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QB Bailey Zappe, NE (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
LawFitz
Footballguy
Impressed by this kid. His arm is a bit noodle but he appears to make up for it with exceptional timing, accuracy, feel and poise. Looking forward to seeing him eventually in situations where he is needed to make plays instead of managing them. Dude threw 62 TDs last season and I can see why.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Before anyone gets any crazy notions, Mac Jones will be the starter as soon as he is healthy. There will not be a QB controversy, Zappe is holding down the fort until Mac gets back. He's not taking Jones' job (he will likely take Hoyer's), but he will go back to being a backup.
Zappe looked composed against the league's worst ranked defense in a game where the defense pitched a shutout, the defense scored more points than the Lions did, and the OL paved the way to 175+ rushing yards with almost a 6 ypc average. Zappe was competent and did not mess up . . . which is what they were looking for.
Zappe looked composed against the league's worst ranked defense in a game where the defense pitched a shutout, the defense scored more points than the Lions did, and the OL paved the way to 175+ rushing yards with almost a 6 ypc average. Zappe was competent and did not mess up . . . which is what they were looking for.
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Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
Does anyone think otherwise? I mean they just used a 1st on Jones and he's been adequate.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
If you listened to or watched Boston sports talk, there are plenty of people who are not fans of Jones and think Jones / Zappe is similar to Bledsoe / Brady. Despite having a very good rookie season, there are folks that are already ready to deem Jones a mediocre QB that doesn't have it and isn't a franchise worthy player. But apparently in 7 quarters Zappe has "it" even though they scaled down the offense and they have moved the ball on the ground. There were articles on Jones losing his job and discussions about where the Pats would turn to for their next QB. There is no shortage of people with no patience. People are used to being in the SB every other year, so getting off that schedule has angered many people. It will take a while to determine what Jones can develop into, but I am pretty sure inside the stadium no one is clamoring for Zappe to take over for Jones.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
In the world we live in, it's nearly impossible to get people to agree on things. But I have seen NO ONE that covers the Patriots here in New England that thinks there is a chance that Zappe could unseat Mac Jones as the starter. Sure, it's great that suggesting it as a possibility gets clicks, viewers, and listeners. The only way it's been discussed in these parts is if Jones' injury turns out to be way worse than expected (say out for 2 months), the team goes undefeated with Zappe posting big passing numbers without turning the ball over, and Jones looking terrible and hobbled in practice. Basically, a utopian situation for Zappe and near foot amputation for Mac Jones.
The Pats dramatically oversimplified the offense for Zappe in game planning against DET. They ran some of the same plays over and over (and DET suffered 5 in game injuries to their secondary). Zappe at this point is being coached to take no chances and be a game manager, and the plays they are running for him are on par with college plays. BB is messing with the heads of clueless members of the media if anyone takes the cheese that there is a QB competition brewing. Put another way, with Jones, NE could have hung 50+ on the Lions.
-OZ-
Footballguy
You’re probably right. But if there’s one guy who’ll give the lesser known, perceived lesser prospect the chance to start over the incumbent, it’s BB. Jones wasn’t lighting things up before the injury or last year, although for a rookie he did well.
How can you put Mac back in after the way Zappe has played?
Chaka
Footballguy
Don't ask me, ask the hoodie.
The Frankman
Footballguy
Dwayne Hoover
Footballguy
flapgreen
Footballguy
Bill, is that you?
Maybe that's why Mac was in such a hurry to return.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
How do you take this guy out of the lineup after the last two weeks? Very impressed with his performance yesterday.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
cooper rush looked pretty good until the matchup with Philly.
