There's a chance Zappe starts over Brissett

[Huckleberry1]

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.

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.

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.

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.

I don’t think he’s an NFL QB, but I don’t hate him, I just don’t think he’s good enough to play in the NFL. And I feel the same way about Mac Jones and Zac Wilson, as well as plenty of others. And Drake Maye already passed him on the depth chart.

 

[TheRainMaker]

It’s bizarre how Mac Jones was traded, but Zappe stays. That’s dysfunction right there.

 

[jmt57]

Thread: Will the Patriots carry 4 QBs on the roster to start the season?

I've made the argument over on the Rourke thread that they WILL, but I'm interested in hearing counter-arguments.

Here's a summary of my position: with the question marks surrounding the OL and the absolute necessity to protect Maye's body and confidence, and the team's probable desire to keep Milton off the PS given his potential, they have no choice but to keep Zappe or another veteran backup on the 53-man roster. That gives us 4 QBs. There's no problem with that: this team isn't going on a championship run and keeping Drake healthy and confident is far, far more important.

Thread: There's a chance Zappe starts over Brissett

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.

Of all the various statistics to compare, this one sticks out beyond all others in regards to what this team wants and needs.
Career Interception %:
Jacoby Brissett: 1.4%
Bailey Zappe: 3.9%

Brisset also tops Zappe in other categories such as passer rating, QBR, sack rate, adjusted yards per attempt, success rate, net yards per attempt and adjusted net yards per attempt. These are all useful statistics compiled from the largest possible sample size, their full NFL careers. In other words it's a better gauge than what may unfold in a meaningless preseason game or two.

Perhaps you are indeed not a Zappe apologist - but from my perspective based on your posts and threads, you certainly appear to be actively rooting for him to be the starter over Brissett.

 

[moosekill]

It’s bizarre how Mac Jones was traded, but Zappe stays. That’s dysfunction right there.

Well, not really, if you assume there was a market for Jones, and no market for Zappe. If no one wants him, there isn't anyone to trade with.

 

[mgteich]

I don’t think he’s an NFL QB, but I don’t hate him, I just don’t think he’s good enough to play in the NFL. And I feel the same way about Mac Jones and Zac Wilson, as well as plenty of others. And Drake Maye already passed him on the depth chart.

Teams will have between 70-100 QB's on their 53- man rosters and IR/PUP list to start the season.

Arguably, these QB's are "playing in the NFL".

Have many do YOU think are good enough to play in the NFL?

 

[Real fan 02]

I suppose anything can happen….i was a huge zappe supporter up until last year. He’s a serviceable backup and made a few incredible throws last season…..but overall he is still very limited in what he can do I think. I still think it comes down to Brissett and Maye for #1 ….and then I could see Milton kept over Zappe for #3….we shall see

Agreed. That's a fair assessment on Zapp. The last game of the season against jets was a in- your face reminder to everyone watching that snowy game how bad we really were at QB.

 

[Real fan 02]

This is click bait.

Agreed. He is what he is. I'm 100% focused on maye daye and his development. If he were to become the starter week 1 then that means he's earned it.

 

[XLIX]

I think Zappe is preseason insurance. If Brissette gets hurt or if Milton is just atrocious, then Zappe stays... but barring one of those 2 developments, I think he is cut. The PS is certainly in the realm of possibility if no one else wants him, not unlike last year.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

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!

He’d have to outplay JB this preseason. He might be helped if Brissett underperforms. Of course if they decide to risk Maye as QB1 or QB2, there’s no way.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

No. There isn't.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

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

Right, so #1 is the issue: Mayo was just blowing smoke when he said that everyone has a shot at QB1.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

I think Zappe is preseason insurance. If Brissette gets hurt or if Milton is just atrocious, then Zappe stays... but barring one of those 2 developments, I think he is cut. The PS is certainly in the realm of possibility if no one else wants him, not unlike last year.

If Brissett gets hurt do you think Maye starts, or is it Zappe time?

 

[XLIX]

If Brissett gets hurt do you think Maye starts, or is it Zappe time?

I think Zappe would start the season because they don't want to rush Maye in there. However, I do see Maye getting action, and even some starts, later on in the year.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

Yours is my favorite post so far. Well done.

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.

Well, I’m not all in on Zappe but I am trying to understand the diversity of opinion on him and if some of the arguments—both for and against—make sense.

For example, we have the “Zappe is garbage” or “Zappe is not an NFL QB” contingent. These guys don’t make sense. If either is true, then we already are forced to conclude Mayo/Wolf are incompetent. Why would you have a guy like that on the team, even in the preseason? It would be better to bring in a better developmental prospect that can go to the PS after preseason, a guy with chance at being decent down the road. Isn’t it a BIG wasted opportunity? You might find a diamond in the rough, a solid backup of the future. Instead you’re letting a garbage player waste resources (snaps, coaching time, etc.) Doesn’t make sense, unless the team’s evaluation of Zappe is much higher than this contingent’s.

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...

I expect anyone at QB to struggle this year. The OL sucks and Dante Scarnecchia isn’t walking through that door. That’s why I question the “Maye is QB2” crowd. Will they really throw the future of the franchise (hopefully) into a dysfunctional situation should Brissett get hurt? They might, but what a disaster if his development suffers because of it, or God forbid, he gets hurt.

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.

I’m going to mark you down as the first member of the “Zappe is thicc” contingent.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

he is going to be cut before Week 1

So they are rolling with Brissett, Maye and Milton as 1-2-3? There are no other QBs in the fold once you cut the Zappinator, assuming no one else is brought in. So if Brissett gets his leg snapped on 2nd down of the first drive of the season because our LT can’t protect, we throw Maye out there? “Yes” is a legit answer.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

Brissett was hired to teach Maye some things about being a pro, like going to the field, score a TD, do not overcelebrate, games not over until it is, or throw a pick/fumble, keep your head up, level headed, understand what happened what lead to that mistake, among other things about being a team captain.

Zappe is pretty much competing for his NFL career and in desperate mode, he's not in position to teach ****.

Even if he plays better than Brissett in pre season I don't see it.

Right, so Mayo was blowing smoke when he indicated the starting job is up for grabs. I don’t believe Mayo either.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

He has better odds being on a different NFL roster over starting for NE.

No doubt. As I said in the OP and a post later, it’s not likely, 5% chance in my mind. As another poster said, a Brissett injury in preseason could raise those odds by a fair amount.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

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 is Zappe is even considered a Starter. My hope is that Maye Starts: Zappe doesn't have "it" neither does Biscuit.

I’m most worried about Maye being seriously injured. I just don’t see the point, at least not game one. I see Zappe and Brissett as cannon fodder.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

I don’t think he’s an NFL QB, but I don’t hate him, I just don’t think he’s good enough to play in the NFL. And I feel the same way about Mac Jones and Zac Wilson, as well as plenty of others. And Drake Maye already passed him on the depth chart.

Brian Hoyer is better than Mac Jones? Because Hoyer had a long career as an NFL QB.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

Well, not really, if you assume there was a market for Jones, and no market for Zappe. If no one wants him, there isn't anyone to trade with.

Maybe he is making the argument that the Pats didn’t have to trade away Jones to make way for Maye? That would have been a train wreck.