For the second consecutive season, the Kansas City Chiefs will open the season at home, celebrating their Super Bowl title while beginning their defense on a national stage. The Baltimore Ravens, led by league MVP Lamar Jackson, are looking to play foil on another memorable night at Arrowhead Stadium.
After Sunday’s practice, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told the media that newly signed practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe will simulate Jackson in practice to help the defense prepare.
“Yeah, Bailey (Zappe) can do that. We’ve always mixed guys in there when we have a chance of playing (and) there are some other guys that can jump in,” said Reid. “We have a little plan for it. Not that any of them are as good as him (laughter) – Chris (Oladokun) included. I mean, Chris did a nice job, but this kid (Lamar Jackson), he’s a special player. It’s very hard to mimic him.”
Reid clarified that he’s looking for a scout team quarterback to portray Jackson similarly to how well Chris Oladokun did before the AFC Championship game. He did offer some thoughts on adding Zappe to the practice squad and his potential.
“Good player – on the practice squad, you’re saying? We liked him (Bailey Zappe) in college (and) we liked what he showed us in the last game there; he did a nice job of that,” said Reid. “We think down the road he’ll help us there.”
Zappe was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022. He spent two seasons with the franchise and has tallied 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in eight career starts.