Boston
Footballguy
Will be interesting to watch this unfold...reading between the lines it feels like Mac will start once he is ready but with the way Zappe is playing and the fact the Bears are up next there is no reason to rush him back...on the flipside that also could mean one more quality start and another win for Zappe which does not hurt his value although in fairness it is against 3 subpar teams...what I find interesting about this is Zappe is playing QB pretty much how they want Mac to do it although I do think it is more scaled down...keep it simple and don't make any mistakes...I am a fan of Mac but by no means is he an elite talent that blows Zappe out of the water with his physical skills...the last thing you want in a media market like Boston is a QB controversy so it is really important that once Mac comes back that he hits the ground running and plays well...if not things (at least as far as the media and fans are concerned) could get real dicey.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Based on what I have seen / heard, most beat guys think the job will be going back to Mac when he is healthy. Those folks suggested that maybe they will drag out when Jones comes back to give Zappe another start, but at this point Zappe is still considered a backup. To flesh some of this out as to why that is . . .
The NE offense and coaching staff have been a work in progress since McDaniels left. They worked on new schemes and concepts that didn't always go smoothly in the offseason, and things didn't click consistently. Jump ahead to the season, Matt Patricia had no experience play calling, the OL was a mess, there was little blocking and pass protection, and the defense was ok to not great. Yes, Jones had 5 interceptions, but one was a clear DPI that went uncalled, one the receiver ran the wrong route, and one was tipped.
What happened with Zappe? His two wins came against two bottom five defenses. The OL played much better (except for Wynn) and Zappe has been under far less pressure than Mac. The OL and running game mostly has been very good. Yesterday, there were guys constantly WIDE open, where guys couldn't separate early on with Jones. Patricia and whomever else are doing better calling plays. And NE has been playing from ahead practically every time Zappe has touched the ball. What else happened? The defense has forced turnovers, special teams has been very good and flipped the field or forced turnovers. It's pretty easy to win when your defense forces turnovers and doesn't allow (m)any points.
That being said, Zappe has looked very poised, has stepped up in the pocket and mostly avoided the limited pressure he's been under (except for the strip sack yesterday). He picked up some clutch first downs on third downs . . . but several of those were to open receivers. Zappe is the first QB in 65 years to win his first two career starts and have 100+ passer ratings in both games (Sonny Jurgensen).
Behind the scenes, there's been talk that Jones has been a little disgruntled over how things have gone since McDaniels left. He wanted Bill O'Brien (or an established guy) to come in as OC. He wasn't thrilled that instead they went with a pairing of Patricia in Judge. He wasn't a fan that they were trying to convert to a ZBS. And he's been getting mixed messages about needing to push the ball down the field more (ranked #2 in depth of target so far this year) but then he hears about it when there have been some turnovers on those plays. He also has not been a fan that they have limited their use of Bourne, who Jones has built chemistry with. He also didn't agree with the suggested plan to treat his ankle injury and allegedly refused to have surgery. He has openly questioned some of the decisions being made, has been vocal about it, and constantly asks why they are doing certain things.
But they've dumbed down the offense a lot with Zappe, and for now that has paid dividends against some mediocre opponents. Long term, BB and NE knows they won't get gift turnovers from good teams, they can't rely on dink and dunk (safe) passes and the run game, and the defense isn't going to shutdown high powered, playoff caliber offenses like BUF. Zappe has not commented on what they are running or calling, mostly because he is happy to get some playing time. He's been a "sir, yes, sir" good soldier and has not made any comments about decision-making.
I think BB will evaluate Jones' progress in practice. One would suppose if Zappe is constantly outplaying Jones in practice, he would stick with Zappe (or switch to him later in the season). Back in the day, Brady was their best QB in camp and practice, that started getting out in circulation, and BB thought Brady gave them the best chance to win. The majority of people think that has not been the case with Jones and Zappe (at least not as of now).
A lot of the things that went wrong with Jones weren't his fault. A lot of the things that went well with Zappe had little to do with him. If Zappe got another start and looked like Cooper Rush, then it would make it very easy to go back to Jones. It's also pretty easy to see that NE could easily have beaten both DET and CLE with Jones . . . probably by more. That's not a knock on Zappe, but so many things went right for NE that had nothing to do with Zappe. They settled for a ton of FGs against DET (mostly because that's all they needed). NE beat CLE 45-7 last year with Jones, so it looks like NE just had the Browns number with either guy.
