The New England Patriots improved to 3-3 with a 38-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns with rookie Bailey Zappe leading the way for the second straight week.
Zappe had the best game of his early career throwing 24-of-34 for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Many expect starter Mac Jones to return next week against the 2-4 Chicago Bears and second-year QB Justin Fields on Monday Night Football. With Jones possibly ready to return next week and Zappe showing command leading the Patriots to two straight wins, there could be room for speculation if the Patriots want to ride the hot hand, especially considering how Jones struggled early in the 2022 season.
However, I believe this is Jones’ team, and the reason for the early struggles was new play-callers and a new offensive line scheme that was going through some growing pains.
Jones should return just as this offense is clicking and will be ready to take this team on a run as the Patriots find themselves with some favorable matchups over the next month. Zappe was incredible and proved to be a great selection for what his role is; an emergency backup/spot starting quarterback for when the franchise QB is forced to miss time.