season with just rookies as backups... doesnt make sense
Third (future starter, post bye, w14? perhaps) - The other #10, Drake Maye
Fourth - Milton (practice squad / scout team only, will not be active all year unless **** goes sideways)

The 2024 practice squad rules changed in regards to quarterbacks only... they can be elevated an unlimited number of times, without the former three game restriction... So there are options to move guys back and fourth between the active roster and the practice squad without exposing them to the waiver wire after three call ups... it's an exercise in roster management, but it can be exploited to keep all four guys in the fold...

I agree about not wanting to start a rookie this year. I just wish they would have dumped Zappe and signed someone else like Siemian, another mid-level vet who isn't here to vie for a long term starting job, but could serve as a steady fill-in for Brissett IF they needed that IF Maye isn't ready. They're not spending much on QB this year, it's not like they had to have Zappe's rookie deal. I guess we'll see.

 

[Love The Drake]

Now hear me out: Zappe could start over Brissett.

There are a few prerequisites to believing this might happen. You must believe or accept:

1. 1. Mayo's claim that QB1 is up for grabs (but not for the rookies).
2. 2. Either the Pats are going with 4 QBs OR that Milton is going to the PS.
3. 3. The Pats will not start the season with Maye (or Milton) as QB1 or QB2.
4. 4. Zappe can outplay Brissett in the preseason.

Now, I'm no Zappe apologist, but I'm also not a hater. I suspect the gap between Zappe and Brissett is small enough such that it's possible that Zappe outplays him in the preseason. I admit it's not likely, but man, it sure would be entertaining to see the heads of Zappe haters exploding if Zappe lights it up and Mayo starts him as QB1, true to his word.

 

[Pape]

I agree about not wanting to start a rookie this year. I just wish they would have dumped Zappe and signed someone else like Siemian, another mid-level vet who isn't here to vie for a long term starting job, but could serve as a steady fill-in for Brissett IF they needed that IF Maye isn't ready. They're not spending much on QB this year, it's not like they had to have Zappe's rookie deal. I guess we'll see.

Zappe is not here to vie for the starting role... and if he is in contention after camp, we blew #3

 

[Kdo5]

Even if Zappe is better than Brisset, they dont want him to be the starter due to the previous dynamic he had with Mac.

I think it’s been a misstep for them to have kept Zappe at all.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

 

[Wozzy]

While I think it’s entirely plausible Zappe could be a better starter than Brissett, I think the team will actively avoid a QB controversy. According to OTA reports they’ve already moved Maye into the #2 spot despite throwing a couple interceptions in practice.

I also don’t think they’ll carry 4 QB’s for too long either, there’s only so many snaps to go round in camp.

It would be interesting if I’m wrong about all of this and Zappe blossoms in this new offense and more stable environment. He inherited Mac Jones mess the last two seasons, he deserves a legitimate shot to compete for a position.

 

[patfanken]

.2. Either the Pats are going with 4 QBs OR that Milton is going to the PS.

First it is necessary to go to camp with at LEAST 4 qbs just to be able to run drills for the 40+ players on offense and to give looks to defense. So I wouldn't be surprised to see another QB signed before camp.

1. 3. The Pats will not start the season with Maye (or Milton) as QB1 or QB.

Thank you for your keen sense of the obvious

I believe that the pats drafted Milton more as an athlete than a QB. They are willing to wait until he either comes to a self-realization that JUST a great arm can't make a QB, and willingly looks go to TE, for example. OR shows enough at QB during camp TODAY OR THURSDAYbe carried as the #3 guy this year as a development project, or on the PS if he survives waivers.

I think the Patriots hope that Zappe can show enough during camp that the Pats can grab an extra 7th in a year or two. The onlly way Zappe makes the roster is. as the #3/scout team QB or there is an injury to Brisset or Maye.

1. 4. Zappe can outplay Brissett in the preseason.

Now, I'm no Zappe apologist, but I'm also not a hater. I suspect the gap between Zappe and Brissett is small enough such that it's possible that Zappe outplays him in the preseason. I admit it's not likely, but man, it sure would be entertaining to see the heads of Zappe haters exploding if Zappe lights it up and Mayo starts him as QB1, true to his word.

I don't think anyone "hates" Zappe. They just see him for what he is. A guy who can do a serviceable job as a back up. And that's what he might have been if the Pats hadn't drafted Maye

 

[moosekill]

my guess is if, big if, Zappe outplays Brisett he will start. Not many times inferior players start over better ones. Zappe was given a big **** sandwich last year. They will see what he can do in training camp.

 

[sb1]

I don't think anyone "hates" Zappe. They just see him for what he is. A guy who can do a serviceable job as a back up. And that's what he might have been if the Pats hadn't drafted Maye

This- and I also didn’t like that draft pick in the 4th round. Still don’t. Couldn’t care less what his numbers were in conference USA. His senior bowl tape was lousy and I couldn’t see him on many team’s boards if any at all. I’m sure they could have had him as an UDFA if they wanted him.

Howell was the guy to take there if they wanted to go Qb prospect in the 4th round not Zappe.

 

[Pats2000]

Doubt it, Maye has already passed zappe on the depth chart it appears.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Now hear me out: Zappe could start over Brissett.

There are a few prerequisites to believing this might happen. You must believe or accept:

1. 1. Mayo's claim that QB1 is up for grabs (but not for the rookies).
2. 2. Either the Pats are going with 4 QBs OR that Milton is going to the PS.
3. 3. The Pats will not start the season with Maye (or Milton) as QB1 or QB2.
4. 4. Zappe can outplay Brissett in the preseason.