How NE fares against NYJ-IND-NYJ will go a long way in determining how things are going and if they are a playoff caliber team. As I expected, Thornton has given the offense a new wrinkle, and he should help open up some things for the offense (especially if they figure out how to use him properly). Wins and losses aside, it looks like the team has found some young contributors (rookies accounted for a combined 350+ snaps against the Browns). The TE's finally showed up yesterday, and as a fan, those things combined (for now) make it look like they are headed in a positive direction. But the verdict is still out on that assessment. Let's see how they play down the stretch against much better opponents before we can make a true evaluation.
The NE offense and coaching staff have been a work in progress since McDaniels left. They worked on new schemes and concepts that didn't always go smoothly in the offseason, and things didn't click consistently. Jump ahead to the season, Matt Patricia had no experience play calling, the OL was a mess, there was little blocking and pass protection, and the defense was ok to not great. Yes, Jones had 5 interceptions, but one was a clear DPI that went uncalled, one the receiver ran the wrong route, and one was tipped.
What happened with Zappe? His two wins came against two bottom five defenses. The OL played much better (except for Wynn) and Zappe has been under far less pressure than Mac. The OL and running game mostly has been very good. Yesterday, there were guys constantly WIDE open, where guys couldn't separate early on with Jones. Patricia and whomever else are doing better calling plays. And NE has been playing from ahead practically every time Zappe has touched the ball. What else happened? The defense has forced turnovers, special teams has been very good and flipped the field or forced turnovers. It's pretty easy to win when your defense forces turnovers and doesn't allow (m)any points.
That being said, Zappe has looked very poised, has stepped up in the pocket and mostly avoided the limited pressure he's been under (except for the strip sack yesterday). He picked up some clutch first downs on third downs . . . but several of those were to open receivers. Zappe is the first QB in 65 years to win his first two career starts and have 100+ passer ratings in both games (Sonny Jurgensen).
Behind the scenes, there's been talk that Jones has been a little disgruntled over how things have gone since McDaniels left. He wanted Bill O'Brien (or an established guy) to come in as OC. He wasn't thrilled that instead they went with a pairing of Patricia in Judge. He wasn't a fan that they were trying to convert to a ZBS. And he's been getting mixed messages about needing to push the ball down the field more (ranked #2 in depth of target so far this year) but then he hears about it when there have been some turnovers on those plays. He also has not been a fan that they have limited their use of Bourne, who Jones has built chemistry with. He also didn't agree with the suggested plan to treat his ankle injury and allegedly refused to have surgery. He has openly questioned some of the decisions being made, has been vocal about it, and constantly asks why they are doing certain things.
But they've dumbed down the offense a lot with Zappe, and for now that has paid dividends against some mediocre opponents. Long term, BB and NE knows they won't get gift turnovers from good teams, they can't rely on dink and dunk (safe) passes and the run game, and the defense isn't going to shutdown high powered, playoff caliber offenses like BUF. Zappe has not commented on what they are running or calling, mostly because he is happy to get some playing time. He's been a "sir, yes, sir" good soldier and has not made any comments about decision-making.
I think BB will evaluate Jones' progress in practice. One would suppose if Zappe is constantly outplaying Jones in practice, he would stick with Zappe (or switch to him later in the season). Back in the day, Brady was their best QB in camp and practice, that started getting out in circulation, and BB thought Brady gave them the best chance to win. The majority of people think that has not been the case with Jones and Zappe (at least not as of now).
A lot of the things that went wrong with Jones weren't his fault. A lot of the things that went well with Zappe had little to do with him. If Zappe got another start and looked like Cooper Rush, then it would make it very easy to go back to Jones. It's also pretty easy to see that NE could easily have beaten both DET and CLE with Jones . . . probably by more. That's not a knock on Zappe, but so many things went right for NE that had nothing to do with Zappe. They settled for a ton of FGs against DET (mostly because that's all they needed). NE beat CLE 45-7 last year with Jones, so it looks like NE just had the Browns number with either guy.
