What Bailey Zappe mentioned about probably competing for Patriots’ beginning QB job, relationship with Mac Jones

Zappe’s remark Friday mirrors the same assertion he made in April whereas at a soccer clinic in Rhode Island when he was requested about the potential of changing into the Patriots’ beginning quarterback.

“If my alternative presents itself, I’m going to take full benefit of it,” Zappe advised reporters then. “I’m going to do all the pieces I can to assist the staff win.

“That’s actually all I can say from that standpoint. That’s Coach Belichick’s determination, no matter he decides. But when the chance presents itself, I’m going to be prepared and make the most of it.”

Zappe turned a favourite amongst a superb contingent of Patriots followers final season when he stuffed in for Jones throughout a four-game stretch in October. He helped them keep in a recreation in opposition to the Packers earlier than successful his first two NFL begins. 

In Jones’s return from an ankle sprain, Zappe entered the sport and led the Patriots to 2 straight landing drives after Jones was benched. Zappe performed the rest of that recreation, which ended up being a 33-14 loss to the Bears.

That recreation was additionally the final time Zappe noticed the sphere for the rest of the season regardless of Jones and the Patriots offense’s struggles. He threw for 781 yards, 5 touchdowns, and three interceptions within the 4 video games he performed in.

With Zappe performing comparatively effectively within the offense that Jones struggled in, some puzzled if there was an opportunity Zappe, or another person, would exchange Jones at quarterback this offseason. 

Belichick didn’t instantly throw water onto that concept. When requested if there can be a quarterback competitors within the upcoming season whereas on the house owners’ assembly in March, Belichick mentioned, “Everyone will get an opportunity to play.”

To this point, there doesn’t seem like a serious quarterback competitors brewing in New England. Jones has taken all of the first-team snaps in 11-on-11s throughout OTAs made accessible to the media. Belichick additionally mentioned in a press convention in the course of the draft that he “completely” feels the identical method about Jones as he did forward of the 2022 season, when he notably praised the quarterback.

Despite the fact that he’s trying to probably dethrone Jones from his beginning job, Zappe mentioned that he holds a superb relationship together with his fellow quarterback. 

“It’s been good,” Zappe mentioned when requested about his relationship with Jones. “I imply, we’re teammates. We’re collectively all day, daily. Within the QB room collectively. , over these final two years, I really feel like each of us have been capable of assist one another each get higher on and off the sphere.

“I’ve realized rather a lot from him, and hopefully, I’m type of serving to out with him. Attempting to assist him study some stuff. However we’re teammates, we wish what’s greatest for the staff — and that’s to win.”