After the game I would be interested in any follow-up you have on this, that isn't quite so evident to me, but IMHO you are one of the two or three most knowledgable posters on this Forum, I would be interested in your reasons and observations.
The way that they seem similar is: both appear to be very cerebral QBs that understood their college offense to a "t", and Mac appeared to be a quick learner (for a rookie) of the Patriots offense last year. And Zappe would appear to be a quick learner also (he did pretty well last week when he was suddenly thrown in the game), although of course the Patriots are treating him in a way similar to how they treated Mac early in his rookie year, not asking too much.
But to me they seem quite a bit different, let me make my arguments (unburdened by any actual knowledge on the subject):
* Mac 6'2 1/2", Zappe 6'0 1/2", Zappe is a bit small for a non-athletic QB
* Mac trained in a near-pro environment under Saban and Sarkisian; Zappe at a super small school (Western Kentucky)
* Mac has won National Championship, Zappe played for a decent 9-5 Conference USA team
* IMHO Mac is the ultimate "do exactly what the coach says" guy who obsessively watches film and prepares and in the past tried to minimize mistakes almost to a fault (I can only assume Patricia is telling him to open things up this year and take more risks); I got the impression that Zappe was more of a create-out-of-nothing type in college
* EDIT: Also: Mac games started in college - 17, Zappe games started in college - 51, so that is one way that Zappe as a rookie has an experience edge over Mac as a rookie, albeit, against far inferior competition.
Anyway, after the game I would like to hear more about your comparison of Mac to Zappe.