How NE fares against NYJ-IND-NYJ will go a long way in determining how things are going and if they are a playoff caliber team. As I expected, Thornton has given the offense a new wrinkle, and he should help open up some things for the offense (especially if they figure out how to use him properly). Wins and losses aside, it looks like the team has found some young contributors (rookies accounted for a combined 350+ snaps against the Browns). The TE's finally showed up yesterday, and as a fan, those things combined (for now) make it look like they are headed in a positive direction. But the verdict is still out on that assessment. Let's see how they play down the stretch against much better opponents before we can make a true evaluation.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
Something just feels different here. He doesn't feel like trade bait ala Jimmy G/Matt Cassell. He has looked special. Mac Jones impressed me last year with his decision making, but maybe he's the one that ends up on another team eventually?
Boston
Footballguy
It is definitely not a Jimmy G situation...Jimmy G was drafted with the hope he would take over for an aging QB but the issue is the QB never aged...Zappe was definitely drafted as a backup because after Mac you only had Hoyer and the end is very near for him...I do think the plan is for Mac to keep the job but I do agree with you that at least as of now (and it is a very small sample size) Zappe has an "it" factor...I am not comparing him to Brady but he does remind me of Brady when he first took over for Bledsoe with his poise and the look of someone who has done this before...the issue for Zappe will be how does he do against a good team and will he even get that opportunity...the good news is the Pats appear to have two good young QBs but it is imperative that when Mac comes back that he plays well because if he doesn't it will become a major distraction even with BB at the helm.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
Good point. He's done this against the Lions who can't stop anyone and the Browns who have serious problems against the run. I want to see how he fairs playing from behind, or if the running game gets taken away. It's still early to be making any grand predictions, but I have been impressed. He certainly doesn't look like a noodle arm game manager ala Cooper Rush.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
I think you have to keep him in there until he loses, kind of like what Dallas did with Rush. You can't tell me Dak wasn't ready to play yesterday. They hung Rush out to dry to eliminate a QB controversy.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I think you play whoever gives you the best chance to win. That was a huge game for DAL last night. No team will throw a critical game to resolve an ill-perceived QB battle. Same thing with NE. If BB feels Jones is healthy and gives them a better chance than Zappe, Jones will start (no matter what Zappe has done so far). If anyone will tune out the noise and the talking heads, it's Bill. And if Jones comes back to practice and Zappe continues to look and outperform Mac, he will go with Zappe.
Boston
Footballguy
Agreed on this although while BB will tune it out this is a far different roster than the past so it will be interesting to see how the players handle it if it becomes an issue...you know Slater, McCourty and Andrews will be leaders, but it would also be a great opportunity for some others to step up.
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Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
Do you really think Rush gave Dallas a better chance to win vs Philly? Do you think anyone believed that? C'mon man. That said, winning is winning and I don't believe Dak would be starting next week had Dallas beaten Philly last night.
EDIT - Sorry for bringing up Dallas in this thread. Back to Zappe.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Those are the same guys that have uniformly said Zappe has done a good job doing what they have asked of him. That's not a coincidence . . . and that speaks to him being a placeholder. BB is driving the story that there is a QB controversy to get opponents to have to scheme for two guys. That's why Jones practiced for the past two weeks and didn't go on IR. A lot of the media has taken the cheese, but I don't really think there is a QB battle (at least not yet). Bert Breer was on last night and echoed that the locker room is acting like Jones will clearly remain the guy.
But he also mentioned that BB could roll with Jones and then yank him in game under the guise of an ankle flare up. Bert said he expects Jones to start against the Bears if his ankle is better), but they could move to Zappe in game if Jones looks bad, makes bad decisions, or the offense looks lost. The Bears are another team that can't stop the run (and is offensively challenged). It shouldn't matter who starts for NE, they should win against Chicago.
