Bills Endorse Patriots' Zappe: 'Good Quarterback!'
The New England Patriots received nearly two decades of brilliance at quarterback from Tom Brady - which includes consistent dominance over one of New England's AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
But when the two sides face off inside Highmark Stadium this Sunday, the Bills will see a new player under center for the Patriots - second-year passer Bailey Zappe.
From fourth-round pick to emergency starter as a rookie to being cut in the preseason before ultimately rising to the full-time starting role in Year 2, Zappe's endured a whirlwind start to his pro career.
And yet, the 24-year-old Zappe has the Patriots playing their best ball of the season, winning two of their past three games, including a 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
What's clicked for New England's offense with Zappe under center in comparison to former starter Mac Jones? The answer is clear for Bills assistant head coach and defensive line coach Eric Washington.
"I think he's taking care of the football," Washington said. "They have an offensive philosophy that has persisted, and this young man is doing a little bit better job of taking care of the football and not giving the defense opportunities to take the ball away."
In his four starts, Zappe's thrown two interceptions and lost one fumble. In comparison, Jones tossed 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles in 11 starts.
New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) prepares to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As a starter, Zappe has completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 817 yards and six touchdowns while adding 33 rushing yards on nine attempts.
After being shutout in Zappe's first start, the Patriots have scored 21, 17 and 26 points, respectively, good for 21.3 points per game in that span - a step above New England's NFL-worst 14.1 points per game for the season.
Zappe's been a key part in this transformation, and Bills cornerback Taron Johnson believes the former Western Kentucky University gunslinger has quality traits.
"He has really good control over his offense, not turning the ball over as much and making good decisions with the ball," Johnson said. "And I feel like that's what you need in a good quarterback."
This respect goes both ways, as Zappe said Buffalo's defense is well-coached from top to bottom with an innate understanding of coach Sean McDermott's system.
Zappe pointed to the experience littered throughout the unit but particularly in the secondary, with Bills safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde each carrying 11 seasons of professional experience under their belt.
With experience, talent and schematic comprehension to boot, Zappe knows the test he's in for Sunday.
"They understand how to disguise, how not to disguise, and kind of hide some of the things that they're doing," Zappe said. "So, it's going to be a tough challenge for us to see what they're doing versus us and just execute what we're trying to do."
Zappe added it's up to him to figure out what Buffalo's doing with its games on the defensive line, a challenge he attacked throughout the week in the film room.
Another element to this Week 17 contest is the environment in Buffalo - temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s, so there's little concern there, but Zappe anticipates Bills Mafia bringing the noise and stressing New England's communication.
Toss in the Bills needing a win for their playoff hopes, and Sunday's 1 p.m. EST kickoff has storylines aplenty.
"It's going to be exciting," Zappe said. "These two teams, these two organizations have been going at it for a long time. I don't think either one like each other very well. So, it's going to be fun to get out there and play against that great team and great organization.
"That's what football is all about."