Now, I'm no Zappe apologist, but I'm also not a hater. I suspect the gap between Zappe and Brissett is small enough such that it's possible that Zappe outplays him in the preseason. I admit it's not likely, but man, it sure would be entertaining to see the heads of Zappe haters exploding if Zappe lights it up and Mayo starts him as QB1, true to his word.

If that’s the case then Brissett isn’t an NFL caliber QB, because Zappe certainly isn’t one.

 

[Huckleberry1]

First it is necessary to go to camp with at LEAST 4 qbs just to be able to run drills for the 40+ players on offense and to give looks to defense. So I wouldn't be surprised to see another QB signed before camp.

Thank you for your keen sense of the obvious

I believe that the pats drafted Milton more as an athlete than a QB. They are willing to wait until he either comes to a self-realization that JUST a great arm can't make a QB, and willingly looks go to TE, for example. OR shows enough at QB during camp TODAY OR THURSDAYbe carried as the #3 guy this year as a development project, or on the PS if he survives waivers.

I think the Patriots hope that Zappe can show enough during camp that the Pats can grab an extra 7th in a year or two. The onlly way Zappe makes the roster is. as the #3/scout team QB or there is an injury to Brisset or Maye.

I don't think anyone "hates" Zappe. They just see him for what he is. A guy who can do a serviceable job as a back up. And that's what he might have been if the Pats hadn't drafted Maye

I don’t hate Zappe, I’m sure he’s a good guy, but he’s not an NFL QB. And if he’s your starting QB you will always have a chance to draft one with a top 3 pick in that upcoming draft.

 

[Jim Beankie]

Glad I'm not the only Zappe-ite (all less than 5 of us not friends or family), and I'm all for his starting Week 1. If Maye's still thinking about his dance steps with non friendlies out to take out his head, he's not gonna be ready for Week 1. Plus for long term, I don't want his playing 19 or 20 games this season after only playing 13 a year on avg in college.

Brissett's going 3 for 12 in 11v11s with a couple of main OL out and then complaining about the state of the line tells me he may not be long, especially with injury history (he ended last year injured even though he played fewer than 50 snaps). He does have a tremendous benefit of knowing the offense, and Zap's supposed struggles last year picking up OB's O might be an indication Zap will probably be behind the 8 ball again. And man did he suck a lot last year. That being said...

AVP and Brissett had a front row seat when Zap dismantled their team with Patty's Madden O, so don't count out my guy yet just yet. The guy's lower body is incredibly thick, and he has a "virtually non-existent" history of injury going back to HS and College. The guy is clearly mentally and physically tough, but will it be enough to overcome mental (learning yet another playbook) and physical limitations.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

There's also a chance several of us sprout wings and fly...

Seriously, *IF* Zappe starts, that would mean that he has improved so much that it would be overwhelming!

 

[rochrist]

Now hear me out: Zappe could start over Brissett.

There are a few prerequisites to believing this might happen. You must believe or accept:

1. 1. Mayo's claim that QB1 is up for grabs (but not for the rookies).
2. 2. Either the Pats are going with 4 QBs OR that Milton is going to the PS.
3. 3. The Pats will not start the season with Maye (or Milton) as QB1 or QB2.
4. 4. Zappe can outplay Brissett in the preseason.

Now, I'm no Zappe apologist, but I'm also not a hater. I suspect the gap between Zappe and Brissett is small enough such that it's possible that Zappe outplays him in the preseason. I admit it's not likely, but man, it sure would be entertaining to see the heads of Zappe haters exploding if Zappe lights it up and Mayo starts him as QB1, true to his word.

No. There isn't.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

First it is necessary to go to camp with at LEAST 4 qbs just to be able to run drills for the 40+ players on offense and to give looks to defense. So I wouldn't be surprised to see another QB signed before camp.

Thank you for your keen sense of the obvious

I am not talking about preseason. That is not only obvious from my post, it’s explicitly stated. And the Pats could decide to carry 4 QBs: I’d say the stars are aligned for it. Two QBs drafted, uncertainty with the OL… Skins did it when they drafted RG3 and Cousins.

I believe that the pats drafted Milton more as an athlete than a QB. They are willing to wait until he either comes to a self-realization that JUST a great arm can't make a QB, and willingly looks go to TE, for example. OR shows enough at QB during camp TODAY OR THURSDAYbe carried as the #3 guy this year as a development project, or on the PS if he survives waivers.

Milton as QB3 means Maye is QB1 or 2. Zappe is released or sent to the PS. It’s unlikely that Milton survives waivers or the PS. Possible, but unlikely, especially if he shows something in the PS.

I think the Patriots hope that Zappe can show enough during camp that the Pats can grab an extra 7th in a year or two. The onlly way Zappe makes the roster is. as the #3/scout team QB or there is an injury to Brisset or Maye.

Only if you assume Maye is QB2 (or 1). I think that’s possible, especially later in the season, but not a given if the Pats think the line is train wreck. If you think Maye is QB1 or QB2, Zappe is gone. See #3 above.

I don't think anyone "hates" Zappe. They just see him for what he is. A guy who can do a serviceable job as a back up. And that's what he might have been if the Pats hadn't drafted Maye

Oh there are folks here that have outright animosity for Zappe. “His ego ruined the QB room and was contributory to Mac’s downfall…” The see him as conniver. They hate him as player. Ivan even thinks he isn’t an NFL QB, period.