Boston
Footballguy
If we get to the point where he is swapping out QBs that is going to turn into a big issue...Mac needs to play well when he comes back and put any doubts to rest.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I haven't paid a ton of attention to the Dak / Cooper timeline, but last I heard Dak was still suffering from consistently having a firm grip on the ball and sometimes his passes in practice were suspect. I can't tell if that was fact or fiction (or propaganda). But yes, I think if Prescott was 100%, they would have started him. Like with Zappe, the DAL defense was playing lights out and the Cowboys weren't winning because of Rush . . . they were winning with him. I don't think anyone actually thinks Cooper is better than Dak.
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Anarchy99
Footballguy
Odds are Jones comes back and things go fine (if it's against the Bears). But like I mentioned, the rest of the team has played way better, and that has nothing to do with Jones or Zappe (and likely has to do with the level of the opposition).
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
He said his grip strength was an A last night, and if you watched his warmup last night, he was ready. I firmly believe Cooper would have started every game until he lost. Cooper is simply limited by arm strength. Up until last night he was making good decisions so I don't want to beat him up for his performance last night too much, but attacking the Gallup/Slay matchup so much last night was just dumb.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
The scuttlebutt surrounding Mac's regression started long before his injury and Zappe's two wins. During preseason the rumblings were loud enough to hear. Where there's smoke, there's fire.
Boston
Footballguy
This season already looking similar to last season...hopefully they can play well against the good teams which was an issue last year.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I am not sure the rumblings were indictive of what you are suggesting. In camp, most talking heads felt the NE offense (and Jones by extension) would regress without McDaniels and without a proven OC or a QB coach on staff. They also didn't add a go to, top tier WR1 (which is always on a fan's wish list). They added Parker and drafted Thornton, but neither one of those moves was expected to move the needle.
Jones wasn't thrilled with Patricia and Judge as guys he had to work with, as neither guy had anything to do with running an offense before. In camp, several things happened with negative results . . . 1) trying to switch to a ZBS run scheme, 2) constant injuries and realignment of the OL, 3) trying to install a downfield passing scheme for Jones. With all of those not working out as planned, that left Jones hung out to dry. They couldn't run the ball, he had no time to throw, and those two combined left little chance for longer routes to work. Jones simply did not have time and was getting sacking day after day, practice after practice, and scrimmage after scrimmage. If you remember, Bourne spoke his mind (as did Meyers), and Bourne got benched. Jones tried to make plays and couldn't, and in camp he would hit on a few long gainers (but also threw a ton of picks). By definition, a mixed bag.
Jump ahead to the start of the regular season. They still wanted him to push the ball down the field and instructed him to let the ball fly on deep 50/50 balls. Guess what? 50/50 balls don't work half the time, and they are subject to getting intercepted. People want to see what they want to see about Jones this year. He had 8 deep pass completions (20-30+ yards) against the Ravens. He had 4 or 5 other plays like that in his other games. Chunk plays are what will win against high scoring playoff teams. Strip sack for a TD against MIA? He had no time. Long gainer to Agholor who fumbled at the end of the play? Not Jones' fault. The defense allowing 4 second half scoring drives against BAL and 20 points in the second half to the Packers? Not on the quarterbacks. In the last two games (coincidentally with Zappe), the defense, special teams, play calling, pass protection, and running game have all been way better. If people want to pin that on Zappe and suggest Jones is going through some major regression, so be it.
-OZ-
Footballguy
I like Mac as much as just about anyone, he’s a highly competent game manager already with potential to be more. But he has not looked good this year. How much of that is his fault, the other players, the scheme, etc, is probably debatable.
I think Mac can have a very good career as a backup or just good enough to be competitive if the team around him is good - Tannehill, cousins, Andy Dalton type. Maybe he’ll learn to make better decisions under pressure but that hasn’t shown itself (in less than 20 games that’s to be expected).
Maybe Zappe is a flash in the pan and will suck soon. If not, it can be interesting.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
Agreed on your assessments. It's just too early to make any real prognostications on either. Some QB's progress with experience because they can overcome their weaknesses, some regress because teams get tape and the QB becomes a deer in the headlights when their strengths are taken away.
The last two games made me want to see more from Zappe, and I'm sure it did the same for BB. I still want to see more of Mac, the book is not closed but like you said he made some pretty great throws last year and also made some pretty poor mental mistakes. But he was a rookie, so not sure what else we could have expected. I was very disappointed to hear the reports coming out of camp though.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
You just described Tom Brady for NE's first three titles.
In Brady's second season, he lost 4 games in a row with 9 turnovers in those game. Half his starts that year he had a passer rating of 76 or lower. He had 10 games with interceptions, 3 games with 2 or more picks, and 5 lost fumbles. He had 5 games with 3 or more sacks. He had 6 games with a lot fewer than 200 yards passing. The team went 9-7. You know who those numbers sound like? Mac Jones.
I am not suggesting Mac Jones is anywhere near Tom Brady (or any other QB) . . . but NE won their early titles with an elite defense, great coaching, a strong running game, game manager Tom, and Brady coming up big a few times when they needed him. He wasn't usually winning them games, and in those days, he wasn't leading many comebacks. They played conservative football and won in that era on pitching and defense.
Truth be told, no one has any idea at this point what Mac Jones will turn into (like most young QBs). Twenty games into his career, Josh Allen was a .500 QB with 10 or 12 more INT than TD passes. Now he's one of the most productive QBs on one of the SB favored teams. Jones likely won't come close to Allen, but the point is, many times it takes a while to figure out whether a QB can be effective or not.
If the NE defense is only going to allow 10 points, get multiple turnovers to set up the offense, and they get 150+ yards rushing the football, they can win an ok QB (early 2000s Patriots say hi). Earlier in the year this year, none of those things were happening. On the flip side, even with Brady, when the defense was porous, they didn't force many turnovers, and they couldn't run the ball, they weren't a great team (like most teams in the league). Brady and NE went 16-26 when the defense allowed 30 points or more. But that's why football is a team game. You need to be good overall, not just at QB.
The potential problem now is, BB still thinks he can win with the same formula he did 20 years ago. However, the league has become higher scoring, and there are many more high flying QB that can hang a ton of points on the board (and the rules favor the offense now more than ever). IMO, that's why they were trying to establish more of a vertical passing game in Year Two with Jones . . . to be able to score and open up the field more. You aren't going to beat the Bills in regular weather conditions scoring 17 points.
We only know what did happen and can only guess what could have happened. But if Jones wasn't hurt, with the rest of the team playing the same as they did with Zappe, it's very possible they would have beaten the Packers and scored 40+ against the Lions and Browns. Jones beat CLE 45-7 last year. I guess my point is, NE was hitting the soft spot in their schedule, and it probably didn't make any difference if they rolled out Jones, Hoyer, or Zappe at this point.
-OZ-
Footballguy
I think I agree with everything you wrote, but not real sure where that leaves the pats. Most likely, Jones gets the job back and does moderately well. We’re not expecting the pats to make a SB run, I’m not projecting them to make the playoffs unless injuries pile up for other teams.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Zappe may be better than Jones.
I said what I said.
I said what I said.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Last year, Jones completed 82% of his passes, had 3 TD with 0 INT, posting a 142 passer rating with NE scoring 45 points against the Browns.
How’d he do against other bottom feeder defenses? Glad you asked. He completed 73% of his passes with 3 TD and 0 INT, posting a 128 rating with NE scoring 50 points against JAX.
He also completed 67% of his passes with 2 TD and 0 INT WITH a 111 rating with NE scoring 54 points against NYJ.
The point being, it’s easy to look good and stomp on teams that don’t play defense. Those are the types of teams Zappe has faced so far.
One of the main reasons Jones is considered better is he played in a major college program for in a pro style offense. Zappe played at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky in systems nowhere near pro level against competition that would never see the NFL. He put up crazy offensive numbers last year because he AVERAGED 50 passing attempts per game.
That doesn’t mean he can’t become an NFL QB, it just means he has a lot to learn. NFL teams will see film on him and adjust. He’s done decent so far, but let’s see how he does against more exotic defensive schemes and against good teams.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
Also to be considered in the case for Jones is that the team is functioning better in Weeks 4 and 5 than in the prior 3. This is of course a chicken / egg argument, but has to be considered when evaluating performance relatively.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I just think Zappe has a better arm.
I’m not saying he isn’t raw, and doesn’t hace a long way to go & a lot to learn.
But I could see a scenario where the pats make a switch if Jones upside seems capped, or if he’s struggling.
Jones was better than I expected last year. I even voluntarily ate some crow over it in the in-game topics. This year he’s meh. 5 Ints, 2 TDs - pretty replaceable.
I think at least we can agree that Zappe is a strong hold in dynasty leagues, depending on roster size.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Absolutely. Pats were much more well-oiled machine with zappe
That may have happened anyway as a natural progression for this offense and defense.
But that it coincided definitely works in Zappe’s favor.
I doubt they Wally Pipp Mac Jones, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Dwayne Hoover
Footballguy
There is a full blown QB controversy if Mac doesn't play against Chicago this week and Zappe gets a win. I don't know how you go away from a hot hand when the upgrade to Mac may be marginal at best.
Next up after Chicago is the Jets, which we know will be a contentious game.
Next up after Chicago is the Jets, which we know will be a contentious game.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Bill Belichick hasn't felt this much love in his heart since his days coaching before the NFL.
3rd string QB
No name defense
A DC calling the OC plays
Just milk the clock and move the ball 4-5 yds a clip with Stevenson, 4-5 yd per flip out in the flat to Myers or Parker, just make the TE a permanent 6th OL to smash the ball up inside with.
He feels like he's back in high school getting ready for his Senior Prom.
He's got potpourri flying out of his *** right now he's so happy.
This is a bonafide Bill Belichick dream team right now and it's starting to smell a little bit like that '01 team that bottomed out at 1-3 and then floated at 3-4 and then 5-5 after Week 10 in November and then they didn't lose another football game all the way thru the Greatest Show on Turf, running the tables 9-0 to finish the season and win their 1st Super Bowl.
My POV
3rd string QB
No name defense
A DC calling the OC plays
Just milk the clock and move the ball 4-5 yds a clip with Stevenson, 4-5 yd per flip out in the flat to Myers or Parker, just make the TE a permanent 6th OL to smash the ball up inside with.
He feels like he's back in high school getting ready for his Senior Prom.
He's got potpourri flying out of his *** right now he's so happy.
This is a bonafide Bill Belichick dream team right now and it's starting to smell a little bit like that '01 team that bottomed out at 1-3 and then floated at 3-4 and then 5-5 after Week 10 in November and then they didn't lose another football game all the way thru the Greatest Show on Turf, running the tables 9-0 to finish the season and win their 1st Super Bowl.
My POV
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Onlookers mentioned yesterday that Jones didn't look very good when he tried warming up before the game in CLE. He wasn't moving well, he wasn't getting a lot of momentum stepping into his passes, and he just looked "off." I can see them going with Zappe against the Bears, and he'll probably do well again with the defense and running game paving the way to victory.
I think they could be a fringe playoff team (like last year).I think they win 3 out of 4 against CHI-NYJ-IND-NYJ. They probably lose to BUF twice and MIN. But I can see them beating ARI-LV-CIN-MIA. I think they can get to 9-10 wins. Right now, they are half a game out of a playoff spot. I don't think it's crazy to think they are a contender for a wild card spot. The season will be a success if they can start beating good teams instead of just beating up on mediocre ones.
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